Do you have a confined space rescue plan?
Whether you do or not, you should be concerned about the dangers posed by confined spaces. If you’re on a team that works with and around these areas, you should know the risks involved.
Once you understand these risks, you can develop competent confined space rescue plans. Too many people assume local emergency services can handle these dangers without really thinking about the timing and necessary preparation. You can avoid this by setting up a plan that has a better chance of success.
We’ll walk you through what you need to know.
What is Confined Space Rescue?
Confined spaces include storage tanks, ductwork, pits, and other areas that are narrow and difficult to reach. You might not think twice about working in a small space like this, but you need to consider the dangers of someone getting trapped there.
Unexpected things happen, even if your team isn’t working directly over the confined space; people who work around confined spaces are still putting themselves at several risks.
For example, there’s the danger of injury if someone falls from a certain height into a confined space. While this danger might be present regardless of the space’s narrowness, confined spaces pose a greater risk because you might not be able to assist the person until you can get them out safely.
Then there are other dangers, like loss of air, extreme temperatures, and the risk of being engulfed by a substance.
Confined space rescue is the operation of saving someone from an emergency in a confined space. If you’re not already thinking about a rescue plan, now’s the time to start.
When Should You Think About Confined Space Rescue?
The short answer is: before it happens.
You should put together a confined space rescue plan in most construction and civil infrastructure situations. You might not think of your project as “confined” if it’s a large public endeavor, but there may be confined spaces you’re not considering.
Keep in mind that these rescue plans are for emergency situations. Rather than thinking of what will likely take place, this is the time to think about what could possibly take place. You don’t want to find your team in need of a confined space rescue without having prepared a comprehensive plan.
Relying on Fire Departments for Confined Space Rescue Plans
You might think you can rely on first responders, such as the local fire department, for confined space rescue. It’s a good instinct to think of these emergency services, but the facts are that they often don’t arrive in time to make an effective confined space rescue.
If you are thinking about relying on your local fire department for a confined space rescue, at the very least, you should call them to ask whether they’re prepared and willing to respond to these kinds of situations. Ask the department members relevant questions. You need to know things like their expected response time. It is also important to know what equipment they have that could be used for your specific location.
You may be required to complete a confined space rescue plan to comply with OSHA guidelines for your project. In this case, keep in mind that OSHA requires a rescue service that can respond promptly.
As you’ll read in the next section, timing is extremely important in confined spaces. If your local fire department can’t respond in a crucial window of time, you won’t be adequately meeting the OSHA requirements. And more importantly, you could be putting people in unnecessary danger.
The Timing of Rescue
Timing is everything when planning how to respond to future confined space rescue situations.
Carrying a person from a confined space is already difficult, but it’s not the most pressing part of the operation. The dangers of being trapped in confined spaces are great, so survival might be the first thing to consider.
For example, asphyxiation is a risk when trapped in a confined space. A rescue service might be able to get the victim out of the space, but they also need to do so before these health dangers set in. Every minute is precious.
When you’re coming up with a rescue plan, make sure to ask: realistically, can this plan be carried out in enough time to save a life?
Establishing a Risk Profile
Before you develop a rescue plan for confined spaces, it’s a good idea to prepare a risk profile of the situation. This means you should take the time to assess all possible dangers.
You start by doing an in-person walkthrough of the space and consulting the layout plans. Then you can think through how many workers are using the space and whether you’ll be collaborating with a specialized rescue team.
Other important considerations include training and communication. Knowing how your team will react in dangerous situations will help you determine what the rescue might look like.
Coming Up With a Solid Rescue Plan
Your best bet may be to build a relationship with an experienced rescue company.
Rescue teams like ours are specifically trained in confined space rescues. We use ropes and other emergency equipment, which allow us to work at a variety of angles. We’re also equipped for multiple kinds of locations, including water rescues.
Our team builds the risk profile into the planning itself. This is not a situation where you call an emergency service to help out in a place they’ve never been before. Working with us means we’ll start with an assessment of the space and keep that knowledge handy if danger arises.
Expand Your Thinking
Take the time to consider all the risks involved at your work site. Confined space rescue plans shouldn’t be an afterthought. If you and your teammates understand the value of rescue planning, you’ll be much better prepared in an emergency.
If you have questions about confined space rescue services, contact DCS Rescue for assistance.