Confined Space – Technical Rescue
“Confined Space Rescue Teams, or Technical Rescue Teams provide a cost-saving alternative to maintaining equipment and personnel for an on-site Team.”
A Leader in Confined Space Rescue & Technical Rescue
DCS furnishes confined space rescue team and technical rescue team services to industries executing permit-required confined space entries in accordance with T8 CCR 5157 and CFR Title 29 1910.146.
Our service enables and supports host employer facilities in meeting mandates set forth by OSHA. As a result, our rescue teams are fully equipped and qualified to perform horizontal and vertical rescue configurations.
Technical Rescue Services
DCS provides all the necessary rescue apparatus, as well as the required planning documentation to fulfill regulatory requirements associated with confined space permitting. This also includes administrative controls.
Rescue pre-planning is accommodated. Otherwise, rescue plans are completed on-site based on thorough assessments of the subject space and project demands.
Our rescue team is mobile and available on a national level. They also remain at the location to ensure emergency rapid intervention is exercised in the time of need.
Each member of our rescue team is educated and qualified to perform rope rescue, extractions, and emergency medical services. They also have experience using a broad variety of process equipment in many confined space configurations.
Confined Space Rescue involves the rescue and recovery of victims trapped in confined spaces like vaults and tanks. It can involve significant levels of internal hazards like piping and supports. It also includes vertical and elevated entry.
High Angle Rope Rescue is a technical rope rescue technique used to rescue injured or incapacitated persons on terrain at slopes of 60 degrees or greater. Whereas Low Angle Rope Rescue refers to operations on slopes up to about 35 degrees. In this situation, rescue ropes are used mainly for balance because the ground supports the rescuer.
Trench Rescue is a specialized version of rescue, this involves shoring up the sides of the trench and is one of the most dangerous rescue operations to complete.
What Makes DCS Unique
QUALIFICATIONS
Our Safety Specialists, and Rescue Technicians go through rigorous mandatory training and credential certification programs.
ELITE TEAMS
Chief Officers operationally manage through a chain of command organized to quickly address and adjust in a variety of circumstances.
UNMATCHED DEDICATION
DCS is run on the principle that employees are the foundation of our company. Being a DCS team member means full dedication and support for clients.
STATE OF THE ART EQUIPMENT
DCS stays abreast of cutting edge technology. We track, alert, monitor, and dispatch units quickly and efficiently.
Additional Serivces
Hazard assessments, rescue planning, site and space evaluation/classification
Accountability and permit oversight
Atmospheric monitoring and ventilation
Offshore platform rescue
Tactical planning procedures
Water Rescue
What is a Confined Space Rescue Team, and What Services Do They Provide?
A Confined Space Rescue Team comprises specialists trained to offer rescue services in scenarios involving restricted-access areas, such as boilers, sewers, tunnels, chemical tanks, and process vessels. Due to their potentially hazardous nature, these environments often require meticulous preparation and specialized support.
Key Services Provided:
Emergency Retrieval Systems: The team is equipped with devices designed for quick and efficient rescues.
Supplied Air units ensure a reliable source of breathable air during rescue operations, critical in environments with potentially dangerous atmospheric conditions.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Each rescue operation involves the deployment of appropriate gear to protect both the rescue team and those being assisted.
Medical Trauma Kits: Comprehensive medical supplies are on hand to address any injuries sustained during entry or rescue.
In addition to supplying and managing these tools and services, the rescue team closely monitors all activities within and around the confined space, ensuring compliance with safety standards at all times.
Given the infrequency of such hazardous entries, many companies find employing a third-party rescue team more economical and practical than maintaining an in-house team. Outsourcing ensures facilities have access to highly trained personnel while reducing the burden of preserving certification and equipment.
Criteria for Deploying a Confined Space Rescue Team
When evaluating the necessity for a Confined Space Rescue Team, several essential criteria must be considered to ensure safety and compliance:
Hazardous Atmospheres: A rescue team must be present on-site if a confined space has a hazardous, Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH) atmosphere that cannot be mitigated through forced air ventilation.
Entrapment or Engulfment Risks: Spaces with potential entrapment or engulfment require at least a standby rescue team. This allows for rapid response in case these risks become a reality.
Incapacitation Dangers: In environments where an entrant could become unconscious and unable to exit independently, having a rescue team either on-site or on standby is crucial. The team must be prepared to safely retrieve an incapacitated individual.
Proximity for Timely Response: Standby teams should be stationed close enough to respond swiftly, typically within a 5-minute range. This ensures prompt action in emergencies.
Determining the Right Confined Space Rescue Service for Your Facility
Selecting the appropriate confined space rescue service is crucial for ensuring the safety of your employees. To determine the best option for your facility, consider the following steps:
Assess the Facility: Begin by identifying all confined spaces within your facility. This includes any area large enough for a worker to enter, has limited or restricted means for entry or exit, and is not designed for continuous occupancy.
Understand Regulatory Requirements: Familiarize yourself with OSHA regulations or local safety requirements applicable to your facility. Compliance is critical, as these guidelines often dictate the minimum safety standards.
Evaluate Risks: Conduct a risk assessment to determine the potential hazards associated with each confined space. This includes analyzing factors such as toxic atmospheres, flammable gases, and physical obstructions.
Choose a Rescue Service: Based on your assessments, choose between:
- On-site Rescue Teams: These are internal teams trained specifically for your facifacility’sds.
- Third-Party Rescue Services: Professionals with specialized equipment and expertise in confined space rescue.
Compare Costs and Benefits: Gather estimates for on-site training and equipment and hire third-party services. Weigh the costs against the benefits of having an internal versus an external team.
Select Training and Equipment: If opting for in-house rescue teams, ensure they receive comprehensive training and have access to the required equipment. Alternatively, confirm that any hired service meets all safety and regulatory standards.
By methodically assessing your facifacility’sque needs, evaluating risks, and considering both training and professional rescue services, you can make an informed decision on the most effective confined space rescue solutions for your team.