713 Confined Space Program

Rescue Training Topics

At a minimum, training must include hands-on practice and for specific confined spaces. The training should include:

• recognition of permit space hazards;
• control of permit space hazards;
• use of atmospheric monitoring equipment;
• use and maintenance of personal protective equipment (PPE);
• use and maintenance of rescue equipment;
• annual practice of permit space rescues;
• proficiency in first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR); and
• documentation of training.

Three Rescue Strategies

Depending on the severity of the emergency, different rescue strategies or methods can be used. When the emergency is minor, self-rescue is often the best approach; however, if the worker is disabled, it is likely that non-entry or entry rescue may need to be used. Entry rescue involves putting others at risk, and should be used only if absolutely necessary.

1. Self-rescue is the preferred plan, because of the speed at which confined space hazards can incapacitate and kill,. The self-rescue plan provides entrants with the best chance of escaping a permit space when hazards are present. Whenever authorized entrants recognize their own symptoms of exposure to a dangerous atmosphere, or when a prohibited condition is detected, entrants are still able to escape from the space unaided and as quickly as possible.

   Self-rescue is vitally important because the entrant is:

• conscious and alert
• able to recognize his or her own signs and symptoms
• still physically able to evacuate space more rapidly than waiting for someone else to rescue him or her
• able to alert fellow workers of impending dangers
• not endangering anyone else

2. Non-entry rescue is the next-best approach when self-rescue is not possible because non-entry rescue can be started right away and prevents additional personnel from being exposed to unidentified and/or uncontrolled confined space hazards. Usually, equipment and other rescue aids are employed to assist in removing endangered entrants. In situations where configuration of the space or other elements prevent the removal of the worker, entry rescue may be the only solution.
3. Entry rescue involves rescuers entering the space to retrieve the entrant and/or provide the victim with emergency assistance such as CPR, first aid, and air via SCBA or a supplied air respirator (SAR), if needed. An entry rescue plan needs to be developed ahead of time in the event of an emergency for which the non-entry rescue plan is not appropriate.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.