Rescue Equipment

The rescue equipment must be readily available, appropriate for the confined space, and inspected by a competent worker.

The competent worker must keep a written record of the inspection.

Examples of rescue equipment include
harnesses and lifelines, hoist/retrieval systems, respirators, and other personal protective equipment.

Note: You must consider the size of the confined space’s opening when
choosing rescue equipment. There is no point planning for a rescuer to wear a SCBA (self· contained breathing apparatus) unit if it doesn’t fit through the opening.

All too often, inadequate or incorrect emergency rescue response results in multiple fatalities. Here are two examples:

A worker collapsed shortly after entering a degasser tank. His coworker
went in after him and collapsed as well.

A contractor went to test acid-tainted water and was discovered by a
worker floating in a well of the aboveground pump house. The worker went to his rescue after calling 911 but was himself overcome. Two paramedics responding to the call were also struck down. All four victims died.

Even with the best planned and executed entry there is a chance of a sudden change in conditions. The change could be due to factors recognized earlier but for which no “absolute” protection exists, such as the failure of a respirator, the introduction of a new hazard, or collapse from heart attack or illness.

In such cases you need a rescue plan that has been practiced and works.

Ensuring that workers have fall protection harness on would be one example on planning for contingencies. If they have a harness on, they are connected to a mechanical tripod retrieval system upon entry, that the attendant outside can use to pull them out of the area if there is a problem.

Remember, rushing into a confined space to help your buddy who is laying on the ground will likely result in your own death. Rescuers are no good to the victim if they also become victims. Many cases of multiple fatalities involve would-be rescuers overcome because of inadequate preparation.