The cost of not keeping your workers safe in confined spaces is more than just money.
Life-crippling injuries and death are all too common for workers who find themselves working in these unforgiving environments. But still, work is required in them to keep operations afloat. And while you may be following all of the correct protocols and safety procedures, accidents still happen, and you need to act fast.
With limited oxygen, toxic chemicals and gases, and an increased risk of fires or drowning, every second counts. This raises the question: do you have a confined space rescue plan?
You may be moving into a job site, or you may be a newly hired Safety Manager looking to modernize existing safety practices.
Regardless, we asked our Fall Protection Specialists how you can create the perfect rescue plan for your organization. Our article will cover several key components, including:
What Is a Confined Space?
As we discussed in our previous article, confined spaces are spaces at job sites while, not suitable for consistent human occupancy, are frequently worked in.
Most confined spaces are only accessible by ladder and are also classified by limited entry and exit points. Confined spaces can be found in many industries, such as steel mills, large manufacturing plants, and excavation sites. Some common examples of confined spaces include:
- Silos
- Storage tanks
- Vaults
- Manholes and tunnels
- Pipelines
- Cellars and storage bins
- Hoppers
Who Works in Confined Spaces?
While dangerous, confined spaces are all too common in daily operations. And because of their presence in many environments and industries, many workers can find themselves working in a confined space.
Some common professions include:
- Construction workers
- Welders
- Electricians
- Maintenance workers
- Miners
- Sewage treatment workers
What Makes a Confined Space Rescue Plan Difficult?
Confined spaces pose a unique threat. Not only are they dangerous for the trapped workers, but confined spaces are also incredibly dangerous for the rescuers.
According to statistics from the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (Canada’s equivalent to OSHA), an estimated 60% of confined space-related fatalities are among the would-be rescuers. For some people, their instinct kicks in. They want to jump in and rescue their fellow coworker and friend. But employees attempting a rescue without proper training or equipment is a dangerous scenario.
This is why it’s important to have your workers educated on your rescue plan and have proper equipment that is easily accessible.
Is Your Local Fire Department Capable of a Confined Space Rescue?
If you don’t have the resources for an in-house rescue plan, we strongly recommend contacting your local fire department. Before you start working in a confined space, you should see if they are even capable of conducting a rescue.
As our Fall Protection Specialists point out, some fire departments, especially volunteer units in more rural communities, may not have the resources to conduct a rescue.
How Do You Create a Confined Space Rescue Plan?
So, how do you establish the proper confined space rescue plan for your organization? Here are some tips to get you started…
1. Make Sure Rescuers Have Proper PPE and Rescue Equipment
As mentioned earlier, one of the biggest risks for rescuers is rushing in to save someone without the proper equipment.
In our last article, we cited a death in Oklahoma where a worker died while working in an old water tank. His two coworkers, who were trying to save him, experienced asphyxiation from the fumes in the air. Sadly, this is a perfect example of the dangers rescuers face.
A rescue plan without the proper rescue equipment is destined to fail. Some of the essential equipment you should have at your site include:
- Fall protection harness: with D-rings attached at the shoulders.
- Shield respirator: protects rescuers from nauseous or toxic chemicals and gases. The rescuer should bring an extra respirator to put on the injured worker.
- Tripod: three-legged system that allows for a vertical entry into the confined space
- Winches: attaches to the tripod to lower rescuers
- Gas detector or air tester: always test the air quality before workers enter
- Litter harness: a board that helps stabilize and lift the victim out of the space. Many litter harnesses will have vertical lift attachment points to pair with a spreader bar.
2. Understand the Confined Space’s Layout
Knowing the characteristics and layout of the confined space can speed up the rescue process. When thinking about the layout, consider:
- How deep is the confined space?
- Are there any obstructions?
- Where is the injured worker located?
- Is there fallen debris, running water, fire, or sharp objects that can injure the rescuer?
3. Have Air Ventilation Pumped into the Confined Space
One of the most common dangers in a confined space is the lack of clean oxygen. Asphyxiation, toxic fumes and chemicals. So, ensuring the rescuer and injured worker have good air quality is one of the most important aspects of the rescue.
You will want to use a duct work system that will attach to an exhaust fan. This will remove any contaminant from the space.
Remember that different gases can lay at different layers of the confined space. Gas that’s lighter than air will sit at the top. As a rule, gases heavier than air will sit at the bottom. Determining what type of gas in in the confined space will help rescuers know where to place the exhaust.
4. Have Defined Roles for Your Team Members
Who is calling 911? Who is grabbing the rescue equipment? Who can perform CPR once the entrant is out of the confined space? These are all questions that should have answers when constructing your plan.
Furthermore, any entry supervisor and attendant should know the rescue plan like the back of their hand.
5. Have a Plan After the Extraction
Once you get the worker out of the confined space, make sure emergency medical services are available to assist. Make sure first aid equipment is available and the area is cleared of other workers and by standards.
Bonus: Document and Practice Your Rescue Plan
As we talked about in our working at height rescue plan article, a rescue plan that isn’t documented doesn’t exist. Have your rescue plan easily accessible for all workers: hang it up in the break room, email it to them, have a copy at the job site—whatever makes sense for your company.
You should also regularly practice your rescue plan. Simulate scenarios with your team and go through each person’s role and responsibilities.
Communication is Key
While the situation may seem dire, keeping calm and communicating well can make the rescue process simpler and efficient for everyone involved. When contacting the local fire department, provide them with as much information as possible.
If the trapped worker is conscious and alert, communicate with them to figure out their symptoms and where they are located. Assure them that help is on the way.
You should also reach out to local EMS units so the trapped worker can get immediate medical attention once they’re extracted from the confined space.
How Much Does Confined Space Rescue Equipment Cost?
It’s common for confined space rescue equipment to be sold in a bundle or kit. These kits usually include a:
- Tripod
- Respirators
- A pulley system
- Harness
- Ropes and rope bags
- Rescue manual and field guide
These confined space rescue kits cost anywhere between $5,000-$10,000. Meanwhile, for individual equipment, tripods usually fall between $500-$3,000; respirators usually are $200-$2,000; Litter harnesses are around $200-$300.
Is a Confined Space Rescue Plan an OSHA Requirement?
Given how inherently dangerous confined spaces are, OSHA has a heavy presence on confined space work—including rescue plans.
According to OSHA 1926.502(d)(20), it states:
“The employer shall provide for prompt rescue of employees in the event of a fall or shall assure that employees are able to rescue themselves.”
How Can You Improve Your Confined Space Procedures?
Confined space work, including forming a rescue plan, is not easy. There are many moving parts and people to account for. It is a diligent effort.
We also understand that not every company has the resources for an in-house rescue / safety team. However, having your workers understand the basic procedures helps keep things under control until firefighters and EMS personnel arrive.
Thankfully, many confined space-related dangers can be removed with proper planning, consistent training, and following OSHA standards. But accidents happen, and we hope this article gave you helpful tips to construct a reliable rescue plan for your job site.
Mazzella’s Fall Protection team has helped organizations of all sizes and industries keep their workers safe in confined space work. Reach out to one of our specialists to learn more. Furthermore, read our previous article that covers OSHA guidelines and training best practices for confined spaces.
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