Confined Space Rescue
In the event that a confined space emergency occurs, regardless of the nature (entrant medical condition or a hazard with the space itself), the space reverts back to a permit-required confined space, and it must be reassessed prior to entry or re-entry.
Begin implementation of the pre-defined rescue plan for the entry. Call 911 for emergency response, and indicate that the emergency involves a "confined space." Rescue plans include self-rescue, non-entry rescue, and entry rescue.
In the event that something goes wrong in a confined space, self-rescue would be the first response option.
Self-rescue is where the entrant recognizes a problem early on, and exits the space on his/her own abilities. Problems could be inherent to the confined space, external events that adversely affect the space, or personal health/medical issues of an entrant.
Regardless of the source, exiting the confined space on one's own at early warning signs is the best option. Examples include:
- Responding to air monitoring alarms as soon as they sound by exiting the space immediately,
- Recognizing early warning signs and symptoms of oxygen deficiency, oxygen enrichment, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen sulfide exposure where continuous air monitoring is not required,
- Being aware of personal health concerns that are deteriorating and need to be addressed.
At the first sign of trouble, the entrants leave the space, get fresh air, and proper medical attention (if indicated). The space reverts back to permit-required until it has been reassessed and any hazards with the space have been effectively eliminated or controlled.
Where non-entry rescue protocols have been implemented for vertical entry spaces, the attendant shall immediately notify emergency services by calling 911. Once the call has been made, the attendant may begin rescue procedures. Under no circumstances may the attendant enter the confined space. Retrieval systems (e.g. tripod, winch, harness or wristlets, and lifeline) shall be used for entry when a vertical permit-required entry is made unless such equipment increases the overall risk of entry, or the equipment would not contribute to the rescue of the entrant.
Where self-rescue or non-entry rescue means and methods are not possible:
- The space must be reassessed prior to proceeding with entry rescue to verify that all hazard controls remain in place and are effective, and that no new hazards are now present.
- All hazards must be eliminated or isolated prior to entry (and the space determined to be non-permit-required).
- The event is determined to be an individual medical emergency (ex. heart attack, diabetic emergency, heat stress) by someone trained in first aid (or greater).
- Only trained and authorized personnel may enter the non-permit-required space provided the Entry Supervisor approves it.
- Extrication of the patient shall be coordinated with emergency responders.
If the space cannot be reclassified during the reassessment, rescue services shall be provided by local emergency medical and fire services. Virginia Tech personnel shall not enter a permit-required confined space for rescue purposes. Departmental efforts should be focused on cooperating with responding agencies to expedite rescue efforts, and/or providing support in the form of space accessment and expertise, available equipment, validation of controls, crowd control, etc.
Even with the best efforts to review and assess the potential hazards of a confined space entry, the potential for something to go wrong may still exist, such as unexpected events or individual medical conditions. Having a plan for emergencies prior to entry can save valuable time should an emergency occur. Confined space rescue pre-planning for departments that enter confined spaces on a regular basis is ongoing, and coordinated by Environmental Health & Safety with the department and emergency responders (police, fire, and rescue). Considerations include:
- Having a means of calling 911 on-site.
- Properly reporting the emergency to the 911 center so that emergency responders can arrive quickly and prepared.
- Identify the emergency as involving a "confined space."
- Provide the 911 address (street and building number). Give the nearest street and/or building if the space is not directly located at the address.
- For remote spaces, such as high-voltage electrical vaults, provide the ELMH number of the vault.
- Implement one of the rescue protocols above, as predetermined prior to entry.