What Confined Space Rescue Covers
Many industries have confined spaces on a regular basis. These can present serious risks to people and it is not something that can be dealt with using first aid.
Categories of Space Involved
Note: By confined spaces we mean to include all enclosed or partly enclosed spaces where there is a danger of people being exposed to hazardous substances, suffering from lack of oxygen, or being flooded. This does not mean that they have to be small or particularly tight spaces, and examples of spaces that would be covered by the confined space regulations are: sewers; storage tanks; silos; tunnels and ship holds. The confined space regulations and definitions and employer duties as laid out in the Confined Spaces Regulations 1997 need to be read in conjunction with this.
Hazards Rescuers Are Trained For
Confined Space Rescue teams are trained for the following hazards: Toxic atmospheres, Oxygen deficiency, Flammable gases, Engulfment by loose material, Sudden changes in water levels.
Atmospheric Monitoring Throughout
Using a multi-gas detector for atmospheric monitoring of a confined space prior to entry and during the rescue operation.
Retrieval Equipment and Methods
Tripods, winches and associated harness systems are used to lift and lower casualties from a confined space without the requirement for operatives to enter the space where possible. Non-entry retrieval is preferred.
Specialist Training and Qualifications
The operatives that work within rescue teams have completed relevant training, such as City and Guilds awards for work in confined spaces at medium- and high-risk classification.
Confined Space Rescue is covered in more detail at https://www.agofirerescue.com/confined-space-rescue/.
This information can be used to help employers understand what is involved in a Confined Space Rescue and how to plan and select the correct amount of trained personnel for a given situation.
