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CONFINED SPACE RESCUE
Confined Space Rescue is
a subset of
technical rescue
operations that involves the rescue and recovery of victims trapped
in a
confined space
or in a place only accessible through confined spaces, such as
underground
vaults,
storage silos,
storage tanks,
or
sewers.
Confined space rescues can be technically challenging due to the
environment in which they occur. Confined spaces are often narrow
and constricting preventing easy access by rescuers. They are
usually either unlit or poorly lit so rescuers must provide their
own light source. Finally, confined spaces often contain
hazardous materials
in
liquid
or
gas
form which can be harmful or fatal to humans.
These hazards can be fatal as they create a limited
window
in which to perform a rescue. The general rule is that after four
minutes without
oxygen,
a person in a confined space will likely suffer
asphyxia
resulting in either
brain damage
or
death.The
urgent need to rescue someone from a confined space often leads to
ill-prepared rescue attempts. Two-thirds of all of deaths occurring
in confined spaces are attributed to persons attempting to rescue
someone else.
CONFINED SPACE
RESCUE CATEGORIES
There are three categories of confined space rescue: self rescue, non-entry rescue and entry rescue.
Self rescue
In a self-rescue, much as the name suggests, the individual who recognizes a critical condition or symptoms of exposure and exits the space on his or her own. This is the preferred rescue method as confined space hazards can quickly incapacitate or kill an individual. An individual can almost always exit a confined space in far less time than it takes to wait for someone to come in and retrieve them.
Non-entry rescue
A non-entry rescue involves attempting to extricate an incapacitated person without having anyone else enter the confined space. This can be done via a safety line attached to the personnel in the confined space or by grabbing the personnel with a rope, strap or pole and pulling them to safety.
Entry rescue
This is a last resort option as having more personnel enter an area that has already incapacitated one or more persons places the rescuer at considerable risk. Entry rescues must be carefully planned and executed to avoid creating more victims in need of rescue. Rescuers need to be aware of their surroundings and must reevaluate their plans immediately if there is any change in the conditions of the confined space.
In the event of an entry rescue, standby rescuers are recommended in the event that the initial entry rescuer(s) encounter trouble.
