Confined Space Rescue

 

Both the Building Code and Fire Code require us to have a suitable emergency response plan to get our workers to safety. We must take every precaution reasonable and getting someone to safely is all part of it.

To build a Rescue Plan we must understand what can go wrong as well as what can complicate the situation.  Knowing what hazards you have will give you an idea of what injuries can occur.  Further to this you also need to know if the space design issues or work area locations would make the rescue more difficult.

A Rescue Plan is based on following 3 scenarios:

Self Rescue - an alarm goes off and the worker exits on their own accord

External Rescue - the worker is pulled straight out of the area from the outside

Internal Rescue - because of injuries, the design, or other possible complications     the rescuer must enter the area to get the worker out.

Each scenario will require:

• The people required to complete the task,
• The script followed to execute the plan,
• Tools the make the task easier and more efficient, and
• Health care considerations for the injured worker.

Each scenario makes certain assumptions.  For example, for Self Rescue to occur, all hazard control systems must be in place and functioning to provide the entrant with sufficient time to escape should something occur.

The confined space legislation puts Rescue squarely on the shoulders of the employer.  Relying only on your local emergency services is not an option.  That being said, your Rescue Plan must work in any situation.  A poor Rescue Plan will get the job shutdown by an inspector and possible prosecution under the confined space legislation.  However no Rescue Plan or one that fails in an incident that has injuries and/or fatalities will bring charges brought against you under the Occupational Health and Safety Act but could also include charges under the Criminal Code for gross negligence causing death.

 

Confined Space Rescue Plans

 

	Self Rescue	External Rescue	Entry Rescue
Assumptions	Hazard control systems are in place and early notification of a developing hazard will occur.	The path out is straight up	The following conditions may occur: Moving patient without stabilizing injuries creates complications Horizontal travel greater than 10′ Obstructed pathway
People Needed	Attendant First Aider	Attendant Dispatcher Retrieval System Helper First Aider	Attendant Dispatcher Retrieval System Helper Retrieval Team Atmospheric Watch First Aider
Tools	Clear path (eg. ladder) Communication System	Clear path Communication System Full Body Harness Y Lanyard with spreader bar Mechanical Advantage	Clear path Communication System Full Body Harness Y Lanyard with spreader bar Mechanical Advantage Packaging Device Supplied Air System Assisting Devices (eg. Creeper)
Steps Involved	1.  Hazard found (eg. Monitor goes off) 2.  Worker(s) notified 3.  Worker(s) leave	1.  Incident occurs 2.  Communicate with worker(s) to determine extent of problem 3.  Call out first aid personnel 4.  Activate mechanical advantage system	1.  Incident occurs 2.  Communicate with worker(s) to      determine extent of problem 3.  Call out additional personnel 4.  Retrieval team dons PPE & enters 5.  Patient is located, assessed and      packaged 6.  Mechanical advantage system is      used to remove patient with the aid      of the Retrieval Team
Health Care Issues	No or Minor injury First aid performed outside space	Variety of Injuries First aid performed outside space Ensure head is not “hooked” on entry point doorway	Variety of Injuries Must be protected when moving Ensure airway remains open, gross bleeding controlled, and dust doesn’t get in eyes