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. Two-thirds of all of deaths occurring in confined spaces are attributed to persons attempting to rescue someone else.
Due to the unique nature of confined space rescues, there is specialized equipment necessary to perform a safe and successful rescue. One of the initial pieces of equipment employed in a confined space is a method of ventilation to disperse collected hazardous gasses and introduce fresh air into the environment. In the event that an entry rescue must be performed, rescue personnel will wear protective clothing appropriate for the situation. This may include a self contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), protective headgear and the use of explosion proof lighting (to prevent igniting any gases). The rescuer may also wear a full body harness with an attached safety line, especially if a vertical descent is required. To assist in vertical descents, a mechanical winch and tripod may be set up over the access point, if the bottom of the confined space is more than five feet from the entrance. The rescuers may also carry monitoring equipment by which they can ascertain the quality of the air in the environment. Even if the air quality reading does not indicate any hazardous conditions, it is still recommended that rescuers wear SCBA.
Our #1 Goal is, DON'T GET ANYONE HURT! How do we prevent death and injury in a profession that demands us to put our lives on the line? We copy a philosophy from the Army, which is to keep it simple, applicable, and repetitive.
The requirements for Rescue and Safety Services are constantly improving. Our Confined Space Rescue Division is without limit in updating our standard operating guidelines (SOG) and safety procedures. To put your mind at ease, you should know that we are either current or in most cases exceeding industry standards.
Our Confined Space, High-Angle Rescue Division provides Professional and Comprehensive Confined Space Entry/Rescue, Trench to High-Angle Rescue and Safety Services. Our mobile services are designed to provide the highest quality equipment and professional personnel to the job site.
We offer a wide range of services including on-site Confined Space assessment, Emergency Medical Planning and review as well as OSHA compliant safety procedure directives.
Our team experience means we can fulfill your needs, from the elementary to highly technical application.
Some of these lesser mess-ups may have had their beginnings in the poor choice of equipment. Always remembering that the equipment purchased will be equipment that your crews hang their life on, never buy a piece of equipment just on one reference or because you recognize a label. Its always good to see what the best in the field use and trust, and Action Response is in the field and knows what equipment is best for what job.
© 2008 Action Response Team