Canada’s stringent safety regulations demand that rescue teams deployed to extract entrapped people from confined spaces be appropriately trained and equipped for every call-out to increase the chances of the rescue mission completing successfully. In this post, we explore seven of the most essential pieces of safety equipment used in confined space rescues.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is designed to protect rescuers from the hazards associated with the confined space that they are to enter. As every confined space is different, PPE is a wide-ranging term that can apply to a variety of different scenarios. Examples of PPE are helmets, gloves, flame-resistant clothing and eye protection.
Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)
Because many confined spaces are inadequately ventilated, rescuers can be overcome by exposure to toxic vapours, smoke or even simply low oxygen levels. For this reason, it is always sensible to use self-contained breathing apparatus to ensure that rescue missions can proceed without respiratory compromise.
Gas Detection Equipment
Hazardous atmospheres within confined spaces can endanger the lives of rescuers, so assessing air quality before entering a confined space, and periodically once inside, is vital to identify potential dangers and make appropriate decisions about proceeding or evacuating. Gas detectors must be well maintained and calibrated before each use to ensure that they deliver accurate readings, as failures could endanger the lives of confined space rescue teams.
Ventilation Systems
Where there is a significant risk of the entrapped worker succumbing to asphyxiation or toxic gas poisoning before they can be rescued, a decision may be taken to ventilate the confined space by means of a portable ventilation system. These systems deliver safe air and remove toxic gasses, helping to create a safer operating environment.
Tripod and Winch Systems
Many confined spaces are characterized by their limited entry and egress routes which can make it challenging to safely extract a trapped worker. Tripod and winch systems provide a mechanical means of extracting somebody from a vertical space such as a well where it would otherwise be impossible to safely remove them, particularly if they are unconscious.
Rescue Harnesses
Rescue harnesses should be worn by both rescuers and victims. They are designed to allow entrapped workers to be safely extracted from a space and can be utilized by secondary rescue teams to locate the primary response team if, for whatever reason such as they lose radio contact with the team located outside of the confined space or they encounter difficulties that require backup be deployed.
Communication Devices
Confined space rescue teams must maintain radio contact throughout the rescue operation to update on progress, advise of any difficulties and to request backup where necessary. Devices designed for use in confined spaces usually feature hands-free operation and noise cancellation to overcome the challenges posed by a space that is not designed for continuous human occupancy.
Conclusion
Confined spaces are inherently dangerous, and entry should not be attempted by anybody who is untrained and improperly equipped. Rescue teams will perform a full risk assessment, use appropriate equipment and always follow safety protocols to increase the likelihood of a successful outcome.