Most of us are familiar with the saying “practice makes perfect”, and never has this been truer than when it comes to confined spaces rescue training. Lives can be at risk when hazards arise during confined space working, so getting it right the first time is essential. Carrying out rescue drills is one way to make sure that everyone who may be involved in an emergency situation is aware of what needs to happen. For anyone working in confined spaces or tasked with carrying out rescues when an emergency occurs, drills are vitally important and should be carried out regularly and thoroughly. Here are four reasons why.
A drill brings the confined space rescue to life
It’s important to have a written plan in place, but it is the drill that takes the plan off the page and makes it really come to life. Carrying out a drill allows workers and rescue teams to experience how a rescue in a confined space can feel. Not only can it help prepare for the emotions and feelings of being involved in such a rescue, but it also helps to assess important logistical issues, including exit procedures, first aid practices and how to raise the alarm quickly and efficiently. Practicing a confined space rescue will increase the chances of getting it right when it really matters.
It allows you to learn how to use equipment
Drills will allow you to ensure all the necessary rescue equipment is in place and that workers or potential rescue teams know how to use it. Going into a confined space without the right equipment or the knowledge to use it correctly can have catastrophic consequences. Drills allow rescuers to get to grips with the equipment so they are able and ready to use it should a genuine need arise.
Drills can help flag any unforeseen issues
A rescue in a confined space may have been planned in minute detail, but it’s always possible that an unforeseen circumstance may be missed. Holding regular and thorough drills may just flag something that had not been considered when drawing up the plan. Knowing how to deal with this issue may help save lives if a real rescue in confined spaces should ever be needed.
Drills form an essential part of training
Drills should be carried out at least once every 12 months. They should be properly assessed afterward, and the results should be fed back to rescue teams and staff to ascertain how effective their emergency rescue plan is. Drills are a great way to learn what worked well and what improvements need to be made.
Rescue plans are incomplete without regular drills
Emergency rescues in confined spaces are often a case of life and death. Thorough training will ensure that staffs know what constitutes a hazard, how it should be dealt with, how equipment should be used and how to deal with various scenarios that might occur.
Rescue plans are not likely to be watertight without performing drills. Drills bring the rescue situation to life and ensure practice makes perfect. The more chances there are to practice confined space rescues, the greater the chances of success when it really matters.