It is still happening out there, folks. We are killing our employees during permit required confined space entry operations. Entrants are dying because the permit space was not properly prepared prior to entry; and, tragically, some of these fatalities are the would-be rescuers. As disturbing as the entrant fatalities are, it is the would-be rescuer fatalities that are even more disheartening. Would-be rescuers may have been authorized attendants or passersby that reacted improperly and took heroic, but inappropriate action. Or they may have been professional rescuers, who were not trained or equipped for this type of rescue
In nearly every case, these fatalities are completely preventable by properly preparing the permit space prior to entry by isolating or if needed, controlling all hazards. However, should an emergency arise, the rescue service must be prepared to respond to these types of emergencies. This includes proper training and equipment to ensure a successful rescue and that everyone involved goes home safe and sound.
There are three primary ways that an employer can ensure there is a capable confined space rescue service in place as part of their written permit required confined space program. These options include
an in-house rescue team made up of host employees;
a third party contracted rescue service, or
relying on 911 emergency responders.
All three options have their benefits and their shortcomings. However, it is critically important that the employer focus on the entrant's safety more than any other consideration, be it monetary, personnel, equipment, or any other resource when deciding what type of rescue service to employ.
I get around…no, not the Beach Boy's song. I travel extensively visiting a variety of private and public sector worksites, and I also do the tradeshow/lecture circuit. In my travels, I hear all sorts of variations to the "confined space rescue service" theme. Many employers use in-house rescue teams and accept the funding and time commitments required to keep this capability proficient in the needed skills. Some employers rely on a third party professional rescue service to meet this requirement. Sometimes these third party agreements are for the short term such as during turnarounds, or even for sustaining operations as imbedded contractors. And, still other employers rely on 911 public safety responders for their confined space rescue needs.
