Page 48 - Confined Space Training - Student Manual 2021

Lessons From Ill-Fated Rescue Attempts

1. Do not enter a space unless absolutely necessary. There is no need to place
additional people at risk if a recue can be performed from outside. Numerous devices that
allow entrants to be extracted from the space by attendants or rescuers outside are
commercially available.
2. Wait for help before effecting rescue. if it is necessary to enter the space for rescue
purposes, rescuers should enter the space only after sufficient help has arrived to assure
that the response can be performed without further incident.
3. Assume that the atmosphere is IDLH (Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health).
Unless air monitoring indicates otherwise, it is wise to presume the atmosphere is
immediately dangerous to life or health whenever an entrant is unconscious. As a result,
rescuers must be equipped with SCBAs or air-line respirators with escape bottles.
4. Do not count on local emergency services. Capabilities of fire departments and rescue
squads vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Their effectiveness in responding to a confined
space emergency cannot be assured without extensive evaluation on a case-by-case
basis. Coordination and training should always be completed with local emergency
services.
5. Provide adequate ventilation to entrant.

Confined Space Training for Entrants, Attendants & Supervisors 48