Compliance

For any facility that expects to have employees enter Permit-Required Confined Spaces, the ability to make timely rescue of trapped or injured workers is a basic OSHA requirement. Furthermore, many spaces such as those with potential to contain hazardous atmospheres necessitate a rescue crew standing by, ready to make immediate entry.  Many facilities assume that local Fire Departments will provide this service. In reality, very few are trained or equipped in Confined Space Rescue and even fewer provide rescue services. 

 A confined space requires a permit for entry if 1 or more of the following conditions exist:

1) Contains or has the POTENTIAL to contain a hazardous atmosphere

2) Contains anything that can engulf the entrant

3) An internal configuration that can entrap or asphyxiate an entrant

4) Any other recognized safety or health hazard

  OSHA requires that any person designated for Entry Rescue operations must:

1- Be trained, equipped for, and proficient in performing the needed rescue service

2- Have the capability to reach the victims in a "timely manner"

3- Practice making permit space rescues at least once every 12 months

4- Have CPR/First Aid training, with at least one team member holding a current certification in CPR

5- Be evaluated by the employer for proficiency and ability to perform rescue related tasks