Introduction
Nearly two-thirds of all confined space fatalities occur among would-be rescuers — individuals who enter a hazardous space in an attempt to save others without proper precautions. This tragic statistic highlights the critical importance of following safe confined space entry procedures to eliminate the need for emergency rescues in the first place.
Even a carefully planned rescue can quickly turn into a body recovery operation if safety protocols are ignored. Rescues may be performed by trained employees or professional rescue teams, but only if they are fully trained and qualified in confined space operations and familiar with all associated hazards.
Before a Rescue Attempt
All confined spaces should be treated as potentially hazardous until proven otherwise. Before anyone attempts a rescue, the following steps must be taken:
- A qualified and trained individual must use a calibrated, direct-reading instrument to test the confined space atmosphere for:
- Oxygen levels
- Flammable gases and vapors
- Toxic air contaminants
- Never rely on your senses to judge air quality. Many dangerous gases and vapors are colorless, odorless, and undetectable without proper instruments.
- Only authorized and properly equipped personnel should perform rescues. Untrained individuals should never enter a confined space under any circumstances.