![]() However, in selecting a prospective emergency responder, companies should also ensure that it has: ![]() In doing so, employers can prioritize their commitment to planning for confined space emergencies. To prevent the above challenges and remain compliant with OSHA standards, some companies elect to hire external confined space rescue contractors like SITEX. As a result, emergency preparedness may suffer alongside training as day-to-day operations take precedence. ![]() In addition, although a rescue team is crucial, workers are often responsible for fulfilling more than one role due to such emergencies’ infrequent nature. However, this process can be time-consuming and costly for some small and medium-sized companies. When these maintenance activities occur in tandem, companies can ensure that their confined space rescue teams are ready for any emergency. Collaborate With Local Authorities: Companies should collaborate with local emergency service responders to ensure they’re aware of site conditions and potential hazards.Survey Confined Space Conditions: Managing site conditions is critical to preventing incidents and responding to them.They must also ensure rescue workers have access to PPE when needed. Provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Companies must enforce appropriate PPE use among workers to reduce the risk of emergencies.Identify Rescue Protocol: Depending on the circumstances, a rescue team will need to respond to time-sensitive or non-time-sensitive emergencies, which dictates protocol.Conduct Rescue Drills: Practicing rescue drills is one of the best ways to prepare for confined space emergencies.Although maintaining a dedicated confined space rescue team will look different for every company, certain aspects are universal: The pre-planning keeps rescuers and workers safe as all parties can more readily identify potential hazards. Employers can begin to establish a responsive, well-practiced confined space team by building site-specific scenarios into their emergency preparedness initiatives. In doing so, companies can ensure that their training meets Curriculum Standards set by governing bodies such as the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), OSHA, and others. When forming these teams, employers must ensure that rescue training is tailored to each unique confined space. Dedicated Confined Space Rescue TeamĮstablishing a dedicated confined space rescue team is one approach companies can take to better prepare for emergencies and remain compliant. However, employers must exercise due diligence when assessing confined space risk to address potential shortcomings. This section acknowledges that companies and local emergency services may lack training in confined space rescue. If an employer plans to access local emergency services for this purpose, they must also meet requirements outlined in section 1926.1211 of the OSHA standard. The standard also requires that every employer develop and implement a confined space rescue plan that outlines emergency procedures. is not designed for continuous occupancy.has limited means of entry or exit and.According to these standards ( Subpart AA), confined space is: To eliminate this ambiguity, OSHA has developed standards for confined spaces across the construction industry. Confined Space Rescue StandardsĪlthough the term “confined space” is widely known, the exact definition isn’t always straightforward. However, no matter where companies stand with their safety initiatives, establishing a confined space rescue protocol can be time-consuming and costly. As a result, some companies may not be doing enough to keep workers safe nor compliant with local legislation. Whether it’s a lack of worker training, preparedness, or funding, confined space assessment and rescue plans can sometimes lack the resources necessary to manage risk. Unfortunately, not every company has the resources to prepare for such emergencies adequately. Of these fatalities, 60% were confined space rescuers, while instances of multiple fatalities occur most commonly among “would be” rescuers, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).Ĭollectively, these figures highlight the high-risk nature of confined space work, especially for those responding to emergencies. In addition, the Bureau of Labor Statistics Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) reports that from 2011 to 2018, there were 1,030 worker fatalities involving a confined space. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), around 2.1 million workers enter permit-required confined spaces annually in the United States.
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