Dynamics Of Confined Space Rescue [And Why To Always Engage A Professional]
Based on the data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 1,030 Americans died from occupational injuries involving confined spaces between 2011 and 2018. When working in a confined space, the most critical thing that every safety manager should consider is what they would do if someone gets injured, trapped, or incapacitated in the space and has to be rescued. In case of any of the above incidences, confined space rescue missions should always be undertaken by professionals.
What is a Confined Space?
A confined space is any space that is substantially enclosed, creating conditions that give rise to a likelihood of injury, harm, or accident. It includes spaces, such as a vessel, container, tank, chamber, pit, or cellar.
When accidents occur in confined spaces, emergency action is vital due to the following:
- Lack of foreseeable lack of oxygen
- Presence of explosives
- Presence of harmful gases
- An increasing level of liquid
- Excessively high oxygen
What Causes Confined Space Accidents?
Unlike working in an open space, every type of work in a confined space carries a significant level of risk. When working in a confined space, you can't be sure that the environment is completely safe.
The common causes of accidents in enclosed spaces include:
- Inadequate confined space training
- Lack of proper equipment
- Lack of proper supervision
- Incomplete standard operating procedures
Handling Confined Space Rescue Mission
In case someone is trapped in an enclosed space, rescue operations should commence promptly. However, remember that confined space rescues are more challenging since most of the spaces are narrow and inaccessible to many people. Also, these spaces are poorly lit and may contain a wide variety of hazardous materials.
Normally, confined space rescue lies in three main categories:
- Self-rescue- Once an individual recognizes a critical condition, they exit the space on their own.
- Non-Entry Rescue- People from outside try to extricate the trapped person without entering the enclosed space.
- Entry Rescue- When the first two operations have failed, one or more people may enter the confined space to rescue the trapped person.
Why to Always Outsource Confined Space Rescue Services
In case of an accident in an enclosed space, it's always advisable to engage professionals due to the following reasons:
- They Possess Relevant Rescue Training- In other words, they are highly skilled and experienced in handling even complex confined space rescue operations.
- They Have the Right Rescue Equipment- Confined spaces are unique in nature and require specialized equipment that you may not have.
The Bottom Line
Unlike open spaces, confined space rescues are technically challenging since the spaces are narrow and poorly lit. Thus, you should always engage professionals to ensure safe and successful rescue operations.
For more information, reach out to a company that offers services such as confined space rescue.
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