Entry Vs. Non-Entry Retrieval Confined Space Rescue Methods

March 9, 2023 |

It is crucial to keenly assess the dangers prevailing in confined spaces in a bid to create a safe and secure working environment for entrants. Nevertheless, what is safe for confined spaces in one industry may not be safe in another. There should be an effective rescue strategy in place if anything were to happen to the entrant.

There exist several types of confined spaces. With that in mind, there are different types of rescue methods when it comes to dealing with emergencies that are related to confined spaces. On one side we have the entry method while on the other there is the non-entry method.

Understanding the difference between the two kinds of rescue methods introduces you to the limitations and the intended scope of them all. In this manner, it is possible to choose the ideal rescue method depending on the needs of your facility. Here is an in-depth entry vs non-entry retrieval comparison to help you comprehend how they vary from each other.

Entry Retrieval

As the name insinuates, entry retrieval is a rescue procedure where the rescue personnel has to physically access the inner surface of the confined space to retrieve an injured entrant. The retrieval method is ideal if there are hazards or dangers within the confined space is not so extensive and can still allow for accessibility.

This method is perfect for a roomy space that can accommodate the injured entrant as well as a member of the rescue team. Along with that, entry retrieval is recommended for cases where the entrant has suffered a devastating injury that has resulted in complete immobilization. Non-entry retrieval works well if the injured entrant can get into or hold onto the provided support equipment. However, if that is not possible then entry retrieval will be ideal.

Nonetheless, the entry retrieval technique is a labor-intensive procedure that requires well-trained rescue personnel. The rescue team has to undergo thorough training on how to access confined spaces as well as how to deal with prevailing hazards. They should be familiar with different rescue techniques besides knowing how to proficiently tend to patients and monitor atmospheric conditions. They should understand how to deal with the highly stressful conditions in spaces that are confined.

The rescue team should also be equipped with the right gear and protective clothing that will keep them from corrosive liquids or toxic gases such as carbon monoxide. Additionally, you can either choose to have the rescue team on-site or outsource the rescue services privately from a standby team. In addition to being labor-intensive, the entry retrieval method is also relatively expensive as you have to spend more money on a standby rescue team.

Non-Entry Retrieval

As you might already guess, non-entry retrieval is a confined space rescue method that does not require the rescue team to physically access the affected space. Instead, the alternative utilizes specially designed equipment to complete the procedure.

Some of the retrieval equipment used for non-entry retrieval include human-rated winches, anchors, and tripods. To access the injured entrant, there are a harness or safety straps that the injured entrant can wear before being hoisted from the hazardous confined space to safety.

The option is perfect when there are no impediments that might hinder the smooth extractions of an injured employee. Non-entry retrieval is a lot cheaper and will not require a lot of rescue specialists to extract entrants from dangerous spaces.

Nevertheless, you will still have to bear the one-time cost of purchasing specialized rescue equipment. Other than that, the method is also very time-saving. Most importantly, you do not have to put more personnel at risk by lowering them into hazardous confined spaces.

Entry VS Non-entry Methods

Both the entry and non-entry methods are effective and dependable in retrieving entrants of confined spaces who might be in distress. It all depends on the conditions under which the retrieval has to be done.

Even so, the non-entry retrieval method has proven to be more affordable and time-saving as compared to the entry alternative. Recent statistics indicate an increase in the number of fatalities among rescuers who are supposed to retrieve injured entrants in confined spaces. Thus, the non-entry alternative is great in the sense that it will not endanger more personnel.