Equipment Checklist For Confined Space Rescue
Equipment Checklist For Confined Space Rescue
October 12, 2022 |
The best emergency response teams use the best equipment. While the tools and equipment used in confined space work frequently overlap with that used in rescue efforts, each tool better guarantees the safety of confined space workers. Each piece of equipment is essential, as are the workers.
When it comes to confined space rescue (and general confined space work), the following equipment checklist applies.
Confined Space Rescue Equipment Checklist
Some of the same equipment used for working in combined spaces will, of course, be used in rescue attempts where confined spaces are concerned. In the areas of rescue, descent, and retrieval systems, a vast array of equipment is used.
In order to perform their duties properly, into a confined space, workers must be safely lowered and raised back out again. For rescue equipment and general workers, much of the same technology is used.
Ascend and Descend
For worker success and safety, it is crucial that the equipment used to descend into and ascend from a confined space is high-quality, maintained properly, used properly, etc. In descent and retrieval systems, confined space equipment can include the following:
- Steadiers and tripods
- Pulleys and rescue systems
- Mounts for vehicles and walls
- Winches, hoist, and retractable devices
- Full body harnesses
- Davit arms and tripods (backbones)
- Fall arresters and more
Medical Equipment
To minimize and prevent accidents and dangers, the highly specialized tools and equipment made for working in confined spaces goes a long way. Unfortunately, despite everyone’s best efforts, accidents do sometimes happen. It’s best to be prepared for immediate action when incidents occur. Confined space workers rely on rescue and retrieval teams and their timely responses. They also, however, must be assured that there is available emergency medical equipment on hand.
Confined space tools that should be part of a medical equipment set up required for emergencies include the following:
- Stretchers
- Resuscitators
- First-aid boxes
- Breathing apparatuses
- AED
Monitors and Meters
Important equipment for confined space safety – and crucial for all workers within such an area – is equipment that can measure air quality and the environment surrounding the workers. A toxic gas monitor or meter falls into this crucial category. Through the air of the confined space, it scans for particular chemicals.
Personal Protective Equipment or PPE
From area to area, confined space equipment can vary where specifics are concerned. General PPE (personal protective equipment) is a necessity in scenarios that involve confined spaces.
Commonly used methods of personal protection include the following:
- Gloves
- Hardhats
- Foot protection
- Headlamps and flashlights
- Face and eye protection
- Cones
- Appropriate clothing
Permits and Signage
To prevent confined space accidents in the first place, thereby alleviating the need for a rescue team, one of the first lines of defense is a confined space permit. The signs discussed below may inform, hold, or provide the required permit location. Permit holder signs should, as with other signage, be easily accessible by workers and prominently displayed.
To assure the safety of those working in a confined space work environment, another crucial aspect is that of appropriate and adequate safety signage. This seemingly simple and obvious step is all too often not carried out appropriately. Signs should be in multiple languages (if appropriate), in contrasting colors, easily visible, widely posted, and clear/concise.
Messages regarding the hazards within a space itself should be detailed on signs used as tools for confined space safety. As this type of equipment, signs frequently say things like Authorized Personnel Only or Enter by Permit Only.
Ventilation Equipment
While a confined space is occupied, particularly if it contains a flammable, chemical, or atmospheric hazard, ventilation can be (and usually is) a crucial aspect. There is a vast array of air contaminant removal and ventilation equipment available for use in various cases. Confined space tools that deal with ventilation include the following pieces of equipment:
- Ventilation tubes
- Fans
- Ducts
- Blowers
General Confined Space Equipment
In confined spaces, much of the same equipment used every day is also used by rescue teams. The following equipment is used on a relatively regular basis where confined spaces are concerned, but it is not uncommon in the least to see it used as overlapping rescue equipment.
Communication Equipment
Communication is key not only among workers in a confined space but with those outside the space in order to ensure worker safety:
- Communication system cables
- Carrying cases
- Head harnesses
- Talk boxes
- Headsets
- Speakers
- Microphones
Inspection and Data Collection Equipment
Some very high-tech equipment is used when it comes to the tools for combined space inspections and data collection. This type of data is used by repair specialists, inspectors, etc. It helps workers perform their duties more efficiently, safer, and faster and is, therefore, considered vital. Some examples of this type of equipment includes the following:
- Climber robots – To freely navigate confined space metallic surfaces, these use magnets to climb vertically. The movement might, however, be blocked if the environment has sharp angles. For the most part, this involves expensive and heavy equipment.
- Snake robots – These can be operated inside of a tank and are inserted through a hole. To access almost any close-by location, they can be used and maneuvered. The large footprint and weight of the tool are its only drawbacks.
- Crawler robots – These are used in ducts and pipes and other long spaces with geometric consistency. A datalink is provided to the operator who is usually outside the space.
- Camera on a stick – This is exactly what it sounds like. From the top of a confined space, the camera is lowered down on a stick. Without human entry, it can collect images to be used for effective and cost-efficient solutions.
Drones
Not so long ago, people weren’t even aware of what drones were. Gradually, they have become more and more functional in everyday life. It just so happens that, as a confined spaces tool, they can also come in very handy.
As beneficial as the above-stated data collection and inspection equipment is, drones allow – in some cases – for viewing of a confined space without even entering it at all. The things that are most hazardous to humans – think suffocation, bacteria, airborne chemicals, lack of oxygen, noise, etc. – have no effect on drones (or other un-crewed vehicles). Faster than any human, they can collect data. What’s more, they can do it in areas that could never be reached by humans.
In fact, if more could be done by drones and other assorted UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles), expensive preventative equipment and intricate permit authorizations would be needed less and less. When it comes to working in confined spaces, drones make it more efficient, faster, and safer.
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