Confined Space Rescue for IDLH Atmospheress
𝐃𝐈𝐃 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐊𝐍𝐎𝐖?
If you are entering a permit-required confined space that contains an IDLH atmopshere, you must have a SEPARATE qualified rescue person (or more than one person depending on the circumstances) located directly outside of the space that is dedicated solely to performing a rescue.
OSHA has two separate standards that address this situation: 29 CFR 1910.146 (Permit-Required Confined Spaces) and 29 CFR 1910.134 (Respiratory Protection). In these standards, it states that
This rescue person(s) must be:
• trained and proficient in performing a confined space rescue;
• capable of responding in a timely manner;
• equipped with either an SCBA or other positive-pressure supplied-air respirator with auxiliary SCBA; and
• equipped with the appropriate retrieval equipment necessary to remove the entrant(s) from the space.
This also means that:
(1) the local fire department cannot be your designated rescue service for a confined space with an IDLH atmosphere (unless they've agreed to be positioned directly outside of the confined space for the entire time someone is inside the IDLH atmosphere);
(2) the rescue person(s) must be SEPARATE from the Attendant and Entry Supervisor (meaning the Attendant and/or Entry Supervisor can not also serve as the rescue personnel); and
(3) the rescue person(s) must be trained and suitably equipped to enter the IDLH atmosphere, if needed - even if you have non-entry rescue systems setup for use (e.g., tripod and winch/retrieval system).
For further explanation, refer to the OSHA standard interpretation below:
https://lnkd.in/guNVKCWS
Comments (9)
Matter of fact I did know that one! I went to class!
I have only entered one "Permit Required Confined Space" in my entire life and that was just last year! In my former corporate experience in manufacturing, in all those years I never had any direct responsibility in PRCS either in OHS or Operations (with people that worked directly for me). Many years ago we had a program to eliminate or significantly reduce the number of PRCS in out operations per corporate edict. Next we were required to farm out what little work we had in the couple PRCS we had left to contractors and never use our employees for PRCS entry! So I had little need for knowing any of the details in PRCS in my formal corporate career.
As a consultant I started experiencing operations where employees had to enter PRCS. I thought I should learn about it so I signed up for a class. That was in a class at a local WI Technical College on PRCS Training. Since I do other safety training at the school I knew the instructor well, John. John, thought I would make a great "Guinea Pig," in the training. It was into one of their "training PRCS", They have four tanks and vessels of different configurations set up for training purposes. I was suited up for the a concrete vessel that was shaped like a skinny hour glass. I had a respirator, Haz Mat Suit, radio, gas monitor, and harness. As I was lowered into the vessel by hoist I was more that a little nervous! Plus I am a tad claustrophobic, so was not comfortable at all! I thought I was in the thing forever, but probably just a couple minutes. I was very happy to feel the hoist lift me up finally! However, I learned al lot in the course. It was well worth the investment!
I am thinking about going back for the "Rescue PRCS Class". However, this time I will not be so quick to volunteer to be "rescued!" I am also waiting for John to take one of my courses so I can volunteer him as my Guinea Pig! However, none of mine are as much "fun"!
That is some great incite. It has always bothered me that companies will just say that they will contact the fire department. It can take a very long time to get a rescue with that type of contingency.
Just my 2 cents here, I trained all my shop guys on rescue procedures and actually never enter IDLH environments. We try to reclassify as much as possible from permit to non- permit as long as we can control the hazards without entering the space, we always use ventilation and meters whether reclassification is allowed or not based on criterion and ropes and winches depending on the situation. I highly recommend the CSR2 CMC rope system. (attached video below)
https://youtu.be/ciJOI_bXxLs?si=rKGTL7qQxy5u-oJH