Confined Space Rescue
Methods and Hazards of Confined Space Rescues and Steps to Control Those Hazards

First Edition
Author: George J. Browne, Gus S. Crist

This basic text details the hazards of confined space rescues, describing ways to control those hazards, then presents a simple method of conducting a confined space rescue operation.

The text assumes that skill levels and types of equipment available to rescuers may vary, but recognizes that a common thread runs through all emergency confined space rescue operations.

The authors, two experienced rescue professionals, identify that thread and use it to build a nine-step model that simplifies confined space rescues and offers standard operating procedures and checklists. The model is applicable to both well-equipped, sophisticated rescue teams as well as those with limited equipment and basic skills.

Students and instructors can use the information to examine confined spaces in their community and determine how their skills and equipment would work in potential rescue situations.

• identifies and explains the hazards of confined spaces and integrates the incident command system into the operation in terms readers will understand
• a nine-step process with checklists simplifies the toughest confined space rescue operation
• a complete text that focuses on confined space operations from hazard recognition to rescue operations
• case studies in key chapters keep the reader interested and demonstrate the application of rescue methods
• experienced emergency professionals provide real-life examples and advice

Contents:

CONFINED SPACES AND HAZARDS:
Defining Confined Spaces. Hazard Recognition. Atmospheric Hazards. Physical Hazards. Non-Permit Confined Spaces vs. Permit-Required Confined Spaces. Case Studies.

CONFINED SPACE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:
Confined Space Programs.

OSHA
Requirements. Duties of Personnel. Attendant. Entrant. Confined Space Supervisor.

AIR MONITORING:
Air Monitoring. Combustible Gases. Oxygen Monitoring Equipment. Specific Gas Monitoring Equipment. Understanding Monitoring Equipment Readings.

LOCKOUT TAGOUT:
Lock-out Tag-out Requirements.

USING THE INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM
The Incident Command System. Applying the Incident Command System to Confined Space Rescue. Case Studies.

RESCUE FACTORS:
Basic Rescue Size-up. Establishing Incident Priorities. Case Studies.

VENTILATION:
Ventilation and Inerting.

SAFETY:
Safety Considerations for Personnel. Temperature Stress.

PPE.
Noise.
Case Studies.

RESCUE OPERATIONS:
Confined Space Rescue Considerations. Equipment. Initial Scene Operations. Accessing the Victim. Victim Stabilization. Victim Removal.

SOPS:
Developing Standard Operating Procedures.
Written Sops.
Checklists.