1. Confined Space Rescue Awareness Training
Bothell Fire and E.M.S.
&
King County Zone One
May 2012

2. ConSpace Rules WAC 296-305-5003 WAC 296-62-141 CFR 29-1910 NFPA 1670
NIOSH 1994

3. Objectives
Recognize regulations governing operations in Confined Spaces
Identify the definition of permit and non-permit Confined Space.
Identify differences between Confined Space and permit Confined Space.
Identify equipment required to mitigate a Confined Space Rescue.

4. The Facts Approximately 60 deaths a year are in Con Space.
60% of these deaths are rescuers.

5. What Hurts Us 65% Hazardous Atmospheres 13% Engulfment
7% Struck by falling object
6% Heat stress/exhaustion
4% Others

6. A Confined Space is :
Large enough to get into and perform assigned work, and
Has limited or restricted means of egress, and
Is not designed for continuous occupancy

7. A “Permit” CS :
Contains or has the potential to have a hazardous atmosphere or
Contains a material that has the potential for engulfing an entrant or
Has an internal configuration such that an entrant could be trapped or asphyxiated by inwardly converging walls or a floor which tapers or
Contains any other recognized serious safety or health hazard.

8. Typical Permit Confined Spaces
Storage tanks
Pump wet wells
Degreasers
Sewers
Manholes
Tunnels
Silos
Vessels
Mixers
Water towers
Underground vaults
Boilers

9. Examples

10. Examples

11. Examples

12. Examples

13. Examples

14. Examples

15. Examples

16. More Examples

17. More Examples

18. Dangers of Confined Spaces
Oxygen deficiency
By-products of previously stored material
Accidental leaks/spills
Chemical reactions
Mechanical operations

19. Types of Confined Space Hazards
Atmospheric Hazards
Physical Hazards
Engulfment Hazards
Corrosive Hazards
Biological Hazards
Other Hazards

20. Atmospheric Monitoring

21. Atmospheric Monitoring:
Initially and prior to entry all atmospheres shall be tested.
The testing will provide information that will:
Help select PPE
Determine areas where protection is needed.
Assess the potential health affect
Determine the need for specific medical monitoring.

22. Gas Monitoring Equipment
Most are real time
Single gas monitors
Multi-gas monitors
Must be portable

23. Monitoring for Oxygen The percentage of oxygen in atmosphere
Most monitors read 0% - 25%
19.5% % is typically acceptable
Will alarm at either level
Disadvantages:
*Must calibrate to settings
*May be damaged by certain gases or vapors
Advantages:
*Quick response time
*Portable

24. Monitoring for Flammables
Second priority to oxygen
May not read if oxygen is <10%
Uses LEL
Not 0% - 100% vapor in air
10% of LEL, not 10% of vapor.
Usually calibrated to pentane or hexane
Advantages:
* Fast Response
* Simple Operation
* Audible/Visual Alarms
* Portable
* Choice of Sampling
Disadvantages:
*Calibrated to one gas
*False Readings in Low Oxygen Areas.
*May be Damaged by Compounds

25. You Don’t Want to be this Guy?
Do You?

26. Phases of Confined Space Rescue
Preparation
Assessment
Pre-entry operations
Entry operations
Termination

27. Phase I Preparation Rescue team evaluation Equipment evaluation
Hazard evaluation
Personnel evaluation
ICS

28. Preparation: Equipment Evaluation
Respiratory protection:
- SAR or SCBA
- Enough for entry
& back-up
- Victim??
Ventilation
Atmospheric monitoring
Lockout / Tagout
PPE
Lighting
Communication
Rope, harnesses, & hardware
Patient packaging
Fall protection, tripods, davits
Passport systems / tracking

29. Preparation: Hazard Evaluation
Sites of high likelihood:
- Industry
- Projects
- Water treatment / sewage
MAKE CONTACT!!
What do they do?
What do they store?
What can hurt you?
How do you control it?
Are they trained?

30. Phase II Assessment
Approach assessment
Resource assessment

31. Assessment: Approach Assessment
Enroute game plan
At scene:
Number of patients
Location & last time contacted
Type of space
Location of entry points
Use of space
Other hazards
Pre-entry measures
DETERMINE SURVIVABILITY PROFILE!!

32. Assessment: Resource Assessment
Compile all approach assessment information
Develop a plan
Look at what resources you have, and what’s enroute.
Is it enough? Call early!

33. Assessment: Documentation
Before entering document all safety measures
Permits, atmosphere readings, safety checklist
IF IT ISN’T WRITTEN OR TAPED IT NEVER HAPPENED!!

34. Phase III Pre-entry Operations
General area safety:
Hot, warm, cold zones
General area ventilation
Outside ignition sources
Rescue area safety:
Huddle up – make assignments
Atmosphere monitoring
Ventilation
Entry team support – medical screen
Pre-entry brief
Expected physical challenges
Space layout & hazards

35. Phase IV Entry & Rescue Operations
Duties of Rescue Group Supervisor:
Develops & manages the plan
Duties of Attendant:
Monitor atmosphere & record
Maintain log of entry teams
Stay in communication with entry & supervisor

36. Entry and Rescue Cont: Duties of Entry Teams:
Watch out for each other, hazards, & space / patient condition (L&I)
Communicate with attendant & each other
Assess patient and extricate appropriately
Brief additional teams

37. Entry and Rescue Cont: Duties of Back-up teams:
Stand by in a ready position (no other assignments)
Duties of Rigging Team:
Build & manage retrieval system
Provide patient packaging
Duties of Air Supply:
Lots of spares, or cascade

38. Entry and Rescue Cont: Other Positions Medical Decon
Cops (scene safety)

39. Phase V Termination Document exit time Medical evaluation & rehab
Report space & patient condition
Wrap up equipment & decon
Secure the space
PIA