713 Confined Space Program

Rescue Equipment

Rescue equipment must be selected based on the hazards of the confined space and the type of rescue that may be needed. The goal is to remove an injured or incapacitated worker as quickly and safely as possible without exposing rescuers to unnecessary hazards.

Full Body Harness and Retrieval Lines: All authorized entrants and rescuers entering permit-required spaces are required to use full body harnesses and retrieval lines, unless it is determined that the retrieval equipment would increase the overall risk of entry or would not contribute to the rescue operation. The equipment must enable a rescuer to remove the injured employee from the space quickly without injuring the rescuer or further harming the victim.

Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) or Supplied-Air Respirator (SAR): Respiratory protection may be required when the atmosphere is oxygen-deficient or contains toxic gases or vapors.

• SCBA (Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus): Provides breathable air from a cylinder carried by the user.
• SAR (Supplied-Air Respirator): Delivers breathing air through an airline connected to a remote air source.

Only trained and medically qualified personnel should use this equipment.

Wristlets: Wristlets are straps placed around a worker's wrists and connected to a retrieval line. They may be used only when the employer can demonstrate that they provide the safest and most effective method of rescue. In most situations, a full-body harness provides better support and reduces the risk of injury during a rescue.

Tripod: A tripod is a portable, three-legged support structure placed over a vertical confined space opening, such as a manhole, vault, or tank. It provides a secure overhead anchor point for raising and lowering workers and for performing non-entry rescues. Tripods are commonly used with a mechanical winch or a self-retracting lifeline with retrieval capability. Before use, the tripod should be placed on stable ground, fully extended, and inspected to ensure it is secure.

Davit Arm: A davit arm is another type of overhead anchorage used instead of a tripod. It is commonly installed on tanks, lift stations, and fixed confined-space entry points where entries occur frequently. Davit arms provide a stable attachment point for retrieval devices and can often be rotated to help lift and move an entrant during a rescue.

Mechanical Winch or Retrieval Device: A hand-cranked or powered mechanical winch is connected to the retrieval line and mounted on a tripod or davit arm. It allows attendants or rescuers to raise or lower entrants safely and perform non-entry rescues when possible. OSHA requires a mechanical retrieval device whenever an authorized entrant enters a permit-required confined space more than 5 feet (1.5 meters) deep, unless the retrieval equipment would increase the overall risk or would not contribute to the rescue.

Portable Ladders: Ladders provide safe entry and exit from confined spaces such as pits, vaults, and tanks. They may also assist rescue personnel during planned rescue operations. Ladders should be properly secured and extend above the opening when practical.

Explosion-Proof or Intrinsically Safe Lighting: Many confined spaces contain flammable gases or vapors. Standard lights can produce sparks or high temperatures that may ignite these atmospheres. Explosion-proof or intrinsically safe lighting is designed to reduce the risk of ignition while providing adequate illumination.

Stretcher or Rescue Litter: A stretcher, rescue basket, or flexible rescue litter is used to safely remove injured or unconscious workers from confined spaces while reducing the risk of additional injuries. The type of stretcher depends on the size and configuration of the space.

Head Protection: Rescue personnel and entrants should wear approved hard hats or helmets to protect against falling objects, low overhead clearances, and impacts during entry and rescue. Some rescue helmets include chin straps to help keep the helmet in place while workers climb or are lifted.

Atmospheric Monitoring Equipment: Direct-reading atmospheric monitors are used to test and continuously monitor the air inside the confined space. Depending on the hazards, these instruments may measure:

• Oxygen concentration
• Flammable gases and vapors
• Hydrogen sulfide
• Carbon monoxide
• Other toxic gases

Communication Equipment: Reliable communication allows entrants, attendants, and rescue personnel to stay in contact throughout the entry and during an emergency. Communication equipment may include:

• Two-way radios
• Hard-wired communication systems
• Voice communication
• Rope or hand signals
• Intrinsically safe wireless devices

First Aid and Medical Equipment: Rescue teams should have immediate access to first aid supplies appropriate for the hazards of the workplace. Equipment may include:

• First aid kits
• Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs)
• Trauma supplies
• Blankets for treating shock
• Oxygen administration equipment (where permitted by training and local protocols)

Selecting Rescue Equipment

No single set of rescue equipment is appropriate for every confined space. Employers should select equipment based on factors such as:

• The size and configuration of the space
• The depth of the entry
• Atmospheric hazards
• Engulfment hazards
• Mechanical and electrical hazards
• The type of work being performed
• The rescue procedures identified on the entry permit

Rescue equipment should be inspected before each use, maintained according to the manufacturer's instructions, and used only by trained personnel. Proper planning and the right equipment can make the difference between a successful rescue and a tragedy.

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