SOP #30: Confined Space Rescue

Question 1

What is a confined space?

Answer 1

1. large enough and so configured that a person can bodily enter
2. has limited or restricted means of entry or exit
3. not designed for continuous human occupancy

Question 2

What is OSHA definition of confined space?

Answer 2

confined space is limited to those confined spaces found in general industry

Question 3

A confined space that has one or more of the following characteristics is considered a permit required confined space?

Answer 3

1. known potential to contain hazardous atmosphere
2. potential of engulfing entrant
3. entrant could be trapped or asphyxiated by inwardly converging walls, or a floor which slopes downward and tapers to a smaller cross section
4. any other recognized safety or health hazard

Question 4

The written or printed document that is provided by the employer to allow and control entry into a permit space. The confined space rescue incident commanders checklist shall constitute the __________________for the providence Fire Department?

Answer 4

Entry Permit

Question 5

Any work involving riveting, welding, cutting, burning or heating?

Answer 5

Hot Work

Question 6

The equipment (including a life-safety rope, full body harness, wristlets (if appropriate) and a lifting device or anchor) used for the non-entry, rescue persons from confined spaces?

Answer 6

Retrieval System

Question 7

At a confined space incident the first arriving company shall assume command and conduct a primary assessment as follows?

Answer 7

a. secure the job foreman or a witness to determine what happened
b. secure entry permit
c. location, number and condition of victims
d. rescue or recovery

Question 8

How will incident commander conduct secondary assessment?

Answer 8

1. Type of confined space
2. hazardous material size-up
3. identify the hazard associated with the confined space

Question 9

What hazards could be associated with the confined space?

Answer 9

1. Atmosphere (Toxic, Flammable, Oxygen deficient/enriched)
2. Mechanical Hazards (moving parts, pressurized systems, piping hazard)
3. Energized electrical hazards
4. Engulfment hazards
5. structural stability
6. Environmental hazard; temperature extreme
7. Identify hazard type work, identify other hazards

Question 10

What sectors shall Command consider appointing at a confined space incident?

Answer 10

hazard control officer
Operations officer
Entry Sector officer
Hazmat/ Decon Officer
EMS/Rehab officer
Staging officer
Safety Officer
Liaison Officer
Public Information Officer

Question 11

What ventilation is preferred at a confined space incident whenever possible?

Answer 11

Positive Pressure ventilation and maintain ventilation for the duration of the operation

Question 12

Every effort shall be made to bring atmosphere into conformance with which guidelines?

Answer 12

10% of LEL (Max)
19.5% to 23.5% oxygen level

Question 13

What should be shut down that could be going into a confined space?

Answer 13

• Utilities (water, gas & electricity)
• product that is in or flowing in
  manufacturing or processing equipment in the confined. Consult foreman or other authorized personnel

Question 14

Whenever utilities, products or equipment in the confined space is shut off what should be done?

Answer 14

one (1) member w/portable radio shall be assigned to remain at each shut off point. (ensure remain shut off

Question 15

How many members should be assigned to make entry into a confined space?

Answer 15

minimum of two (2) w/ a minimum of two(2) person backup team

Question 16

What shall be done with members prior to entry into a confined space?

Answer 16

Vitals taken & recorded

Question 17

All personnel shall have what type of harness on prior to entry into a confined space?

Answer 17

Class II Harness. Class III whenever possible

Question 18

Rescue operations shall not take place until what matters have been addressed at a confined space incident?

Answer 18

• Continuous air monitoring
• Utilities Lock-out/tag-out
• Personnel properly equipped
• attendant assigned to each entry
• two (2) separate communication systems
• a safety briefing
• complete Confined space rescue-incident commander’s checklist

Question 19

What are the duties of the attendant at confined space incident?

Answer 19

1. account for personnl in confined space
2. Maintain comm. w/ entry personnel
3. monitor progress/well being of personnel
4. summon backup personnel

Question 20

What communications systems can be used by attendant and entry team at a confined space incident?

Answer 20

Voice comm.
hand signal
radio comm.
rope signal
light signals

Question 21

Who has the authority to evacuate the confined space at any time?

Answer 21

attendant
Incident Command
Safety officer
operations officer
entry sector officer

Question 22

What will require the immediate evacuation of a confined space?

Answer 22

• structure instability
• flooding of product or water
• drastic atmosphere change
• entrant show physiological effects of exposure.
• emergency outside confined space
• attendant cannot perform duties

Question 23

When shall entrant evacuate confined space and who shall he notify?

Answer 23

Notify - Attendant
- he recognizes warning signs or symptoms to a dangerous situation
- entrant detects a prohibited

Question 24

What should be done with a victim within confined space?

Answer 24

• bring supply of breathable air
• NO pure oxygen if atmosphere is flammable
• primary survey of victim, treatment right away.
• C-spine precautions
• inform victim to wear breathing apparatus

Question 25

What needs to be completed, otherwise confined space shall not be entered?

Answer 25

Confined space rescue incident commanders checklist
- lel is 10% or greater, intrinsic safe equipment
- standard dep. radios can not be used
- entry personnel w/ SCBA will not go further than one half 1/2 the amount of air in the cylinder minus 1000 p/psi

Question 26

Who shall the confined space rescue incident commander’s checklist be forwarded to after the incident?

Answer 26

Fire Department Safety Officer