presented by: arleigh robar

Presentation March 24 Nova Scotia Safety Services

Presented By: Arleigh Robar

President/CEO RuSafe Inc.


Confined Space Rescue

Small Details that can make the difference between LIFE & DEATH


Objectives of the Session

Hazards of the Rescue and Team

Defining Rescue Reaction Time (Response Timing)

Types of Rescue Procedures

What does it all mean


Rescue Response Time Goals

On-Site Team

Almost impossible to respond to a rescue

summons and reach a client within goal of 4 minutes

Unless using Rescue-Standby (team is already set up)

Realistic Goal

Initiate patient transport to the hospital within 30-40 minutes of the incident


CONFINED SPACE STATISTICS

65% of all confined space fatalities are due to hazardous atmosphere

In 139 deaths, there were no detectors nor ventilation

One-third of all deaths were supervisors

60% were rescuers

25% of spaces were toxic before entry


Fatalities can occur when the rescuers:

• Are overcome by their emotions.

• Take unnecessary chances.

• Do not know the hazards involved.

• Do not have a plan of action.

• Lack confined space rescue training

Confined Space


Defining Response Time

Reaction Time

Contact Time

Response Time

Assessment Time

Preparation Time

Rescue Time


Reaction Time

Time between the entrant having a problem requiring rescue and the safety attendant’s recognition that the entrant has problem

Contact Time

The time taken by the attendant to contact the rescue team.


Response Time

The time taken by the rescuers to arrive at the scene of the rescue after contact.

Assessment Time

The time taken by a rescue team to size up the problem and determine the strategy to perform a safe, efficient rescue


Preparation Time

The time take by a rescue team to set up for the rescue.

Rescue Time

The time taken for the team to reach, treat, package, and evacuate the victim from the confined space.


Rescue Response Time Goal 0 – 3 minutes (Reaction time)

Incident occurs and rescue team is called

3 – 13 minutes (10 min. duration) (Contact time)Attendant or ground person tries to get info from causality

13 – 23 minutes (10 min. duration) (Response time)Rescue Team assembles at pre established muster point and goes to rescue site

23 – 38 minutes (15 min. duration) (Assessment time)Rescue team reaches and rescues patient.

• 38 – 53 minutes (15 min. duration) (Team Sets Up Rescue)Team executes the rescue plan

• 53 – 60 minutes ( 7 min duration) (Rescue Time)Causality is rescued and handed over to higher authority


Types of Rescue

Rescue Design Options

Self

Non Entry

Entry Rescue


Decision-Making Criteria

Rescue Standby (RS)

Requires team to be present and able to enter the space immediately and reach the patient in 2 to 4 minutes

Rescue Available (RA)

Requires the team to be able to respond to the entry site in about 10 minutes and reach the patient approximately 5 minutes later.


Rescue Response Categories

1. Low Hazard Entries (such items as)

1. Do not require entrants to wear fresh air breathing equipment

2. Do not expose the entrant to any obvious IDLH or potential IDLH hazard

3. Do not warrant rescue personnel standing by during the entry, and

4. Do not require the entrant to have assistance to exit the space, under normal circumstances


Rescue Response Categories

1. High Hazard Entries (such items as)

1. Space in which entrants are required to use fresh air breathing equipment

2. Spaces in which an obvious IDLH hazard exists or potentially exists, and/or

3. Spaces from which an entrant would be expected to have difficulty exiting without help


What Does It All Mean

Preplanning is everything

Conduct detailed Assessments

Group spaces in rescue categories

Assessment looks at what if

Require personnel to be trained. (regular basis)

Will I need to entry the space

Will I require breathing air

presented by: arleigh robar

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