Confined space rescue is a subset of technical rescue operations that involves the rescue and recovery of victims trapped in a confined space or in a place only accessible through confined spaces, such as underground vaults, storage silos, storage tanks, or sewers.
thumb|right|A warning label on a storage tank, indicating that it is a confined space.
Confined spaces are often narrow and constricting, preventing easy access by rescuers and making confined space rescues technically challenging. The spaces are usually unlit or poorly lit, requiring a light source to be provided. Confined spaces may contain hazardous materials in liquid or gas form, and oxygen may be limited.
These hazards can be fatal as they create a limited window of time in which to perform a rescue. After four minutes without oxygen a person will usually suffer asphyxia causing brain damage or death. The urgent need to rescue someone from a confined space often leads to ill-prepared rescue attempts. Two-thirds of all deaths occurring in confined spaces are attributed to persons attempting to rescue someone else.
In Canada, The Oil Sands Safety Association has a certification program for Confined Space Entry and Monitor.
See also
- Cave rescue
- Mine rescue
- Trench rescue
- Incident Response Team
References
External links
- Confined Space Rescue and Training Facilities
- Confined Space Rescue Services and Training | Every year, hundreds of workers suffer needless injuries, even death, due to inadequate (or non-existent) confined space entry programs.