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Policy/Procedure

PURPOSE

The purpose of this procedure is to establish guidelines for the response of fire department personnel and equipment to confined space rescue incidents. Because confined space rescue operations present a significant danger to fire department personnel, the safe and effective management of these operations require special considerations. This guideline identifies some of the critical issues which must be included in managing these incidents.

TACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS

OSHA Regulations Standard 29 CFR 1910.146 Permit-Required Confined Spaces regulates entry into confined spaces for general industry and the rescue service and shall be considered the basis for confined space rescue operations. For the purpose of emergency response, a confined space is defined as:

• A space large enough for personnel to physically enter.
• A space not designed for continuous employee occupancy.
• An area with limited entry and egress.
• Possibility of engulfment by a product and/or entanglement by machinery.

Confined spaces include excavations, tunnels, pipes, tanks, mine shafts, utility vaults, and any other location where ventilation and access are restricted by the configuration of the space. These factors may also apply to basements and attics. Confined space incidents may involve injured persons or persons asphyxiated or overcome by toxic substances.

Due to the inherent dangers associated with these operations, Toledo Fire and Rescue’s Risk Management Profile shall be applied to all confined space rescue operations and shall be continuously re-assessed throughout the incident. A phased approach to confined space rescue operations which include; Arrival, Pre-entry operations, Entry operations, and Termination, can be utilized to safely and effectively mitigate these high-risk / low-frequency events.

UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCE SHALL ANY PERSONNEL OTHER THAN THE ON-DUTY RESPONDING TECHNICAL RESCUE COMPANIES ENTER THE CONFINED SPACE.

1. Establish command and provide an initial size-up.

2. Request the response of the Technical Rescue Team through Fire Dispatch.

3. Attempt to make voice contact with the victim. Do not enter the confined space for any reason.

4. Conduct air monitoring of the area adjacent to the entry point of the confined space. Establish zones.

5. Non-entry methods of rescue may be considered, such as the use of a pike pole to pull a victim, or by means of extending a rope to a victim. First responders shall utilize SCBA and shall not enter past the opening to the space.

6. Assist the Technical Rescue Team with the staging of equipment as directed.

First arriving Technical Rescue Unit that is staffed with a Technical Rescue Qualified Team Leader should be assigned Rescue Sector.

Rescue Sector responsibilities include:

• Assuming technical rescue operations control. • Identifying hazards and critical factors. • Developing a rescue plan and back-up plan. • Communicating with and directing resources assigned to Rescue Sector. • Informing Command of conditions, actions, and needs during all phases of the rescue operation.

Technical Rescue Team personnel refer to Standard Operating Guidelines for Confined Space Rescue.

See Also: