What are the Roles of an Effective Confined Space Rescue Team?

• This role is a rescuer authorized to enter the space to perform the actual rescue
• The highest risk of all roles

Requirements:

• Must know the hazards associated with confined space entry
  • Knowledgeable on the means of exposure such as inhalation or dermal absorption
• Able to recognize signs of symptoms & consequences of the exposure
• Maintain communication procedures with attendant & know how to alert attendant of hazardous or prohibited conditions
• Proper use and understanding of personal protective equipment
• Know how to exit the space/ self-rescue if necessary

• This role has the most accountability because they have the most responsibilities.
• Many suspect an attendant solely stands outside the space and provides assistance if entrant is troubled.
• An attendant is required to be responsible for a majority of tasks including the “attendance” of the confined space—inside and out.

Requirements:

• Knowledge of hazards- existing & potential
• Use air monitoring equipment to keep a close watch on the atmospheric conditions inside the confined space & communicate changes
• Identify the authorized entrants & communicate with entrants throughout work period
• Remain outside attending the space until relieved by another authorized attendant
• Order evacuation of the permit space when required
• Summon emergency services
• Guard space from unauthorized personnel & inform rescuer & supervisor if unauthorized personnel enter space

• Directly represents the employer; usually trained to serve as a rescuer or a rescue attendant.

Requirements:

• Know the hazards
• Validate safe entry conditions
• Verify emergency plans
• Terminate rescue, cancel and close permits when operations are complete
• Validate available and operable rescue services