All emergency service personnel who anticipate the need for a confined space rescue (CSR) in a permit required confined space must be trained, equipped, and must practice simulated rescues at least annually.

1. The following requirements apply to Permit Spaces rescue entry:
   
   • Each CSR team member shall be trained to perform assigned rescue duties.
   • Each CSR team member shall receive the training required of authorized entrants in the Confined Space Entry Program.
   • Each CSR Team member shall practice making permit space rescues at least once annually.
   • Each CSR Team member shall be trained in basic first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). At least one member of the team holding current certification in first aid and CPR.
     • Members of CSR Teams are covered under 29 CFR 1910.1030, Bloodborne Pathogens, and must:
       • Practice Universal Precautions,
       • Be included in the Exposure Control Plan,
       • Be trained according to the Bloodborne Pathogens standard (yearly),
       • Be provided PPE for bloodborne pathogens, and
       • Be offered Hepatitis B vaccine.
     (An Exposure Control Plan must be developed if not currently in place).
   • Each CSR Team member shall be included in a respiratory protection program if entry into potential IDLH atmospheres to rescue employees is possible.
     • Members of CSR Teams are covered under 29 CFR 1910.134, Respiratory Protection. The following requirements of the standard must be implemented:
       • Written Plan,
       • Hazard Evaluation,
       • Medical Evaluation,
       • Fit Testing,
       • Training (yearly),
         • Respiratory protection, and
         • Specific duties
       • Procedure for IDLH atmospheres. (Note: an “unknown” atmosphere is IDLH by definition)
2. When a host employer arranges to have an outside agency perform CSR, the host employer must:
   • Inform the rescue service of the hazards they may confront.
   • Provide the rescue service with access to all permit spaces from which rescue may be necessary.

If an outside agency, for instance a local fire department, is utilized for CSR, the host must evaluate the prospective rescuer's ability to respond to a rescue summons in a timely manner, considering the hazard(s) identified. (Note to paragraph 1910.146 (k)(l)(i): What will be considered timely will vary according to the specific hazards involved in each entry. For example, §1910.134, Respiratory Protection, requires that employers provide a standby person or persons capable of immediate action to rescue employee(s) wearing respiratory protection while in work areas defined as IDLH atmospheres.)

EQUIPMENT

Basic Confined Space rescue equipment

• PPE:
  • Respiratory Protection
  • Eye Protection
  • Hearing Protection
  • Thermal Protection
  • Helmets
  • Hand, Elbow and Knee Protection
  • Visibility vests
  • Whistles
  • Other hazards (bloodborne pathogens)
• Harness
• Headlamps & Lights
  • Infection Control
  • Instruments (scissors, wraps, splints)
  • Victim handling equipment
  • Splints, Immobilizers
• Clothing (chemical protective clothing)
• Hardware:
  • Anchor Plates
  • LOTO equipment
  • Ascenders
  • Descenders
  • Carabineers
  • Pulleys
  • Edge Protection
  • Winches & Tripods
  • Mechanical Advantage Systems
• Fall Protection:
  • Lanyards
• Rescue kits
• Rope
• Electronics:
  • Air monitoring
  • Communications

To facilitate non-entry rescue, retrieval systems shall be used, unless the retrieval equipment would increase the overall risk of entry or would not contribute to the rescue.

If retrieval systems are used, they must meet the following requirements:

• Each authorize entrant must use a chest or full body harness with a retrieval line.
• The retrieval line must be attached to a mechanical device or fixed point outside the permit space.
• A mechanical device shall be used for vertical type permit spaces more than five (5) feet deep.

If an injured entrant is exposed to a substance for which a material safety data sheet (MSDS) or other similar written information is required to be kept at the worksite, that information shall be available to the medical facility treating the exposed entrant.

1. In house CSR Team
   
   Standard operating procedures should be in writing and include:
   • The CSR Team to be summoned or on-site during permit space entry.
   • On scene command and check list.
   • Incident command system.
   • Site and victim evaluation.
   • Entry procedures:
     • Hazard identification
     • Air testing and monitoring
     • Ventilation requirements
     • Isolation and/or shoring
     • Other hazard control (i.e. possible bloodborne pathogen exposure.)
     • Retrieval system to be used
     • Entry backup team
     • Respiratory protection equipment
       • Unknown atmospheres are IDLH
       • Positive pressure SCBA or an airline respirator equipped with an auxiliary escape respirator
       • Protective clothing
       • Communication system
       • Entry check list
       • Entry team log sheet
       
       
       
2. Rescue Service Team
   
   Site specific rescue plans should be prepared for every permit space site. Points to consider are:
   • Site map which identifies all confined spaces
   • Main and alternate access routes for all confined spaces
   • Known hazards at each confined space
   • MSDS’s, NJDHSS Hazardous Substance Fact Sheets for the facility
   • Employers role during the emergency (Incident command system organization)
   • Testing and rescue equipment required and who will provide it
   • PPE requirements for rescuers
   • Training and practice schedule
   • EMS and hospital designation
   • Post emergency operations

The host is responsible for providing facilities for onsite training for rescuers.