The Danger in Using 911 for Confined Space Rescue
Date Posted: April 25, 2016
Posted In: Ideas,
From Code Red Safety: Beep! Beep! Beep!
It is the sound that nobody wants to hear when working in a confined space – a gas meter alarming.
A quick glance at the readings on the meter shows a sudden spike of toxic hydrogen sulfide. The attendant knows that high levels of this gas can create a potentially deadly atmosphere. A sense of panic kicks in. He calls out to the entrants and receives a troubling response:
Silence.
The attendant immediately radios to his supervisor to call 911, and he waits…
This is a situation that nobody in the industry wants to experience. The thought of our fellow workers, friends or family in danger is extremely unsettling. However, regulations exist to make sure that when an incident like this occurs, proper means for rescue are in place.
Section (d)(9) of the OSHA General Industry standard for permit-required confined spaces requires that employers “Develop and implement procedures for summoning rescue and emergency services[…]” and also “[…]for rescuing entrants from permit spaces[…].” In other words- For every permit-required confined space, it is mandatory to have rescue procedures put in place. Writing “Call 911” on the permit is the easiest thing to do, but not necessarily the smartest or safest.