Confined Space Rescue Plan

Date: [Insert Date]

Location: [Insert Location]
Job: Repair/Cleaning/Maintenance Work inside an Oil Storage Tank
1. Introduction
2. Identification of Confined Space
3. Hazard Assessment
4. Control Measures
5. Rescue Procedures
6. Assessment of the Situation
7. Communication
8. Donning Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
9. Use of Rescue Equipment
10. Establishing an Entry Plan
11. Continuous Monitoring
12. Entry and Rescue Operation
13. Extraction and Medical Evaluation
14. Debriefing and Review
15. Post-Rescue Procedures
16. Rescue Equipment
17. Muster Point and Employee Accountability
18. Rescue Team Staging and Coordination
19. Rescue Procedures for Different Scenarios
20. Rescue at Height
21. Rescue at Ground Level
22. Determination of Rescue Technique
23. Implementation of Rescue Procedures:
24. Assessment of Injuries
25. Airway Management
26. Breathing Assessment and Support
27. Circulation Assessment and Management
28. Monitoring and Documentation
29. Psychological Support
30. Stabilization
31. Extrication
32. Post-Extrication Care
33. Training and Drills
1. Introduction:

This Confined Space Rescue Plan is designed to ensure the safety of workers engaged in
repair, cleaning, and maintenance work inside an oil storage tank. The tank, standing at 20
feet high, requires the erection of scaffolding for access and work. This plan is developed in
accordance with OSHA regulations and industry best practices to mitigate potential hazards
and execute effective rescue procedures.

2. Identification of Confined Space:

The oil storage tank qualifies as a confined space according to OSHA standards due to
limited means of entry and exit, coupled with potential atmospheric hazards.

3. Hazard Assessment:
Atmospheric Hazards: Presence of flammable gases, vapours, or oxygen-deficient
atmosphere.
Engulfment Hazards: Risk of drowning in liquid contents.
Physical Hazards: Possibility of slips, trips, falls, and falling objects.
Heat Stress: Elevated temperatures.
Biological Hazards: Potential presence of bacteria or other organisms.
4. Control Measures:
Atmospheric Monitoring: Continuous monitoring of oxygen levels, flammable gases, and
toxic substances.
Ventilation: Installation of adequate ventilation systems.
Scaffolding: Proper erection of scaffolding for safe access and work platforms.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Full-body harnesses, hard hats, safety glasses,
gloves, and respiratory protection (SCBA) as required.
Communication: Employment of two-way radios or communication systems for constant
communication.
Emergency Equipment: Availability of rescue equipment including harnesses, lifelines,
stretchers, backboard with spinal stabilization, and first aid supplies.
Rescue Team: Three trained rescue personnel stationed outside the tank during work
operations.
Entry Permit: Issuance and maintenance of a confined space entry permit.
5. Rescue Procedures:

Non-Entry Rescue: Utilization of retrieval systems such as hoists or winches whenever

possible.
Entry Rescue: In case of non-feasibility, two trained personnel equipped with appropriate
PPE will conduct entry rescue using the following established procedures
6. Assessment of the Situation:
Before initiating the rescue, the trained personnel must assess the situation
thoroughly. This includes evaluating the nature of the hazard, identifying potential
risks to the rescuers, and determining the best course of action.
7. Communication:
Establish clear communication between the rescue team and any personnel inside
the confined space. This can be done through two-way radios, phones, or other
communication devices.
8. Donning Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
Both rescuers must wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) before
entering the confined space. This may include:
Respirators or masks to protect against toxic gases or oxygen-deficient
atmospheres.
Protective clothing such as coveralls, gloves, and boots to guard against chemical
exposure or physical hazards.
Safety harnesses and lifelines for fall protection.
Helmets or hard hats to protect against head injuries.
9. Use of Rescue Equipment:
Ensure that all necessary rescue equipment is readily available and in good
working condition. This may include:
Harnesses, ropes, and pulley systems for lifting and lowering.
Portable lighting equipment for visibility in dark or poorly lit spaces.
First aid kits and medical supplies.

10. Establishing an Entry Plan:

Develop a detailed entry plan outlining the sequence of actions to be taken during
the rescue operation. This plan should include:

The designated entry point into the confined space.

The method of access and egress.
 The location of any potential hazards or obstacles.

Assigning specific roles and responsibilities to each member of the rescue team.
11. Continuous Monitoring:
Maintain continuous monitoring of atmospheric conditions inside the confined
space using gas detectors or atmospheric monitors. This helps ensure that the air
quality remains safe for both the rescuers and the individual(s) needing rescue.
12. Entry and Rescue Operation:
Once all preparations are complete, the rescue team can enter the confined space
following the established entry plan.
Carefully approach the individual(s) needing rescue, providing assistance as
necessary.
If possible, secure the individual(s) to a rescue harness or other safety equipment
before removing them from the confined space.
Avoid rushing the rescue operation, as haste can lead to accidents or injuries.
13. Extraction and Medical Evaluation:
After successfully extracting the individual(s) from the confined space, move
them to a safe location for medical evaluation and treatment if necessary.
Document any injuries or medical issues encountered during the rescue operation
for reporting and follow-up purposes.
14. Debriefing and Review:
Conduct a debriefing session with the rescue team to review the rescue operation,
identify any areas for improvement, and implement corrective actions as needed.
Document the rescue operation, including lessons learned and recommendations
for future incidents.

15. Post-Rescue Procedures:

Clean and maintain all rescue equipment, replenish any expended supplies, and
return them to their designated storage locations.
Conduct post-rescue inspections of the confined space to ensure that it is safe for
re-entry.
Review and update rescue procedures and protocols based on lessons learned from
the incident.

16. Rescue Equipment:

 Full-body harnesses with attachment points for lifelines.
 Lifelines and Retrieval System
  Kernmantle ropes
 winches, or hoists for lifting and lowering rescuers and casualties.

Confined Space Entry and Retrieval Equipment for ground level entry
 Mechanical advantage systems for creating safe entry points and retrieving
personnel.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
 Hard hats
 Safety glasses
 Gloves
 Respiratory protection (SCBA)
 Protective clothing for rescuers

Communication Equipment: Two-way radios or communication systems for maintaining

contact between rescuers and workers.

Lighting: Portable explosion-proof lights for illuminating the confined space during rescue
operations.
Medical and First Aid Equipment: First aid kits, stretchers, backboards with spinal
stabilization, and other necessary medical equipment.
Confined Space Ventilation Equipment: Ventilation blowers/fans and ducting for supplying
fresh air and removing contaminated air.
Entry and Egress Equipment: Ladders, personnel hoists, scaffolding, or platforms for
access and egress.
Gas Detection and Monitoring Equipment: Gas detectors and multi-gas monitors for
continuous atmospheric monitoring.

17. Muster Point and Employee Accountability:

Designation of a muster point outside the confined space for worker assembly during
emergencies. Conducting roll calls for accountability before and after confined space entry.
Implementation of a buddy system for enhanced worker safety.

18. Rescue Team Staging and Coordination:

 Establishment of a rescue team staging area equipped with all necessary
resources.
 Designation of a rescue team leader for coordination and communication.
 Clear protocols for requesting external emergency assistance if needed.
19. Rescue Procedures for Different Scenarios:

20. Rescue at Height

Assessment of the Situation:

 The rescue team assesses the situation to understand the nature and severity of the
emergency.
 They evaluate the condition of the suspended worker and any potential hazards in
the environment.
 Communication is established with the suspended worker to provide reassurance
and gather essential information.
Lowering of Rescue Equipment to the Suspended Worker:

 A rescue harness or similar device attached to a lifeline is prepared for lowering.

 The rescue team carefully lowers the equipment from above to the suspended
worker's location.
 Instructions are provided to the suspended worker to secure themselves into the
harness if conscious and able to do so.
 Precautions taken to prevent compartment syndrome
 Suspended worker lowered to ground level
 Immediate first aid and medical assistance are provided as necessary
Rescue Descent by Trained Personnel or Utilizing Winch/Hoist System:

 Trained rescuers equipped with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)

may descend to assist the suspended worker.
 Alternatively, a winch or hoist system is utilized to lower a rescuer to the
suspended worker's location.
 Rescuers approach the suspended worker cautiously, ensuring their safety and
stability throughout the descent.
 Precautions taken to prevent compartment syndrome
 Suspended worker lowered to ground level
 Immediate first aid and medical assistance are provided as necessary
Continuous Monitoring of the Rescue Operation:

 Throughout the rescue operation, continuous monitoring is maintained to assess

risks and ensure the safety and well-being of both the rescuer and the suspended
worker.
 Rescuers maintain clear communication with the suspended worker and the rescue
team stationed above.
 Any adjustments to the rescue operation are made as necessary to address changing
conditions and ensure a successful outcome.
21. Rescue at Ground Level:
Assessment of the Situation:

 The rescue team assesses the situation to understand the nature and severity of the
emergency.
 They evaluate the condition of the worker in need of rescue and any potential
hazards in the environment.
 Immediate first aid and medical assistance are provided as necessary.

22. Determination of Rescue Technique:

Based on the assessment, the rescue team determines the appropriate rescue technique to
employ. Options may include non-entry rescue using retrieval systems or entry rescue by
trained personnel equipped with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
23. Implementation of Rescue Procedures:
If non-entry rescue is feasible, retrieval systems such as hoists or winches are employed to
extricate the worker from the confined space. Trained personnel equipped with PPE may
conduct entry rescue, following established protocols and procedures.
Rescuers carefully approach the worker, ensuring their safety and stability throughout the
rescue operation.
24. Assessment of Injuries:
Conduct a thorough assessment of the rescued worker's injuries, starting with a primary
survey to identify any life-threatening conditions such as airway obstruction, breathing
difficulties, or severe bleeding.
Once life-threatening injuries have been addressed, perform a secondary survey to assess for
additional injuries or medical conditions.

25. Airway Management:

Ensure that the worker's airway is clear and patent.
If the worker is unconscious or experiencing respiratory distress, open the airway using
appropriate manoeuvres such as the head-tilt chin-lift or jaw thrust technique.

26. Breathing Assessment and Support:

Assess the worker's breathing rate, depth, and quality. Monitor the worker's breathing
continuously during extrication and transport, and be prepared to provide ventilatory support
if necessary. Circulation Assessment and Management:
27. Circulation Assessment
 Assess the worker's circulation by checking their pulse rate, rhythm, and skin colour. Control
any external bleeding using direct pressure or pressure dressings. If the worker is in shock,
position them in a supine position with their legs elevated to improve circulation.

28. Monitoring and Documentation:

Continuously monitor the worker's vital signs, including heart rate, blood pressure,
respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation.
Document all assessments, interventions, and changes in the worker's condition on a medical
record or patient care report. Communicate effectively with medical personnel at the
receiving facility, providing them with a comprehensive handover report detailing the
worker's injuries, medical history, and treatment provided.
29. Psychological Support:
Provide emotional support and reassurance to the worker throughout the extrication and
transport process, addressing any fears or concerns they may have.
Encourage the worker to communicate openly about their experiences and feelings, and offer
validation and empathy. Rescuers communicate effectively with the worker in need of rescue,
providing reassurance and guidance throughout the process.

30. Stabilization:
Assessment of the Scene:
Before initiating stabilization, the rescue team assesses the scene to understand the nature and
severity of the situation. This includes evaluating the condition of the trapped or injured
individual(s) and identifying any hazards that may pose a risk during stabilization and
extrication.
Scene Safety: Ensure that the area surrounding the confined space is secure and free from
hazards that could endanger both rescuers and the trapped individuals. This may involve
securing loose debris, controlling hazardous substances, and implementing measures to
prevent further collapse or structural instability.
Initial Medical Assessment: Conduct an initial medical assessment of the trapped
individual(s) to identify any life-threatening injuries or medical conditions. Provide
immediate medical treatment as necessary to stabilize their condition before extrication.
Immobilization: If the trapped individual has suffered traumatic injuries, such as fractures or
spinal injuries, immobilize the affected areas using splints, backboards, or cervical collars to
prevent further movement and minimize the risk of exacerbating injuries during extrication.

31. Extrication:
 Extrication Planning: Develop a detailed extrication plan outlining the sequence of actions
and techniques to be used during the extrication process. Consider factors such as the location
of the trapped individual(s) within the confined space, available access points, and potential
hazards that may impede extrication efforts.
Establishing Access: Determine the most appropriate access point for extricating the trapped
individual(s) based on the layout of the confined space and the nature of the emergency. This
may involve cutting or removing obstacles to create a clear pathway for extrication.
Lifting and Moving: Utilize appropriate lifting and moving techniques to safely extract the
trapped individual(s) from the confined space. This may involve the use of lifting devices
such as stretchers, backboards, or specialized rescue equipment designed for confined space
extrication.
Coordination and Communication: Maintain clear communication and coordination among
rescue team members throughout the extrication process. Assign specific roles and
responsibilities to each team member to ensure smooth and efficient extrication operations.
Continuous Monitoring: Continuously monitor the condition of the trapped individual(s)
during extrication, paying close attention to vital signs and any signs of distress or
discomfort. Adjust extrication techniques as necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of
the individual(s) being extricated.

32. Post-Extrication Care: Once the trapped individual(s) have been successfully extricated from
the confined space, provide immediate medical attention and transport them to a designated
medical treatment area for further evaluation and treatment. Document all extrication activities
and medical interventions for follow-up and reporting purposes.

33. Training and Drills:

Comprehensive training for all personnel involved in confined space entry and rescue
operations. Regular drills to ensure readiness in emergency scenarios.