13 Aug Confined Space Rescue – JSA

Confined Space Rescue Job Safety Analysis (JSA)

Job / Task

Planning, preparing for, and performing non-entry or entry rescue of an authorized entrant from a confined space or permit-required confined space following illness, injury, atmospheric alarm, entrapment, loss of communication, or other emergency.

Purpose

This Job Safety Analysis (JSA), also known as a Job Hazard Analysis (JHA), identifies hazards associated with confined space rescue and establishes controls intended to prevent rescuer exposure, multiple casualties, delayed retrieval, falls, dropped objects, hazardous-energy exposure, and improper patient handling.

Personnel Qualifications and Rescue Roles

Confined space rescue shall be performed only under an established confined-space and rescue program. Entry rescue shall be performed only by personnel trained, equipped, and authorized for the hazards and rescue methods involved. Non-entry rescue shall be used whenever feasible and appropriate.

Rescue Team / Entry Rescuers

• Understand the hazards of the space and the signs, symptoms, and consequences of exposure.
• Be trained in assigned rescue duties, PPE, retrieval systems, communications, patient packaging, and emergency procedures.
• Be trained in the use of required respiratory protection, including supplied-air or self-contained breathing apparatus when applicable.
• Practice permit-space rescue at required intervals using representative spaces or simulated spaces.
• Remain within the limits of their training, equipment, and rescue plan.

Rescue Team Leader / Rescue Supervisor

• Evaluate the emergency, space configuration, hazards, and rescue method before authorizing entry rescue.
• Confirm atmospheric monitoring, isolation, ventilation, communications, retrieval systems, PPE, and backup resources are established.
• Coordinate rescuers, attendants, emergency medical services, fire departments, and other responders as applicable.
• Stop rescue operations when conditions exceed the team’s capability or required safeguards fail.

Attendant / Entry Control

• Immediately summon the designated rescue service when rescue is required.
• Maintain entrant accountability and provide rescuers with available information about the space, hazards, permit, and atmospheric conditions.
• Prevent unauthorized persons from entering the space.
• Initiate non-entry retrieval when feasible, authorized, and safe to do so.

Required PPE and Rescue Equipment

PPE and rescue equipment shall be selected for the specific space, hazards, and rescue method and may include:

• Hard hat.
• Safety glasses, goggles, or face protection as appropriate.
• Safety footwear.
• Task-appropriate gloves and protective clothing.
• Full-body rescue harness.
• Retrieval line, tripod, davit, winch, or other approved retrieval system.
• Respiratory protection appropriate to the atmosphere and rescue plan.
• Portable atmospheric monitor capable of detecting identified hazards.
• Intrinsic-safe or otherwise appropriately rated lighting and communication equipment where required.
• Fall-protection equipment.
• Patient packaging and lifting equipment such as a rescue litter or other suitable device.
• First-aid and emergency medical equipment appropriate to the rescue plan.
• Additional task-specific PPE and equipment identified by the hazard assessment.

5.0 JSA – Job Steps, Hazards, and Controls

Step 1 – Develop the Rescue Plan Before Entry

Potential Hazards

• Delayed rescue.
• Unprepared rescuers.
• Inappropriate rescue method.

Required Controls

• Evaluate the space configuration, access, depth, internal obstacles, anticipated hazards, and potential rescue scenarios before entry begins.
• Determine whether non-entry retrieval is feasible and appropriate.
• Identify the designated rescue service and method for summoning it.
• Identify equipment, staffing, PPE, respiratory protection, patient packaging, and medical-response needs.
• Do not authorize permit-space entry unless required rescue capability is available.

Step 2 – Evaluate the Rescue Service

Potential Hazards

• Rescue team unable to respond effectively.
• Excessive response time.

Required Controls

• Verify the selected rescue service can respond in a time appropriate to the identified hazards.
• Verify the service is equipped and proficient for the types of spaces and hazards involved.
• Provide access to representative spaces for evaluation and practice as required.
• Inform the service of known hazards and changes that could affect rescue.
• Maintain current contact and activation procedures.

Step 3 – Inspect Rescue Equipment Before Entry Operations

Potential Hazards

• Equipment failure.
• Delayed retrieval.

Required Controls

• Inspect harnesses, retrieval lines, tripods, davits, winches, carabiners, pulleys, litters, respiratory equipment, monitors, and communications before use.
• Verify equipment ratings and compatibility.
• Check required inspection and maintenance status.
• Remove defective equipment from service.
• Stage equipment where it can be deployed without delay.

Step 4 – Practice Representative Rescues

Potential Hazards

• Poor team coordination.
• Improper equipment use.
• Delayed rescue.

Required Controls

• Conduct rescue practice at the frequency required by the applicable program and regulations.
• Use representative spaces or simulated spaces with similar opening size, configuration, accessibility, and internal obstacles.
• Practice non-entry retrieval, entry rescue, communications, patient packaging, and removal methods applicable to expected conditions.
• Correct deficiencies identified during drills.
• Document required rescue training and practice.

Step 5 – Recognize the Emergency

Potential Hazards

• Delayed response.
• Entrant exposure worsens.

Required Controls

• Treat atmospheric alarms, loss of communication, entrant distress, collapse, injury, entrapment, or evacuation failure as potential rescue emergencies.
• The attendant shall order evacuation when required.
• Immediately summon the designated rescue service.
• Do not allow spontaneous or untrained entry rescue.
• Provide responders with the most current information available.

Step 6 – Control the Scene

Potential Hazards

• Unauthorized rescue attempts.
• Traffic or equipment hazards.
• Multiple casualties.

Required Controls

• Barricade or control the rescue area.
• Prevent unauthorized persons from entering the space.
• Control traffic, mobile equipment, ignition sources, and other external hazards.
• Maintain clear access for rescue and emergency medical personnel.
• Assign personnel to control the scene and support rescue operations.

Step 7 – Obtain Entry and Hazard Information

Potential Hazards

• Rescuers exposed to unknown hazards.
• Incorrect equipment selection.

Required Controls

• Review the entry permit, atmospheric readings, work performed, chemicals used, energy isolation, ventilation status, and known hazards.
• Determine the entrant’s last known location and condition.
• Identify changes that occurred immediately before the emergency.
• Provide this information to the rescue team leader.
• Do not assume the original entry conditions still exist.

Step 8 – Isolate Hazardous Energy and Materials

Potential Hazards

• Unexpected startup.
• Engulfment.
• Electrical or mechanical injury.

Required Controls

• Verify existing lockout/tagout and isolation remain effective.
• Shut down and isolate additional energy or material sources as necessary.
• Blank, block, disconnect, secure, or otherwise isolate hazards when required and feasible.
• Do not compromise existing protective isolation during rescue.
• Verify isolation before entry rescuers approach hazardous equipment.

Step 9 – Test and Monitor the Atmosphere

Potential Hazards

• Asphyxiation.
• Toxic exposure.
• Fire or explosion.

Required Controls

• Test the atmosphere from outside the space before rescue entry whenever feasible.
• Evaluate oxygen, combustible gases or vapors, and identified toxic contaminants.
• Use continuous atmospheric monitoring during entry rescue where conditions may change.
• Sample relevant elevations and locations.
• Use respiratory protection appropriate to the actual or potential atmosphere.

Step 10 – Establish or Maintain Ventilation

Potential Hazards

• Hazardous atmosphere.
• Rescuer exposure.

Required Controls

• Continue existing ventilation if it remains effective and does not create additional hazards.
• Establish additional ventilation when appropriate to improve atmospheric conditions.
• Supply clean air from an uncontaminated source.
• Do not delay an otherwise properly protected rescue solely to achieve atmospheric normalization when respiratory protection and rescue procedures address the hazard.
• Monitor the atmosphere to verify ventilation effectiveness.

Step 11 – Attempt Non-Entry Rescue

Potential Hazards

• Entrant entrapment.
• Retrieval-system overload.
• Patient injury.

Required Controls

• Use non-entry retrieval whenever feasible and when it will not increase the overall risk.
• Operate retrieval equipment from a stable position.
• Keep personnel clear of pinch points and tensioned lines.
• Retrieve smoothly and avoid excessive force if the entrant becomes caught on internal obstacles.
• Stop and transition to an approved entry-rescue method if non-entry retrieval cannot be completed safely.

Step 12 – Prepare for Entry Rescue

Potential Hazards

• Rescuer exposure.
• Insufficient backup.
• Equipment failure.

Required Controls

• Entry rescue shall be authorized by the rescue team leader or designated authority.
• Assign entry rescuers, backup rescuers, attendants, communications, retrieval operators, and medical support as required.
• Verify atmospheric monitoring, PPE, respiratory protection, retrieval, lighting, communications, and patient-removal equipment.
• Review the rescue plan and emergency signals.
• Confirm the team has adequate resources before entry.

Step 13 – Don Rescue PPE

Potential Hazards

• Improper PPE.
• Respiratory-protection failure.

Required Controls

• Select PPE based on atmospheric and physical hazards.
• Inspect and properly don harnesses, respiratory protection, protective clothing, gloves, and other required equipment.
• Perform required respirator checks.
• Secure equipment to prevent snagging where practical.
• Have another trained team member verify critical PPE and connections before entry.

Step 14 – Establish Rescuer Communications

Potential Hazards

• Loss of rescuer status.
• Delayed emergency response.

Required Controls

• Use reliable communication between entry rescuers and outside rescue personnel.
• Test communication devices before entry.
• Establish backup signals or communication methods where appropriate.
• Maintain continuous or frequent contact appropriate to the rescue conditions.
• Withdraw rescuers if required communications fail and safety cannot be assured.

Step 15 – Enter the Space

Potential Hazards

• Fall.
• Atmospheric exposure.
• Entrapment.

Required Controls

• Use the designated access and retrieval system.
• Maintain attachment to rescue or fall-protection systems as required.
• Control tools and equipment during entry.
• Maintain awareness of hoses, lifelines, cords, and obstacles.
• Proceed deliberately and remain within the rescue plan.

Step 16 – Navigate to the Entrant

Potential Hazards

• Trips.
• Snagging.
• Hazardous-energy contact.
• Rescuer fatigue.

Required Controls

• Follow the planned route and avoid unnecessary contact with equipment or residues.
• Manage lifelines, breathing-air lines, and communications to prevent entanglement.
• Continuously monitor atmospheric conditions.
• Maintain communication with the outside team.
• Stop if conditions exceed the team’s training, PPE, or equipment capability.

Step 17 – Assess the Entrant

Potential Hazards

• Medical deterioration.
• Rescuer exposure.
• Improper handling.

Required Controls

• Assess responsiveness, airway, breathing, circulation, and immediately life-threatening conditions within the rescuer’s training.
• Do not remove required rescuer respiratory protection to assist the patient.
• Determine whether immediate removal or limited stabilization is appropriate.
• Communicate patient condition to outside personnel.
• Request additional medical resources when necessary.

Step 18 – Free an Entrapped Entrant

Potential Hazards

• Crushing.
• Stored energy.
• Secondary collapse or movement.

Required Controls

• Identify the cause of entrapment before applying force.
• Isolate or stabilize machinery, materials, or structural components as required.
• Use appropriate rescue tools and techniques.
• Keep rescuers out of pinch points and lines of fire.
• Do not create a larger hazard while attempting disentanglement.

Step 19 – Package the Entrant

Potential Hazards

• Patient falls.
• Spinal or other injury aggravated.
• Rescuer strain.

Required Controls

• Use a rescue harness, litter, or other patient-packaging system appropriate to the space and condition.
• Secure the entrant sufficiently for the anticipated orientation and movement.
• Protect the entrant from sharp edges and obstructions.
• Coordinate packaging with the outside retrieval team.
• Use mechanical assistance where practical to reduce manual handling.

Step 20 – Perform Vertical Retrieval

Potential Hazards

• Falling patient.
• Dropped equipment.
• Rigging failure.

Required Controls

• Use a rated tripod, davit, winch, rope system, or other approved retrieval arrangement.
• Verify anchor points and system components are appropriate for rescue loads.
• Maintain controlled movement during raising or lowering.
• Keep personnel clear beneath suspended rescuers or patients.
• Protect ropes and lines from sharp edges and abrasion.

Step 21 – Perform Horizontal / Restricted-Opening Removal

Potential Hazards

• Patient entrapment.
• Pinch points.
• Rescuer strain.

Required Controls

• Plan body orientation before movement through the opening.
• Use appropriate patient-packaging and low-friction or mechanical systems when needed.
• Coordinate movements between inside and outside personnel.
• Protect the patient’s head, limbs, and airway.
• Avoid uncontrolled pulling or twisting.

Step 22 – Manage Respiratory Hazards During Removal

Potential Hazards

• Loss of breathing air.
• Toxic exposure.

Required Controls

• Maintain required respiratory protection until the rescuer and patient reach a verified safe atmosphere.
• Monitor breathing-air supply where supplied-air systems are used.
• Prevent hoses from kinking, snagging, or being damaged.
• Maintain backup respiratory capability as required by the rescue plan.
• Do not remove respiratory protection based solely on improvement in one atmospheric reading.

Step 23 – Transfer the Entrant to Medical Care

Potential Hazards

• Delayed treatment.
• Secondary exposure.

Required Controls

• Move the entrant to a safe area after removal.
• Provide first aid, CPR/AED, oxygen, or other care only within the responder’s training and authorization.
• Transfer care to emergency medical personnel.
• Provide information regarding atmospheric readings, chemicals, duration of exposure, injuries, and treatment already provided.
• Preserve relevant SDSs or exposure information for medical responders.

Step 24 – Account for All Rescuers and Entrants

Potential Hazards

• Missing rescuer.
• Unrecognized secondary emergency.

Required Controls

• Maintain accountability throughout rescue operations.
• Confirm all rescuers, entrants, and support personnel are accounted for after removal.
• Do not terminate rescue control until all personnel are confirmed outside the space.
• Report any rescuer symptoms, exposures, injuries, or equipment problems immediately.

Step 25 – Terminate Rescue Operations

Potential Hazards

• Premature restoration of equipment.
• Unauthorized reentry.

Required Controls

• Keep the space secured after rescue.
• Do not permit reentry until hazards have been reevaluated and a new authorized entry is established if needed.
• Maintain isolation until authorized restoration.
• Preserve the scene when required for incident investigation.
• Return rescue equipment to service only after inspection, cleaning, and required maintenance.

Step 26 – Decontaminate Personnel and Equipment

Potential Hazards

• Chemical or biological exposure.
• Cross-contamination.

Required Controls

• Establish decontamination procedures when contaminants are present.
• Remove contaminated PPE in a manner that minimizes secondary exposure.
• Clean rescue equipment according to manufacturer and program requirements.
• Dispose of contaminated materials appropriately.
• Seek medical evaluation when exposure criteria or symptoms warrant.

Step 27 – Conduct Post-Rescue Medical Evaluation

Potential Hazards

• Delayed effects of exposure.
• Unrecognized rescuer injury.

Required Controls

• Evaluate rescued entrants and exposed rescuers according to emergency medical and occupational-health procedures.
• Report symptoms such as dizziness, headache, breathing difficulty, irritation, confusion, or loss of consciousness.
• Provide exposure information to medical personnel.
• Document injuries and exposures as required.

Step 28 – Conduct a Post-Incident Review

Potential Hazards

• Repeated deficiencies.
• Uncorrected rescue problems.

Required Controls

• Review the emergency, activation, response time, communications, equipment, atmospheric conditions, rescue method, and medical response.
• Identify deficiencies and corrective actions.
• Revise rescue plans, equipment, training, or confined-space procedures when necessary.
• Document the incident and lessons learned.
• Communicate relevant corrective actions to affected employees.

General Safe Work Requirements

• A suitable rescue capability shall be identified and available before permit-required confined space entry begins.
• Non-entry rescue shall be used whenever feasible and when it does not increase the overall risk.
• Entry rescue shall be performed only by trained, equipped, and authorized rescue personnel.
• Employees shall not make spontaneous or unauthorized rescue entries.
• Rescue personnel shall understand the hazards of the space and use PPE and respiratory protection appropriate to those hazards.
• Atmospheric conditions shall be tested and monitored during rescue as required by the hazards.
• Hazardous energy and material sources shall remain isolated or be further controlled during rescue.
• Retrieval systems, anchors, rescue hardware, and patient-handling equipment shall be inspected and suitable for the anticipated loads and configuration.
• Reliable communication and personnel accountability shall be maintained throughout rescue operations.
• Rescue teams shall practice rescue from representative permit spaces at the intervals required by the applicable confined-space program and regulations.
• At least one member of the rescue service shall hold current certification in first aid and CPR when required by applicable regulations.
• Rescue operations shall stop or change tactics when conditions exceed the team’s training, equipment, staffing, or protective capability.
• After rescue, the space shall remain secured until hazards are reevaluated and any subsequent entry is properly authorized.
• Rescue equipment shall be inspected, cleaned, maintained, and restored to service after use.

Training

Confined space rescue personnel shall receive training appropriate to their assigned rescue duties before performing rescue operations. Training shall address confined-space hazards, atmospheric monitoring, PPE, respiratory protection, retrieval systems, rope or mechanical rescue systems as applicable, communications, entry control, hazardous-energy isolation, patient assessment and packaging, non-entry rescue, entry rescue, emergency medical coordination, and decontamination. Rescue personnel shall practice making permit-space rescues using representative spaces or simulated spaces as required by the applicable standard and program. Required first-aid and CPR qualifications shall be maintained.

References

• OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146 – Permit-Required Confined Spaces, where applicable.
• OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart AA – Confined Spaces in Construction.
• OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1211 – Rescue and Emergency Services.
• OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1204 – Permit-Required Confined Space Program.
• Applicable respiratory-protection, lockout/tagout, fall-protection, emergency-response, and first-aid procedures.
• Rescue-equipment and atmospheric-monitor manufacturer instructions.
• Applicable site and client requirements.