13 Aug Emergency Response – JSA

Emergency Response Job Safety Analysis (JSA)

Job / Task

Emergency response during confined space or permit-required confined space operations, including atmospheric alarms, entrant distress, injury or illness, loss of communication, ventilation failure, fire, hazardous-energy release, entrapment, and other conditions requiring evacuation, retrieval, rescue, or emergency medical response.

Purpose

This Job Safety Analysis (JSA), also known as a Job Hazard Analysis (JHA), identifies hazards associated with confined space emergency response and establishes controls for recognizing emergencies, ordering evacuation, summoning rescue services, performing non-entry retrieval, controlling the scene, and coordinating authorized rescue and medical response.

Personnel Qualifications and Responsibilities

Personnel involved in confined space emergency response shall be trained for their assigned roles. Entry rescue shall be performed only by trained, equipped, and authorized rescue personnel. Employees shall not make spontaneous or unauthorized rescue entries.

Authorized Entrants

• Recognize warning signs, symptoms, alarms, and prohibited conditions requiring evacuation.
• Immediately notify the attendant of hazards, symptoms, or changing conditions.
• Exit the space as quickly as possible when ordered, when an alarm activates, or when a prohibited condition develops.
• Follow established communication and emergency procedures.

Attendant

• Remain outside the permit space and continuously perform assigned attendant duties.
• Monitor entrant status and conditions inside and outside the space.
• Order entrants to evacuate when required.
• Immediately summon the designated rescue service when rescue may be needed.
• Initiate non-entry retrieval when feasible, authorized, and safe.
• Prevent unauthorized persons from entering the space.

Entry Supervisor / Emergency Coordinator

• Coordinate evacuation, scene control, rescue activation, and communication with emergency services.
• Provide responders with the entry permit, atmospheric readings, hazards, entrant information, isolation status, and space configuration.
• Prevent reentry until the emergency has been resolved and entry conditions are reevaluated.

Rescue Personnel

• Perform rescue only within the limits of their training, equipment, and authorization.
• Use required atmospheric monitoring, PPE, respiratory protection, retrieval, communication, and patient-handling systems.
• Follow the established confined space rescue plan.

Required PPE and Emergency Equipment

PPE and emergency equipment shall be selected for the specific space and emergency and may include:

• Hard hat.
• Safety glasses, goggles, or face protection.
• Safety footwear.
• Work gloves or chemical-resistant gloves.
• Protective clothing appropriate to the hazard.
• Full-body harness and retrieval line.
• Tripod, davit, winch, or other approved retrieval system.
• Portable atmospheric monitor appropriate to identified hazards.
• Respiratory protection when required under the respiratory-protection program.
• Fall-protection equipment where required.
• Intrinsically safe or appropriately rated lighting and communications where required.
• First-aid kit, AED, and bloodborne-pathogen protective supplies where provided.
• Rescue litter or other patient-packaging equipment when required.
• Additional equipment identified by the entry permit and rescue plan.

JSA – Job Steps, Hazards, and Controls

Step 1 – Establish Emergency Procedures Before Entry

Potential Hazards

• Delayed response.
• Unprepared personnel.
• Inappropriate rescue attempt.

Required Controls

• Identify foreseeable emergencies before entry begins.
• Establish evacuation, communication, non-entry retrieval, rescue-service activation, and emergency medical procedures.
• Verify emergency contact methods are functional.
• Confirm the designated rescue service is available and capable of responding appropriately.
• Do not authorize permit-space entry without required emergency-response capability.

Step 2 – Stage Emergency and Retrieval Equipment

Potential Hazards

• Delayed retrieval.
• Equipment unavailable or defective.

Required Controls

• Stage retrieval, atmospheric monitoring, communications, first-aid, and rescue equipment before entry.
• Inspect equipment for condition and compatibility.
• Keep access to emergency equipment unobstructed.
• Verify retrieval systems are correctly assembled and positioned.
• Remove defective equipment from service.

Step 3 – Maintain Emergency Communications

Potential Hazards

• Delayed notification.
• Loss of entrant status.

Required Controls

• Maintain reliable communication between entrants and the attendant.
• Maintain a working means to summon rescue and emergency services.
• Test communication devices before entry.
• Establish backup communication signals where appropriate.
• Stop entry when required communication cannot be maintained.

Step 4 – Recognize an Emergency Condition

Potential Hazards

• Delayed evacuation.
• Entrant incapacitation.

Required Controls

• Treat atmospheric alarms, entrant distress, loss of communication, ventilation failure, fire, flooding, engulfment, energy release, collapse, or prohibited conditions as potential emergencies.
• The attendant shall continuously evaluate entrant status and external conditions.
• Do not delay protective action while attempting to fully diagnose the emergency.
• Warn affected personnel immediately.

Step 5 – Order Immediate Evacuation

Potential Hazards

• Continued exposure.
• Entrant unable to self-rescue.

Required Controls

• The attendant shall order evacuation when prohibited conditions arise, entrants show signs or symptoms of exposure, required controls fail, or outside conditions endanger entrants.
• Entrants shall stop work and exit immediately.
• Maintain communication during evacuation.
• Account for entrants as they exit.
• Do not allow work to continue after an evacuation order.

Step 6 – Respond to Atmospheric Monitor Alarm

Potential Hazards

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

Required Controls

• Entrants shall immediately evacuate when required by the alarm or entry procedure.
• Do not silence or disregard alarms to continue work.
• Maintain or increase ventilation only when this can be done safely from outside the space.
• Restrict access until the atmosphere is reevaluated.
• Reentry requires acceptable conditions and renewed authorization.

Step 7 – Respond to Ventilation Failure

Potential Hazards

• Rapid atmospheric deterioration.
• Toxic or oxygen-deficient atmosphere.

Required Controls

• Order evacuation when ventilation required for safe entry fails or becomes ineffective.
• Do not rely on previous atmospheric readings.
• Repair or replace ventilation equipment from outside the space where feasible.
• Retest the atmosphere before reentry.
• Document the interruption as required by the permit procedure.

Step 8 – Respond to Loss of Communication

Potential Hazards

• Entrant condition unknown.
• Delayed rescue.

Required Controls

• Attempt the established backup communication method.
• Order evacuation if required communication cannot be restored promptly.
• Do not enter the space merely to determine why communication was lost.
• Summon rescue services if an entrant fails to respond or exit.
• Maintain scene control.

Step 9 – Respond to Entrant Illness or Injury

Potential Hazards

• Incapacitation.
• Delayed medical treatment.
• Responder exposure.

Required Controls

• Order evacuation and summon rescue or emergency medical services as appropriate.
• Initiate non-entry retrieval when feasible and safe.
• Do not allow untrained employees to enter the space.
• Provide first aid after removal within the responder’s training.
• Provide medical responders with known exposure and atmospheric information.

Step 10 – Summon the Designated Rescue Service

Potential Hazards

• Delayed rescue.
• Incorrect response location.

Required Controls

• Activate the rescue service immediately when an entrant may require assistance beyond self-rescue.
• Provide the exact location, space identification, access point, number of entrants, known hazards, and entrant condition.
• Provide a contact person to meet responders when practical.
• Keep rescue access routes clear.
• Update responders if conditions change.

Step 11 – Control the Entry Area

Potential Hazards

• Unauthorized rescue attempts.
• Secondary casualties.
• Responder interference.

Required Controls

• Barricade or control the area around the space.
• Prevent unauthorized persons from entering.
• Stop nearby work that could affect the space or rescue operation.
• Control traffic, mobile equipment, ignition sources, and falling-object hazards.
• Maintain clear access for rescue and EMS personnel.

Step 12 – Maintain Hazardous-Energy Isolation

Potential Hazards

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

Required Controls

• Verify lockout/tagout and other isolation remain effective.
• Do not restore energy or connected processes during the emergency.
• Isolate additional energy or material sources when necessary and safe.
• Communicate isolation status to rescue personnel.
• Restore systems only after the emergency is terminated and authorization is given.

Step 13 – Continue Atmospheric Monitoring

Potential Hazards

• Changing atmosphere.
• Responder exposure.

Required Controls

• Continue monitoring from outside and within the space as appropriate.
• Test oxygen, combustible gases or vapors, and identified toxic contaminants.
• Provide current readings to rescue personnel.
• Do not assume the original entry atmosphere remains unchanged.
• Use respiratory protection appropriate to actual or potential conditions during entry rescue.

Step 14 – Initiate Non-Entry Retrieval

Potential Hazards

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

Required Controls

• Use non-entry rescue whenever feasible and appropriate.
• Operate the retrieval system from a stable position outside the space.
• Keep personnel clear of tensioned lines and pinch points.
• Retrieve smoothly and stop if the entrant becomes caught on internal obstacles.
• Do not use excessive force that could injure the entrant or damage the system.

Step 15 – Determine Whether Entry Rescue Is Required

Potential Hazards

• Multiple casualties.
• Rescuer exposure.

Required Controls

• If non-entry retrieval is not feasible or successful, use the designated entry-rescue service.
• Entry rescue shall be performed only by trained and equipped rescue personnel.
• Evaluate atmospheric, structural, mechanical, chemical, and access hazards before rescue entry.
• Confirm adequate rescuers, backup personnel, communications, PPE, respiratory protection, and retrieval equipment.
• Do not permit spontaneous entry by coworkers.

Step 16 – Support Entry Rescue Operations

Potential Hazards

• Conflicting actions.
• Equipment interference.
• Delayed removal.

Required Controls

• Provide rescuers with the permit, atmospheric readings, SDSs, space drawings, work scope, entrant location, and isolation information.
• Maintain scene control and responder access.
• Assist only as directed by the rescue team leader.
• Keep retrieval lines, breathing-air hoses, and rescue equipment clear of obstructions.
• Do not interfere with rescue-team command.

Step 17 – Respond to Fire or Explosion Hazard

Potential Hazards

• Burns.
• Smoke inhalation.
• Explosion.
• Structural damage.

Required Controls

• Order immediate evacuation and summon fire/rescue services.
• Do not enter the space to fight a fire unless specifically trained, equipped, and authorized.
• Control external ignition or fuel sources only when safe to do so.
• Maintain isolation and restrict access.
• Treat the atmosphere as hazardous until evaluated.

Step 18 – Respond to Engulfment or Flooding

Potential Hazards

• Drowning.
• Crushing.
• Entrapment.
• Rescuer exposure.

Required Controls

• Stop the source of incoming material or liquid from outside the space when feasible and safe.
• Maintain or establish isolation.
• Do not enter unstable material or flowing liquid for rescue without a specialized rescue plan and trained personnel.
• Summon appropriate rescue services immediately.
• Consider structural and atmospheric hazards created by the release.

Step 19 – Respond to Electrical or Mechanical Emergency

Potential Hazards

• Electrocution.
• Arc flash.
• Crushing.
• Stored-energy release.

Required Controls

• Do not touch an entrant who may remain in contact with an energized source.
• De-energize and verify isolation through qualified personnel.
• Secure mechanical components against movement.
• Do not bypass lockout/tagout protections during rescue.
• Provide hazard information to rescue personnel.

Step 20 – Remove the Entrant

Potential Hazards

• Fall.
• Patient injury.
• Manual-handling strain.

Required Controls

• Use retrieval and patient-handling equipment appropriate to the space configuration.
• Protect the entrant from sharp edges and obstructions.
• Coordinate movement between inside and outside rescue personnel.
• Use mechanical assistance where practical.
• Maintain required respiratory and fall protection until the entrant and rescuers reach a safe area.

Step 21 – Provide Emergency Medical Care

Potential Hazards

• Delayed treatment.
• Bloodborne-pathogen exposure.
• Secondary chemical exposure.

Required Controls

• Move the entrant to a safe area after removal.
• Provide first aid, CPR, AED, or other assistance only within responder training and authorization.
• Use appropriate barrier PPE.
• Transfer care to EMS when available.
• Provide atmospheric readings, exposure information, SDSs, and incident details to medical personnel.

Step 22 – Account for All Personnel

Potential Hazards

• Missing entrant or rescuer.
• Premature incident termination.

Required Controls

• Confirm all entrants and rescuers are outside the space.
• Maintain accountability throughout the emergency.
• Report missing personnel immediately to rescue command.
• Do not terminate scene control until all personnel are accounted for.
• Report responder exposures or injuries.

Step 23 – Prevent Reentry

Potential Hazards

• Exposure to unresolved hazards.
• Repeat incident.

Required Controls

• Secure the space after evacuation or rescue.
• Do not permit reentry until the emergency condition has been identified and corrected.
• Retest the atmosphere and verify isolation and ventilation.
• Cancel the affected permit and issue a new or reauthorized permit as required.
• Conduct a new pre-entry briefing before work resumes.

Step 24 – Restore the Space and Equipment

Potential Hazards

• Unexpected startup.
• Residual hazardous atmosphere.

Required Controls

• Restore energy, piping, equipment, covers, guards, and ventilation only under applicable procedures.
• Verify all personnel and rescue equipment are clear.
• Inspect equipment affected by the emergency.
• Replace or service used emergency and retrieval equipment.
• Notify affected personnel before return to service.

Step 25 – Report and Document the Emergency

Potential Hazards

• Loss of critical information.
• Incomplete corrective action.

Required Controls

• Document the emergency, atmospheric conditions, evacuation, rescue activation, injuries, exposures, and equipment issues.
• Retain the affected entry permit as required.
• Complete applicable incident and exposure reports.
• Preserve relevant monitoring records and witness information.
• Make required notifications under applicable procedures.

Step 26 – Conduct a Post-Emergency Review

Potential Hazards

• Repeated deficiencies.
• Ineffective emergency plan.

Required Controls

• Review alarm recognition, evacuation, communication, retrieval, rescue response time, equipment, atmospheric monitoring, and medical response.
• Identify corrective actions and assign responsibility.
• Revise entry, rescue, training, or emergency procedures when necessary.
• Communicate lessons learned to affected employees.
• Verify corrective actions are completed before similar entry work resumes.

General Safe Work Requirements

• Emergency procedures and rescue capability shall be established before permit-required confined space entry begins.
• Entrants shall immediately evacuate when ordered, when an alarm activates, when prohibited conditions develop, or when signs or symptoms of exposure occur.
• The attendant shall remain outside the space, maintain entrant accountability, and summon rescue services when required.
• Non-entry retrieval shall be used whenever feasible and appropriate.
• Entry rescue shall be performed only by trained, equipped, and authorized rescue personnel.
• Employees shall never make spontaneous or unauthorized rescue entries.
• Atmospheric monitoring, hazardous-energy isolation, ventilation, communications, and access control shall be maintained during an emergency as applicable.
• Emergency responders shall receive available information regarding the space, hazards, atmospheric readings, isolation, work performed, and entrant status.
• Emergency access routes and the area around the confined-space opening shall remain clear.
• The space shall remain secured following evacuation or rescue until hazards are reevaluated and reentry is properly authorized.
• Used rescue, retrieval, monitoring, and emergency equipment shall be inspected and restored to service before reuse.
• Confined-space emergencies shall be documented and reviewed to identify necessary corrective actions.

Training and Drills

Employees involved in confined space work shall receive emergency-response training appropriate to their assigned duties. Training shall address alarm recognition, evacuation criteria, entrant and attendant responsibilities, communication, rescue-service activation, non-entry retrieval, atmospheric hazards, hazardous-energy isolation, emergency medical response, and prohibition of unauthorized rescue entry. Designated rescue personnel shall receive specialized rescue training and conduct rescue practice using representative spaces or simulated spaces as required by the applicable confined-space program.

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 1926.1204 – Permit-Required Confined Space Program.
• OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1208 – Duties of Authorized Entrants.
• OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1209 – Duties of Attendants.
• OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1210 – Duties of Entry Supervisors.
• OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1211 – Rescue and Emergency Services.
• Applicable confined-space, rescue, respiratory-protection, lockout/tagout, first-aid, and emergency-action procedures.