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November 2003 — Confined Space Rescue

OSHA reports that more than 13,000 American workers are injured annually in confined space accidents - 5000 of those seriously. In 1996, 85 workers died throughout the U.S. in confined space incidents, but on average about 60 die each year.

In general, over half of those who die in confined spaces would have been attempting to rescue colleagues who had gotten into difficulties. These are usually unauthorized rescue attempts by workers who react instinctively to a colleague's distress. The human instinct to assist colleagues in danger is very strong, often with fatal consequences. Effective confined space training aims to control these natural instincts by instilling in workers automatic emergency responses based on well planned and agreed procedures.

Never attempt a confined space rescue unless you and at least one other person have been trained to the minimum requirements established by OSHA, have a rescue plan and the proper rescue equipment on hand, and have been trained for the type of confined space to be entered.

Important:

This information is offered by the National Welding Supply Association and your local distributor as general guidance only and may not explain all relevant safety precautions or hazards

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