Confined Space Teams
At Platinum Safety, we offer confined space teams as either a 2 or 4 member team. For most spaces a 2 person team is acceptable, for more complex confined spaces a 4 member team is recommended. Different agencies and standards have varying interpretations on the amount of rescuers needed for a team.
- OSHA's Permit Required Confined Space Regulation 1910.146 (general industry) does not state the specific number of personnel required for stand-by operations. This standard is intended to be "performance based" and a determination of the prospective rescue service's ability to perform a rescue from the type of space is to be evaluated by the employer. If the evaluated team, regardless of number, can safely and effectively perform a rescue in a timely manner, then the team would be deemed capable.
- OSHA's Respiratory Standard 1910.134, Section (g)(3)(i) states that "One employee or, when needed, more than one employee is located outside the IDLH atmosphere;" and Section (g)(3)(iii) adds that..."The employee(s) located outside the IDLH atmosphere are trained and equipped to provide effective emergency rescue" - however, still no set number of personnel.
- OSHA's Hazwoper standard 1910.120 is often cited regarding IDLH response requirements. This standard requires the use of the "buddy system with stand-by personnel" for emergency operations involving the release of hazardous substances producing IDLH conditions. This regulation specifies a minimum of 4 members, 2 as a rescue team and 2 as a back-up.
- The National Fire Protection Association, NFPA 1670 (Standard on Operations and Training for Technical Search and Rescue Incidents) states that 6 rescue technicians shall be the minimum staffing for a "technician level" confined space response.
Confined Space Teams
At Platinum Safety, we provide teams and equipment that meet or exceed all guidelines and standards. Our rescue technicians have real world experience and are all certified to NFPA and OSHA standards. All certifications are kept current and available upon request. Our teams have extensive experience working in sewers, tunnels, boilers, tanks, shafts, pits, paint booths, and vessels. Most of our technicians are current or retired firefighters, Hazardous Material Technicians, and/or Emergency Medical Technicians. Our teams will assist in taking the guesswork out of providing a safe work environment for your employees. They will handle all activities inside and outside of the space to ensure a safe entry. What you can expect with a typical confined space team:
- 2 or 4 professionally trained and certified rescue technicians
- all technicians are at a minimum CPR and First Aid certified
- reliable equipment that meets or exceeds all guidelines
- quality and properly calibrated air monitoring equipment
- ventilation equipment to be used to ensure a clean air environment
- applicable paperwork and documentation