The roles of a confined space rescue team and how they work together to safely rescue people from confined spaces. This post assumes that a rescue team is already in place, and highlights the main roles and responsibilities of each member.
The Entry Supervisor
Reviews pre-entry checks such as atmosphere testing, validates permit to work and ensures appropriate rescue equipment is in place to name a few examples. The person with authority to stop the job in the event of changes occurring.
The Attendant
The attendant(s) are based outside of the entry point throughout the operation to monitor communications and be able to account for all persons within the confined space. They must not enter the space in the event of an incident, only raise an alarm and manage the situation from outside.
The Entrant
All people entering the confined space must be able to carry out a self rescue and know how to withdraw from the space and signal for help. The training to be able to enter a confined space is compulsory under health and safety legislation. If you want Confined Space Rescue, https://www.agofirerescue.com/confined-space-rescue/ is a good place to start.
The Rescue Team Leader
Medical and First Aid Support
A first aider or persons with first aid training are required to assess the casualty upon their retrieval from the confined space before they are further moved. Incidents have occurred where personnel have seriously injured a casualty when trying to be helpful.
Scaling Roles on Smaller Sites
A single person might perform the roles of entry person, attendant and other roles on a small site, however the attendant function must always be kept separate from entry in order to avoid incidents getting out of hand as set out in confined space rescue from real incidents guidance.
Getting the roles right before entry is easier than managing the consequences after.
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