Every workplace needs a confined space entry and rescue plan to ensure workers know how to stay safe when in spaces unfit for continuous human occupation.
Workers may need to go into all types of confined spaces, including storage tanks, utility tunnels, basements, crawl spaces, and manholes. These areas usually have a limited number of entrances/exits, which can make it difficult for workers to escape in an emergency. Water can fill the space, trapping workers inside. The walls or ceiling in the space may be structurally unsound, causing debris to fall overhead.
Each space presents unique challenges that must be dealt with prior to entry. Companies and construction crews can use the following visual guide, courtesy of PKSafety.com, to create an effective rescue plan for confined spaces.
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