Every year my team conducts a confined space rescue drill and hands-on training. We a pick a new permit-required confined space for each drill and we invite our plant mechanics (entrants, attendants, supervisors), our emergency coordinators, our first aid response team, and the local fire department.
This year we included the following elements:
- Review of some noteworthy non-WHOI confined space fatality reports.
- Description of potential confined space hazards and control measures.
- Review of confined space entry procedures, including the roles of Entrant, Attendant and Supervisor.
- The tripod hoist system and portable ventilation unit were set up and demonstrated.
- The emergency escape breathing apparatus was demonstrated.
- A hands-on demonstration of the 4-gas meter was conducted, including a bump test.
- The confined space entry permit was reviewed and completed for this permit-required confined space.
- A rescue manakin was used for the drill. The manakin was rescued with the tripod hoist attached to a full body harness and with the Sked rescue device. The Sked rescue device was demonstrated, including rigging.
In the spirit of continual improvement we also review the drill, the confined space entry program, and all life safety equipment to identify any opportunities for improvement.
