Confined Space Equipment - Confined Space Rescue Requires the Right Equipment

Confined Space Rescue Requires the Right Equipment


Rescue operations are serious business. That may seem like an obvious statement but if you've ever been in the position of having to be rescued you know that the importance of such a statement can never be underestimated. That's why it's vitally important for confined space rescue workers to not only be trained in proper methodology, but also to have the right equipment. They need equipment that is easily portable, quickly set up, and strong and dependable enough to do the job safely.

A standard component to almost every portable rescue system is either the confined space rescue davit or portable rescue tripod. This piece of equipment allows an accident victim to be extracted from a limited space as safely and efficiently as possible. It works on the principle of suspending the pivot point of a rope and pulley system over the centre of an access hole so as to allow extraction to move up in a straight line. This provides the best chance of rescuing a victim without incurring unnecessary additional injury.


Weight Rating

Confined space rescue davits are generally constructed of high quality steel and include a base plate, post, cantilever arm, and winch. The portable rescue tripod is generally made of high-strength aluminium and includes a pulley and winch. Regardless of the type of system used, materials must be rated to handle the total amount of weight and force put on the system. For example, though aluminium might seem to be unfit for the task, a good tripod system can stand up to 5,000 lbs. of vertical pull.

Confined space rescue davits are at least as strong - in most cases even stronger. They are designed to be used where a portable tripod is not practical or appropriate for the extraction. Sometimes you'll see a rescue davit mounted on a portable four-point frame while other times it is attached to a fixed base. Regardless of whether rescuers use a davit or a tripod, both systems also must have a fall arrest system as well. The fall arrest must be rated in proportion to the overall system.


Ropes, Pulleys, and Winches

Along with using confined space rescue davits and rescue tripods that are properly rated, rescuers also need to take a good hard look at the ropes, pulleys, and winches and they will be using. It doesn't do any good to have the finest davit on the market then turn around and use cheap ropes and pulleys. A low-stretch nylon rope is a good candidate as long as it meets the ratings for static strength, slippage, and knotability.

In addition to proper strength ratings police and winches also need to be designed and manufactured according to the highest standards. Using brand-name winches and pulleys may add a little more to the overall cost of your rescue system but it's well worth it. Remember that confined space rescue is serious business. Whether using confined space rescue davits or tripods you need the right equipment to do it safely.