Confine Space Rescues

Some of the most technical service requests are confined space rescues. A confined space is any space that is not intended to be occupied by a human and has poor or limited access. These spaces include industrial storage tanks, rail cars and underground sewer pipes. Often they have other hazards present like electricity, toxic gases, mechanical equipment and infectious waste which increase the danger to rescuers. A history of high death tolls of people working in these confined spaces has forced OHSA to establish and enforce state and federal regulations to reduce on-the-job accident and death rates.

In 1997, the district began an intensive training program for confined space emergency rescue. Those who have received specialized training are certified as Confine Space Rescue Technicians. In addition, all district firefighters are trained to operate around confined spaces and to support the rescue efforts of the Confine Space Rescue Technicians.