A rescue team is required for entry into permit-required confined spaces. This is due to the potential for serious hazards within these spaces that could incapacitate entrants.

Confined space attendants require training on the hazards of the specific space, entry permit procedures, their responsibilities in monitoring entrants and maintaining communication, the proper use of communication and rescue equipment, emergency protocols including how to summon rescue, and how to safely perform all their assigned duties. If applicable, they also need training specific to alternate procedure confined spaces.

Yes, you can provide your own rescue team, but they must be properly trained and equipped to perform confined space rescues specific to the hazards present. The key is ensuring a competent and readily available rescue capability for permit-required confined spaces. Training must be renewed annually.

Confined space rescue team members must receive comprehensive training that enables them to effectively perform rescue operations without endangering themselves or the entrants. This includes: understanding the hazards of confined spaces, proper use of rescue equipment (including retrieval systems, PPE, and atmospheric monitoring), entry procedures, communication methods, first aid and CPR, and the execution of simulated rescue exercises relevant to the types of confined spaces they may encounter. Training should be regularly practiced and updated to maintain proficiency.

Awareness Level: This basic training is for individuals who may work near confined spaces but are not expected to enter them. It focuses on recognizing the hazards of confined spaces and the importance of preventing unauthorized entry.  

Entrant Training: This level is for personnel authorized to enter confined spaces. Training covers hazard identification specific to the space, proper use of PPE, communication procedures, and emergency self-rescue techniques.  

Attendant Training: Attendants, who monitor entrants from outside the confined space, require training on the hazards, communication procedures with entrants, emergency procedures (including summoning rescue), and preventing unauthorized entry.

Entry Supervisor Training: This level focuses on the responsibilities of the person authorizing and overseeing confined space entries. Training includes permit procedures, hazard assessment and control verification, ensuring rescue means are in place, and terminating permits.

Rescue Team Training: This is the most advanced level, required for individuals who will perform confined space rescues. It involves extensive hands-on training in rescue techniques, use of specialized equipment (like ropes, harnesses, and breathing apparatus), patient packaging, and emergency medical care in confined space environments. Some standards, like NFPA 1006, further categorize rescue technicians into different levels based on their skills and responsibilities.  

The NFPA, particularly through standards like NFPA 1006: Standard for Technical Rescuer Professional Qualifications and NFPA 1670: Standard on Operations and Training for Technical Search and Rescue Incidents, outlines comprehensive requirements for confined space rescue technicians. These standards emphasize the need for a high level of skill and knowledge to safely and effectively conduct confined space rescues.

This includes:

Comprehensive knowledge of confined space hazards, regulations, and safe entry procedures.

Advanced skills in using specialized rescue equipment, including atmospheric monitoring, ventilation, retrieval systems, ropes and rigging, and supplied air breathing apparatus.

Proficiency in patient assessment, packaging, and extrication from confined spaces.

Ability to lead and coordinate rescue operations, including hazard assessment, planning, and implementation.  

Participation in realistic scenario-based training to maintain proficiency in various rescue techniques and confined space configurations.  

Understanding of incident command systems and the roles within a rescue team.

Medical training appropriate for the level of rescue service provided.

Required Certifications

National Incident Command System 100, 200, 700, 800

Hazmat Awareness

Rope Rescue Operations

Confined Space Rescue Operations

Confined Space Rescue Technician