Safety & Compliance · SOP

Confined Space Rescue Drill

This procedure establishes a standardized rescue drill for confined space incidents. It ensures team readiness, equipment functionality, and regulatory compliance under WorkSafeBC OHS Part 9 and CSA Z1006.

Estimated Time

45 min

Difficulty

Advanced

Regulation

CSA Z1006

Version

1.0

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Purpose

To verify that all assigned confined space rescue personnel can execute an effective, time‑critical rescue using the prescribed equipment and communication protocols. This drill validates the Rescue Plan required by OHS regulations before any entry work begins.

Scope

This SOP applies to all confined spaces on site (vessels, tanks, manholes, ducts, pits). It covers pre‑entry checks, team briefing, simulated rescue with tripod/winch, and debrief. All entrants, attendants, and emergency response team members must participate at least once per quarter or before any permit‑required entry.

Safety Precautions

LOTOPerform lockout/tagout on all energy sources connected to the confined space before removing any cover or opening.
ATMOSContinuous atmospheric monitoring is mandatory. If O₂ falls below 19.5% or any toxic gas exceeds exposure limits, abort entry immediately.
PPEAll drill participants must wear hard hat, safety glasses, steel‑toe boots, and gloves. Entrant must wear full‑body harness with D‑ring attached to retrieval line.
COMMSEstablish two‑way communication before any simulated entry. Use dedicated radio channel or hardwired intercom. Account for audible alarms.

Required Tools & Materials

Rescue tripod & man‑rated winch (retrieval capability)
Full‑body harness (CSA Z259.10)
Retrieval lines – static kernmantle rope, 5/8″ minimum
Multi‑gas detector (O₂, LEL, H₂S, CO)
SCBA or supplied‑air respirator (rated for the space)
Two‑way radio or hardwired communication system
First aid kit & AED on stand‑by
Lockout/tagout kit & barrier tape
Lighting (explosion‑proof if flammable atmosphere possible)

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Procedure: Step-by-Step

1 Pre‑Drill Briefing – Identify the confined space, review rescue plan, assign roles (attendant, entrant, supervisor, rescue team). Confirm each team member knows their responsibilities and emergency hand signals.

2 Isolation & Lockout – Lock out all energy sources (mechanical, electrical, pneumatic). Post barrier tape and warning signs. Verify zero energy state.

3 Atmospheric Testing – Use the multi‑gas detector to test oxygen content (19.5–23.5%), flammability (< 10% LEL), and toxic gas levels (H₂S ≤ 10 ppm, CO ≤ 25 ppm). Record readings on drill log. Re‑test after any ventilation changes.

4 Equipment Setup – Position tripod directly over the manhole/entry. Rig winch and attach retrieval line to entrant’s harness D‑ring. Test winch brake and free‑spool. Establish communication link (radio or intercom).

5 Simulated Entry & Rescue – Entrant descends into or enters the space. After 2 minutes, entrant simulates distress (tug on line, radio call or pre‑arranged signal). Rescue team activates winch retrieval and extracts entrant smoothly. Time the response from first distress signal to extraction.

6 Debrief & Documentation – Assess response time (target < 4 minutes), communication clarity, equipment function. Identify any gaps. Complete drill report with signatures from supervisor and safety rep. File report in site safety records.

Confined Space Rescue Drill

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