Many workplaces contain areas that are considered a "confined space" because their configurations hinder the activities of employees who must enter, work in, and exit them. A confined space is defined by the concurrent existence of the following conditions:
Permit-required confined space (permit space) means a confined space that has one or more of the following characteristics:
United's experienced and professional service crew is 40-hour HAZWOPER trained and certified in confined space entry and rescue procedures in accordance with OSHA Title 29 CFR 1910.120 and Title 8 CCR 5156-5158. In addition, all confined space rescue specialists have received annual first aid and CPR training. Prior to arriving onsite, a United Safety Officer will review the work plan and prepare written operating and rescue procedures to address the protocol that will be followed for the health and safety of all members working at the job site. At a minimum these procedures will include:
During a permit required confined space entry, employers are required to ensure that at least one stand-by person at the site is trained and immediately available to perform rescue and emergency services. Confined space rescue involves the rescue and recovery of victims trapped in a confined space or in a place only accessible through confined entry. Rescues can be technically challenging due to the harmful or even fatal environment in which they occur, as they often contain hazardous materials in solid, liquid, or gas form. Ill-prepared rescue attempts due to improper training can lead to death of both the victim and the rescuer.
It is important to protect all employees who enter confined spaces regardless of who employs them. For this reason, United also provides confined space rescue stand-by services for other entities. Due to the specific OSHA regulations for confined space rescue there is specialized equipment and training necessary to perform a safe and successful rescue. United ensures that:
