Confined Spaces

     It is common knowledge in safety circles that between 36% and 60% of confined space deaths are “would be” rescuers. We are told in no uncertain terms that we should never; never enter a confined space to give aid to anyone regardless of the severity of the situation. This is the work of the rescue team. A team either trained or hired from the outside to conduct any confined space rescue if there be a need for one. And yet, how are we supposed to stand by and watch someone die? It may be a good friend of 25 years. You know his wife and children. You’ve hunted and fished together since you were boys, and when you’ve been in need, he has always been there. He’s like a brother to you and now, now he’s in trouble. You can see him writhing in the bottom of the tank, the one that was supposed to have breathable air in it. You have been told repeatedly to summon help in this situation and under NO circumstances to attempt a rescue. The statistics do in fact support this response, or lack of one. Every year countless workers die attempting to rescue their fellows, their friends from confined spaces.

     This scenario presents an enormous challenge that does not get the attention that it deserves. If in fact we are to stay out of vessels, tanks, vaults, regardless of the situation within, then we are going to need constant reminders, reinforcement if you will that we might avoid the knee jerk response to help our friends in trouble. This is a situation that has been glossed over and given lip service for far too long now. On any job where workers are in confined spaces, the company safety personnel, plant supervision, and our own coworkers should offer the necessary reminder that one worker killed is a tragedy, two is inexcusable. What would you do?