Confined-Space Rescue

The role of the Fire Department has changed dramatically over the past several years.   Not only do firefighters have to be prepared and train for fire emergencies but public and private sectors have asked the department to response to all kinds of emergencies.   Confined-space rescue is one of those areas.

OSHA defines a confined space as:

• A space large enough and so configured that an employee can bodily enter and perform work.
• Has limited or restricted means for entry or exit.
• Is not designed for continuous employee occupancy.

Many workplaces contain such areas.   OSHA requires employers to have a rescue team on standby anytime an employee enters one of these areas.

The Oskaloosa Fire Department accepted this challenge in January of 2003 when the department began training for confined-space rescue.   Formal training classes were held at the station for all members of the department to attend.   Since then the department has expanded the training.    Through a FEMA grant the department was able to purchase much needed equipment for confined-space rescues.   The equipment includes ropes, cable winches, pulley systems, safety harness, helmets, immobilization devices, lighting equipment and rescue harness.

Annually the department holds a confined-space rescue drill where members work on further honing of their confined-space rescue skills.