Policy 3305: Confined Space

YAKIMA COUNTY FIRE DISTRICT 12

10000 ZIER ROAD

YAKIMA, WA 98908

POLICY # 3305

COMMISSION CHAIR SIGNATURE s/b Marshia Goss, Chair

EFFECTIVE DATE: JANUARY 7, 1999

REVISED DATE: APRIL 14, 2009

POLICY TITLE: CONFINED SPACE RESCUE OPERATIONS

REFERENCE: WAC 296-305-05003

WAC 296-62 Part M

SOG 4-2 Trench Collapse Operations

SOG 4-3 Confined Space Operations

PURPOSE

It is the policy of Yakima County Fire District #12 to provide training in recognition and identification to its members of a confine space, on going size-up, crew protection, scene security, and calling for trained individuals.

1.0 The District will provide training on an annual basis for the identification and awareness of a confined space, hazards associated with, and actions to be taken.

2.0 No member is to perform confine space rescue above his/her training level.

3.0 During an actual rescue response a written or verbal hazard size up will be done. This size up will include a minimum of the following:

3.1 Recognition and declaration of the situation as a confined space incident.

3.2 Denial of entry to unprotected persons.

3.3 Assessment of all readily available confined space documentation, MSDS, any existing permit, plans or blue prints of the space.

3.4 Assessment of number of victim(s), locations and injury conditions.

3.5 Discussion with witnesses, supervisor, etc.

3.6 Assessment of any current or potential space hazards.

3.7 Determination and declaration if body recovery only or victim rescue.

4.0 After the Incident Commander (IC) has performed an on scene size-up and performed a risk assessment the IC may elect to call for the nearest confined space rescue team, or perform a rescue ensuring the safety of his crews.

5.0 At least two firefighters will be equipped with appropriate safety clothing and SCBA to act as a back up team. They shall remain free of all other tasks in order to perform a rescue for any disabled firefighter.