Confined Space Training Certificate Rescue Procedures & Equipment 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the RIDDOR reportable category for a confined space incident where a worker loses consciousness due to gas?
- Dangerous occurrence — loss of consciousness from gas, fume, or vapour is a reportable dangerous occurrence under RIDDOR 2013 (Correct answer)
- Only reportable if the worker dies
- Only reportable if the worker is absent from work for more than 7 days
- Only if the HSE specifically requests a report
Correct answer: Dangerous occurrence — loss of consciousness from gas, fume, or vapour is a reportable dangerous occurrence under RIDDOR 2013
RIDDOR 2013 (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations) classifies loss of consciousness due to gas, fume, or vapour as a dangerous occurrence that must be reported to the HSE. This requirement applies even if the worker makes a full recovery. Reports are made via the HSE's RIDDOR online portal.
Question 2: Which UK regulatory document specifies the requirements for emergency rescue arrangements in confined spaces?
- Confined Spaces Regulations 1997, Regulation 5 (Correct answer)
- PUWER 1998
- Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
- Construction Design and Management Regulations 2015
Correct answer: Confined Spaces Regulations 1997, Regulation 5
Regulation 5 of the Confined Spaces Regulations 1997 specifically requires that before any person enters a confined space, adequate rescue arrangements must be in place. These arrangements must be appropriate to the specific space, its hazards, and the nature of the work.
Question 3: A confined space rescue plan specifies a tripod and winch retrieval system. The entry point is only 450mm diameter. What additional consideration applies?
- The casualty's body position must allow passage through the restricted opening — a rescue stretcher or positioning lines may be required (Correct answer)
- The tripod cannot be used on openings smaller than 600mm
- The rescue plan is invalid for this opening size
- A 450mm opening is too small for any mechanical retrieval
Correct answer: The casualty's body position must allow passage through the restricted opening — a rescue stretcher or positioning lines may be required
A 450mm opening is typical for many manholes. A full-body harness retrieval can work through this opening if the casualty's arms are kept close to the body. In some situations, a rescue stretcher (such as a Neil Robertson) is used to control body position. The plan must account for the specific opening dimensions.
Question 4: Why should rescue team members practise donning and operating breathing apparatus in the dark?
- Emergencies may occur when lighting fails, and BA must be donned correctly under any conditions including zero visibility (Correct answer)
- BA manufacturers require dark conditions for break-in procedures
- Night shifts present the only confined space rescue risk
- Darkness improves concentration during donning
Correct answer: Emergencies may occur when lighting fails, and BA must be donned correctly under any conditions including zero visibility
Lighting in and around confined spaces can fail during an emergency. Rescue team members must be able to locate, don, and check their breathing apparatus correctly even in total darkness or under stress. Regular practice of emergency BA procedures in realistic conditions ensures this capability is maintained.
Question 5: What is the 'two-rescue' principle in confined space emergency management?
- Two independent rescue methods must be available: a primary non-entry method and a secondary entry rescue procedure (Correct answer)
- Two rescue teams must be on site at all times
- Two rescue attempts may be made before calling emergency services
- Two gas detectors must be worn by each rescuer
Correct answer: Two independent rescue methods must be available: a primary non-entry method and a secondary entry rescue procedure
Best practice is to have a primary rescue method (typically non-entry: tripod, winch, harness) and a secondary rescue procedure (entry rescue with BA) if non-entry fails. This ensures that if the primary method is impractical due to the nature of the emergency, a secondary capability exists rather than improvisation.
Question 6: How should a confined space rescue plan be communicated to all personnel involved in the confined space work?
- Briefed to all entrants, attendants, and rescue team members at the start of each entry; documented and referenced in the permit to work (Correct answer)
- Posted on the site noticeboard only
- Distributed by email before the work starts with no verbal briefing
- Communicated only to the permit issuer
Correct answer: Briefed to all entrants, attendants, and rescue team members at the start of each entry; documented and referenced in the permit to work
The rescue plan must be communicated directly to everyone with a role: entrants must know the alarm signals and self-rescue route; the attendant must know how to operate rescue equipment and contact emergency services; the rescue team must know their roles. A verbal briefing at the start of the entry ensures understanding.
Confined Space Training Certificate Rescue Procedures & Equipment 4
What is the RIDDOR reportable category for a confined space incident where a worker loses consciousness due to gas?