Tag Archives: confined space

Horizontal Side-Entry Confined Space Options

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When dealing with confined space entry rescue applications, few offer as many difficulties as side-entry or horizontal entry confined spaces. The question we commonly get is, “What can we use for rescue in side-entry confined space applications?”

None of the traditional rescue equipment works: tripod rescue systems, quadpod systems, etc. They are made for vertical rescue applications. This means they can’t accommodate the side loads a horizontal rescue would require.

SIDE-ENTRY RESCUE OPTIONS

Side Entry Confined SpaceThere are specialized side-entry systems. They attach to certain kinds of entry points, and use davit arm technology. These systems are very expensive and require a very specific flange configuration. The space needs to be circular; have a 22″-56″ diameter entry point; and the entry point needs a flange ranging from 1″ to 6″ in thickness. We’d be glad to help you find such a system.

There are also pole hoist systems. These also require a flange at the entry point to the space. Again, these systems are fantastic, but very expensive.

AFFORDABLE OPTIONS

HZKit-1 Horizontal Side-Entry RescueSo what if you don’t have the budget or an appropriate side-entry flange configuration? This is where our HZKit-1 may help. It’s affordable, portable, and easy to use. Because it requires the presence of certain structural elements, it will not be the solution for every side-entry or horizontal confined space application.

Here’s how the system works:

  1. There needs to be a suitable anchorage point nearby the entry point–a beam or other structural steel. The anchorage point needs to meet OSHA’s 5,000 pound anchorage point requirement. It needs to be at or near ground level so it is easily accessible to the confined space attendant.
  2. The included 3′ anchor sling is attached to this suitable beam or anchorage point.
  3. The R50G rescue winch is then attached to the anchor sling with the included carabiner. The handle needs to be free of obstructions so it can turn freely when engaged.
  4. The 50′ rescue cable is then attached to the entrant’s harness, preferably the back d-ring.
  5. The cable will move in and out with the entrant automatically. If rescue is needed the handle is engaged and rescue can begin.

Warning: the rescue unit must be configured in such a way that the handle has full range of turning available to it…no obstructions. The handle must be able to crank unimpeded by any obstructions. And the attendant has to have unhindered access to the rescue winch.

Warning: because the system is not used with a pulley, the attendant is pulling the full weight of the entrant.

Please check out the HZKit-1 system. Call with any questions or concerns.

Miller Confined Space Rescue Tripod

Confined Space Rescue Tripod – Which One?

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When shopping for a confined space entry rescue tripod system, it doesn’t take long to realize just how varied the choices are. These differences make it difficult to determine which tripod system is best suited to your application and budget. Below are a few things to consider that will improve your chances of making the best decision.

KNOW YOUR CONFINED SPACE ENTRY TRIPOD REQUIREMENTS

A tripod rescue system is intended to help comply with OSHA confined space (1910.146) and fall protection (1910.132) standards (States may have their own standards as well).

Specifically, a properly equipped tripod system will help you meet requirements for – (1) lowering/raising; (2) fall protection; (3) rescue/retrieval. Think of each one as a single leg on a “requirements stool”. If the stool is missing one leg, it falls over – it doesn’t meet the requirements.

KNOW YOUR CONFINED SPACE RESCUE TRIPOD COMPONENTS

There are a number of tripod components available to safely comply with these requirements – to build the “requirements stool”. It is here that the differences between systems should begin to make sense to you.

A confined space tripod system can consist of a mixture of the following components – (1) the rescue/retrieval winch; (2) the combination rescue winch/self retracting lifeline; (3) a self retracting lifeline.

When looking at the components keep in mind this simple axiom – no one component can be all three legs on the stool.

Rescue/Retrieval Winch

The basic rescue/retrieval winch is manually operated by hand. It comes in varying lengths and cable materials. The norm is usually a galvanized cable ranging from 50′ to 65′.

Of the 3 requirements cited above (the “requirements stool”) – lowering/raising, fall protection, rescue/retrieval – which ones will the basic winch fulfill? It serves as the raising/lowering and rescue/retrieval. This means that the fall protection requirement is missing. It can be met by the use of a ladder, self retracting lifeline or a combination winch/lifeline.

Miller Confined Space Rescue TripodFrenchCreek Confined Space Rescue Tripod

Combination Rescue Winch/Self Retracting Lifeline

The combination unit combines both the rescue capacity of the basic winch and the convenience of a self retracting lifeline in one unit. With the handle engaged, one cranks the worker up or down if needed. With the handle disengaged, no cranking is required – the cable extends and retracts automatically with the worker. It comes in varying lengths and cable materials. The norm is usually a galvanized cable of 50′.

Of the 3 requirements cited above (the “requirements stool”) – lowering/raising, fall protection, rescue/retrieval – which ones will the combination winch/lifeline fulfill? It serves as fall protection and rescue/retrieval when used with a ladder. It serves as fall protection when used with a basic winch. It serves as rescue/retrieval when used with a stand alone self retracting lifeline and a ladder.

What about the raising/lowering requirement? It depends – some manufacturers do not approve their combination units for routine raising/lowering. So you would still need a ladder or basic winch to fulfill the raising/lower requirement.

So what is the benefit of this component? It provides rescue redundancy when used with a basic winch, and is a convenience when a ladder is present. Because the cable can extend and retract automatically with the worker, the attendant does not have to crank the worker up or down the ladder like he would with the basic winch.

Are there any drawbacks? (1) They are expensive and are the reason some tripod systems are so much more expensive than others. (2) And in an emergency situation the user has to remember how to engage the handle for rescue. This could be a problem for some workers.

DBI Sala Sala Lift II Tripod SystemFrenchCreek R50G Combination Winch SRL Tripod System

Self Retracting Lifeline

The self retracting lifeline extends and retracts automatically with the worker. It is hung from the top of the tripod by means of a carabiner attached to an eyebolt. It comes in varying lengths and cable materials. The norm is usually a galvanized cable of 30′ – 50′.

Of the 3 requirements cited above (the “requirements stool”) – lowering/raising, fall protection, rescue/retrieval – which ones will the combination winch fulfill? The self retracting lifeline is always fall protection.

Protecta Rebel Self Retracting LifelineDBI Sala Ultralok Self Retracting Lifeline

Our Most Popular Systems

Tripods with Basic Winch:

Tripods with Combination Winch/Lifeline:

Self Retracting Lifelines:

 

by Corby Amos