OSHA requires employers to establish a rescue team or
arrange for an outside rescue team (typically a local fire
department). [29 CFR 1915.12(e)]
Many confined or enclosed space incidents result in
multiple fatalities: the original victim and the would-be rescuer(s). Therefore,
it is literally a matter of life and death for workers to know how and when to
attempt a rescue.
The following are rescue options and recommendations:
Shipyard Rescue Team |
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Must be trained in PPE use, first aid, CPR, rescue
equipment, and duties of rescue, and informed of hazards in rescue at the
employer's facility. [29 CFR 1915.12(e)(1)]
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Must practice drills at least annually. [29 CFR 1915.12(e)(1)]
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Outside Rescue Team |

Figure 1: Outside rescue team
- Must be informed of hazards the team may encounter so the
team may be trained and equipped. [29 CFR 1915.12(e)(2)]
Note: The criteria for an in-house rescue can be used to evaluate the
outside rescue services.
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Maritime/Labor Industry Recommendations |
- The employer should ensure that either a visual or audio
communication method is established between workers in these
spaces and assigned person(s) outside these spaces.
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