Confined space entry for areas that include tanks, vessels, silos, and vaults present conditions that may be hazardous. These spaces require preparation and training for the protection of those who enter these confined spaces. Each year, approximately 100 fatalities occur in confined spaces, with the majority of the fatalities to workers who have not had confined space training.
Cactus Environmental Services provides confined space services and rescue services in Houston and the surrounding areas, which highly-trained professionals execute.
All of our specialists have been trained in technical rescue and meet OSHA and NFPA requirements.
Our Confined Space Rescue Services
The Cactus Environmental Services Rescue team consists of trained professionals who provide services and equipment during an entry into a permit-required confined space. Equipment provided includes air units, PPE (personal protection equipment)and medical trauma kits. Services include:- Safely manage entry into the confined space, assuring adherence to OSHA 1910.146.
- Monitor air quality, ventilation and the use of respirators.
- Patient retrieval.
- Incident management.
- Hazmat handling and hazard assessment
- EMS protocols
- Confined space and high-angle technical rescue
- Standby services for hazmat, fire, and medical
- On-site health and safety advisory
How OSHA Defined Confined Spaces
OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) defines a confined space as a space that is large enough for an employee to enter and work but has limited or restricted means for entry or exit. A confined space, as defined by OSHA, is not designed for continuous employee occupancy. Confined spaces may also have one or more hazards, such as a hazardous atmosphere, material that can engulf an entrant, inwardly converging walls or downward-sloping floors. These spaces are referred to as permit-required confined spaces and are subject to specific OSHA standards for general industry, maritime, and construction. Though there are specific standards for different industries, generally, OSHA has the same standards throughout.- The workplace must be evaluated for hazards.
- A permit must be acquired if required.
- Employees must be informed of the risk and location of any permit-required confined space.
- Safety controls must be implemented.
- Workers who enter the confined space must receive training.
Industries Where Confined Space Rescue Should Be Considered
Construction workers, agricultural workers, electricians, and maintenance workers are the most at risk of being injured in confined spaces. Generally, any industry that requires maintenance or clean-up in a small space with limited accessibility to entrance or exit is considered confined. This includes underground confined spaces which include tanks, vaults, manholes, trenches, and pipelines. Above-ground confined spaces include water towers, elevators, storage, equipment housing, etc.Why Work with Cactus Environmental Services for Confined Space and Rescue
The Cactus Environmental Services confined space and rescue team follows strict guidelines to assess a situation and determine a safe action plan. Our professionals are HAZWOPER certified; HAZWOPER certification, an acronym for Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response, is essential for protecting and training workers in hazardous environments and is required by OSHA for employees who deal with these workplace hazards. Our confined space rescue team provides critical and time-sensitive rescue services in all permit-required confined spaces. This includes evaluation of the work site, creating a rescue plan, and executing procedures in the event of an emergency.Call us For Any Confined Space Rescues
Call the team of professionals at Cactus Environmental Services for your confined space rescue needs. We can customize a service that works well for your company.Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
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