Confined Space

Confined space equipment is the gear used to get in, work safely and get a worker back out if something goes wrong.

That can include tripods, winches, retrieval systems, gas detectors, harnesses and rescue gear. What you need depends on the space, the entry method and the rescue plan.

That depends on the space and how the entry is being done.

A basic setup may include access equipment, a harness, retrieval gear and gas detection. If rescue would be difficult, you may also need a more complete rescue system ready to go before entry starts.

Confined space rescue equipment is the gear used to recover a worker from the space if there is an incident.

That may include a tripod, winch, retrieval system, harness and other rescue components. The right setup depends on the depth of the space, the access point and how the recovery would actually happen.

In many confined space jobs, yes. If atmospheric hazards are part of the risk, gas detection needs to be part of the setup before entry and during the work. It is not something to think about after the fact.

Yes. Tripods and winches are commonly used for vertical confined space entry and retrieval.

They are often used for pits, shafts, tanks and manholes where a worker may need to be lowered in and recovered out through the same opening.

Entry equipment is what helps the worker get in, do the job and get out under normal conditions.

Rescue equipment is what you rely on when something has gone wrong and the worker needs to be recovered. Most confined space jobs need both thought through properly before work starts.

Start with the space. A tank, pit, shaft or manhole can all need different gear. The right setup depends on the access point, the hazards, the retrieval method and the rescue plan, not just what fits in the budget.