DCHAS-L Discussion List Archive

I was having a discussion with a colleague the other day about confined 
space entry and non-entry rescue.  My understanding of the OSHA standard 
was that all permit required CS entries (non-IDLH)  had to be done with a 
harness and method to initiate non-entry rescue UNLESS the harness and/or 
retrieval system presents a greater hazard.  My colleague basically agreed 
except he held a caveat that if the employer chooses not to perform 
non-entry rescues, a harness and retrieval system is not required and 
reliance on an on-site or off-site rescue service is acceptable as long as 
they can fulfill meet the "timely" response requirements.   I also vaguely 
recall OSHA specifying the hierarchy of rescue as being 1) self-rescue, 2) 
non-entry rescue, 3) entry rescue although I can't find that written 
anywhere.  Anyone know that source?. 

Opinions?  Isn't it weird what some people will talk about over lunch?  I 
think I scared my intern this summer with IH geeky discussions like this.

Gary M. Kehoe, CIH
Senior Industrial Hygienist
Midwest Generation EMG
312-583-6103
312-925-1813 (C)
312-788-5533 (F)