For industrial facilities grappling with compliance gaps, limited rescue resources, or the need for specialized training, the solution might be closer than you think. Similarly, for municipal fire departments considering partnerships with industrial sites, the opportunities for growth and enhanced community safety are profound. Relationships like these already exist, and they work.

Take the Pittsboro (IN) Fire Department (PFD) and Steel Dynamics Incorporated (SDI) as an example. Over a decade ago, SDI approached PFD with a straightforward request: to serve as their confined space rescue service. What followed was the start of a collaboration that not only made SDI’s facility safer but also equipped PFD with skills and resources that continue to benefit the entire Pittsboro community.

"For industrial facilities grappling with compliance gaps, limited rescue resources, or the need for specialized training, the solution might be closer than you think."

When an industrial facility partners with a fire department, the advantages go both ways. For the facility, there’s access to professional rescuers who bring a level of expertise and readiness that is hard to match. Training exercises, site tours, and joint planning sessions ensure the team is prepared for emergencies specific to the plant. For example, at SDI, PFD responders have access to the site for training events, giving them valuable familiarity with its unique hazards. This preparation paid off during a recent incident, where PFD’s air monitoring equipment—purchased with SDI’s support—was critical in managing the situation.

On the fire department side, the benefits go beyond the walls of the industrial facility. Financial support from SDI allowed PFD to expand its technical rescue capabilities, benefiting the entire community. Training in confined space and high-angle rescue doesn’t just help on-site; these skills are invaluable when responding to emergencies across the coverage area, whether it’s a vehicle accident or a complex urban rescue.

"Financial support from SDI allowed PFD to expand its technical rescue capabilities, benefiting the entire community."

These crossover skills, developed through industrial partnerships, can transform a department’s overall rescue capability. As PFD Assistant Chief noted, “The relationship with SDI has made us a better resource for the town of Pittsboro and made SDI a safer place to work.” Collaboration strengthens community safety while addressing the specific needs of the facility.

For industrial leaders, the key is to take the first step. Reach out to your local fire departments and start the conversation. Many departments are enthusiastic about these opportunities, recognizing the chance to enhance their training and equipment resources. By identifying your facility’s specific risks—such as confined spaces, high-angle work, or hazardous materials—you can help responders be better prepared for emergencies that may occur.

Similarly, for fire departments, it’s worth taking the meeting. While there may be initial skepticism about partnering with private industry, these relationships often lead to invaluable investments in training and equipment. And these investments don’t stop at the plant gate; they benefit every call the department runs, from structure fires to search-and-rescue operations.

Ultimately, these partnerships break down silos between municipal response teams and industrial sites. They encourage communication, proactive planning, and mutual respect. When incidents happen—and they will—these relationships ensure that responders are equipped with the skills, knowledge, and resources to manage them effectively.

In the end, everyone wins: the industrial facility, the fire department, and, most importantly, the community. If you’re an industrial leader or a fire chief wondering if this kind of collaboration is worth it, the answer is clear. Take the first step. Reach out, take the meeting, and see what’s possible. The safety of your workplace, your responders, and your community could depend on it.

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Roco’s Confined Space Types Chart & Compliance Guide

Rescue Plans...What is Required?

Fall Protection Planning - Lives are on the Line

Scaffolding is used everywhere. And now it’s at the Roco Training Center in Baton Rouge in the form of a new scaffolding rescue prop.

You walk onto almost any industrial site in the U.S. and you’ll see scaffolding throughout the site. It is an essential tool for maintenance, construction, and inspections. The prevalence of scaffolding in industry begs the question, “What happens when something goes wrong?” Is a scaffold rescue the same as one from a permanent working deck? That is the focus of Roco Rescue’s new two-day "Rescue from Scaffolding" course. Held at the renowned Roco Training Center (RTC) in Baton Rouge, LA, this course is designed to tackle the unique challenges of scaffold rescue.

Scaffolds introduce a set of specific hurdles during rescue operations. Their structural stability can be unpredictable; scaffolds flex and shift under load, and improper anchoring can create unbalanced forces that threaten the entire setup. Anchor points aren’t always straightforward. Components like double ledgers, single ledgers, rosettes, and crossbars have varying load-bearing capacities, and knowing how to use them correctly is essential to a safe operation. Without proper training, even a well-intentioned rescue effort can produce unforeseen problems.

Train on a Purpose-Built Scaffold Prop

Our brand-new, three-story scaffold prop, permanently installed at the Roco Training Center, is a state-of-the-art structure built to replicate real-world scaffold rescue scenarios in a controlled and safe environment.

Scaffold classes at the RTC will focus on:

• Evaluating scaffold stability when performing rescues.
• Identifying and utilizing proper anchor points.
• Packaging and lowering patients to the ground safely and efficiently, using systems tailored to the scaffolding environment.

Whether you’re new to rescue or a seasoned professional, this course has you covered. Beginners will leave with a toolkit of skills and confidence. Experienced rescuers can refine their techniques and better prepare for the challenges scaffolding can bring.

Already Part of the Roco Family? Let’s Customize Your Training

For teams already working with Roco, the Roco Training Centers’ new scaffold prop offers an exciting way to expand your training. From team evaluations, specialized practice sessions, or integrating scaffold-specific scenarios into your program, this isn’t just a class—it’s a resource for ensuring your team is always ready.

Sign Up Today

Don’t wait until an emergency strikes to find out if you’re prepared. Check out Roco Rescue’s "Rescue from Scaffolding" course today and equip yourself with the expertise to handle even the most challenging situations. Visit our website or give us a call to learn more and reserve your spot.

Read the Full Course Description Here

Whether you're home with loved ones, overseas defending our nation, protecting our communities, or keeping the lights on, we wish you a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a Happy New Year. Thank you for all that you do!

Roco's Home Office will be closed December 23rd, until January 2nd.

If you need immediate assistance, feel free to call (800) 647-7626.

Be safe out there.

When it comes to rescue operations, readiness isn’t just important – it’s everything! Many years ago, when Roco began offering standby rescue services, we used these terms for describing the required rescue response mode – whether it was “Rescue Standby” or “Rescue Available.” This distinction isn’t just a matter of preference; it’s about matching the right response strategy to the potential severity of the hazard and consequences of exposure, especially in immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH) environments. Let’s explore why “Rescue Standby” is essential for high-risk scenarios and even mandatory for IDLH conditions.

First of all, let’s define the two terms.

Rescue Available – The rescue team is trained, equipped, available and willing to respond in a timely manner. Team members are monitoring the entry and can mobilize quickly to the entry site. This level of readiness is sufficient for low-risk, non-IDLH environments where the identified hazards are less severe. While “Rescue Available” may meet compliance goals in some situations, it’s unsuitable for high-risk operations where delays can have severe consequences.

Rescue Standby – The rescue team is to be positioned at or near the entry site with all equipment pre-rigged and personnel ready for immediate action. It is required by OSHA 1910.134 Respiratory Protection standard to have standby personnel ready and equipped to enter if personnel are entering an IDLH atmosphere to perform confined space work. With IDLH environments, the level of preparedness shifts from being simply available to being fully staged and ready to perform without delay.

"This readiness level isn’t optional—it’s required by OSHA 1910.134 Respiratory when workers are in IDLH conditions." 

OSHA’s standard for Permit-Required Confined Spaces (29 CFR 1910.146) emphasizes the importance of a “timely response” for confined space emergencies. For example, OSHA 1910.146(k)(1) and (i) require an employer who designates rescue and emergency services to: Evaluate a prospective rescuer's ability to respond to a rescue summons in a timely manner, considering the hazard(s) identified;

“Timely” Note to paragraph (k)(1)(i):

What will be considered timely will vary according to the specific hazards involved in each entry. OSHA’s Non-Mandatory Appendix F contains examples of criteria which employers can use in evaluating prospective rescuers as required by paragraph (k)(1). Don’t let the use of “Non-Mandatory” confuse you. Employers must still fully comply with the requirements of the standard. Non-Mandatory Appendix F simply offers methods or examples for meeting the regulation.

Here is an example from Appendix F, Section A. Initial Evaluation:

1. What are the needs of the employer with regard to response time (time for the rescue service to receive notification, arrive at the scene, and set up and be ready for entry)? For example, if entry is to be made into an IDLH atmosphere, or into a space that can quickly develop into an IDLH atmosphere (if ventilation fails or for other reasons), the rescue team or service would need to be standing by at the permit space. On the other hand, if the danger to entrants is restricted to mechanical hazards that would cause injuries (e.g., broken bones, abrasions) a response time of 10 or 15 minutes might be adequate.

Keep in mind, in toxic and low oxygen atmospheres, as little as 60 seconds can change the patient's outcome dramatically. That critical minute could be the difference between a successful rescue and a body recovery.

"If entry is to be made into an IDLH atmosphere, the rescue team would need to be standing by at the permit space.”

Compliance and Application

Understanding these distinctions extends beyond the regulatory language. This means more than just having the right equipment; it requires the team to be mentally and physically prepared to respond without hesitation. For example, when respiratory hazards are present, standby teams are equipped with breathing equipment, typically a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), or supplied air respirator (SAR), and positioned to intervene without delay.

Rescue systems are to be pre-rigged, and personnel are briefed on the hazards and rescue plans specific to the site. Rescue Standby aligns with Appendix F guidelines and ensures the fastest possible response when every second counts.

Choosing the Right Readiness Level 

While “Rescue Available” may suffice in low-risk, non-IDLH environments, confusing these two very different levels of response readiness can be fatal. For IDLH spaces, “Rescue Standby” is not just the safest option—it is the standard. Employers must assess their operations and ensure their rescue teams are meeting the proper level of preparation to comply with OSHA's timeliness requirements.

"Rescue Standby aligns with Appendix F guidelines and ensures the fastest possible response when every second counts.”

Critical Takeaways

The difference between “Rescue Available” and “Rescue Standby” is not just technical jargon – it’s potentially a life-or-death decision. In IDLH conditions, even a brief delay can be catastrophic. OSHA’s 1910.146 Appendix F outlines the critical importance of response times, emphasizing that being fully staged and ready isn’t optional – it’s mandatory. Ensuring your rescue team operates at the “Rescue Standby” level in high-risk environments is essential for compliance, but more importantly, it’s a critical strategy for the entry team’s safety. Be sure that your team is set up for success, especially when lives are on the line.

Key Points

• Rescue Levels: The level of preparedness chosen is based on the hazards present. "Rescue Standby" requires teams fully staged and ready; "Rescue Available" is suited for low-risk, non-IDLH spaces.

• Timely Response: IDLH conditions demand that a team be ready for 'immediate action" according to OSHA CFR 1910.134.

• Compliance: OSHA's CFR 1910.146 Appendix F helps us define terms and gives us specific ways to evaluate rescue teams.

REFERENCES:

Roco’s Confined Space Types Chart & Compliance Guide

Blog: Thursday, June 30, 2022 - Rescue Standby: Why It Makes Good Sense

OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146 - Permit-Required Confined Spaces 

OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134 - Respiratory Protection

Jacob Melancon, ASP is an Associate Safety Professional through the Board of Certified Safety Professionals and currently works as a Safety Professional and Rescue Crew Chief at Roco Rescue. He has served thousands of hours as Rescue Crew Chief for Roco’s CSRT Rescue Standby Services at industrial facilities across the nation. 

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There are many hazards that can arise in confined spaces. Inarguably, the hazard that results in more fatalities in confined spaces are atmospheric in nature. In fact, at the time of writing this article, the last five recorded confined space deaths, according to OSHA Fatality Inspection Data, were caused by asphyxiation. This is because generally we can’t see, hear, taste, smell, or touch the atmosphere to determine its makeup. These tragedies serve as a sobering reminder that air monitoring isn't just a regulatory box to mark as checked – it's a matter of life and death.

Many fatal incidents have been documented by OSHA that were the result of changing atmospheric conditions after entry, underscoring the critical importance of on-going air quality monitoring.

"These fatalities highlight why continuous air monitoring must be integral to every confined space operation—it's non-negotiable for ensuring worker safety."

The Importance of Atmospheric Monitoring

Atmospheric hazards may be in the space prior to entry or could be introduced by workers based on the scope of work in the confined space. Typically, atmospheric hazards manifest in four main variations.

• Oxygen deficient environments – less than 19.5% oxygen
• Oxygen enriched environments – greater than 23.5% oxygen
• Toxic atmospheres – containing carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, or other toxicants
• Flammable atmospheres – concentrations of gases between the LFL and UFL

Because of these potential risks, air monitoring is essential. Monitoring not only ensures compliance with OSHA standards (29 CFR 1910.146) but also provides real-time data to prevent accidents before they occur. Taking it a step further, continuous air monitoring can help to detect sudden changes in atmospheric conditions within confined spaces and give workers time to evacuate before negative health effects can set in.

What Should You Monitor For?

Looking at our list of atmospheric conditions from the previous section, it goes without saying that those specific conditions should be at the top of our list! OSHA requires testing of the following conditions, in this order.

1. Oxygen Levels: Safe oxygen levels should be between 19.5% and 23.5%. If the levels drop below 19.5%, hypoxia and asphyxiation are possible. These levels can change quickly, especially when other gases are involved, and may not be recognized before it is too late.
2. Flammable Gases and Vapors: The levels of flammable gases and vapors should be measured in percentage of Lower Explosive Limit (LEL) and remain below 10% of the LEL to avoid fire or explosion hazards.
3. Toxic Gases: While there are too many toxic atmospheric conditions that may arise in confined spaces to list here, in general, carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) are the most commonly monitored conditions for standard confined space entries. It is critical to note that not all monitors detect all substances equally! Sensors must be calibrated specifically to detect the suspected condition. For example, a standard 4-gas monitor may not detect Benzene or other Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).

Types of Monitoring Devices

There are many different monitoring devices and configurations available for detecting hazardous atmospheric conditions in confined spaces. Being equipped with the appropriate tool for the job is a necessary step in ensuring safe entry.

1. Single-Gas Detectors: These devices measure specific gases like oxygen, carbon-monoxide, or other specific gases. These may come in the form of digital direct-reading instruments with sampling pumps, personal monitoring devices, or, less commonly, gas detection colorimetric tubes.
2. Multi-Gas Detectors: Ideal for confined spaces, these monitors detect several types of gases simultaneously, offering a more thorough view of atmospheric conditions. They are the most commonly used devices for monitoring atmospheric conditions before and during confined space entry. These devices may be an all-in-one unit with built in pump and wand used for monitoring the space or a personal monitoring device worn by the entrant.

NOTICE: Personal monitoring devices may be used to monitor atmospheric conditions in a confined space; however, they must be used in conjunction with a compatible external pump and wand which is usually sold as a kit from the manufacturer.

Calibrating Your Equipment

Using the right equipment is only effective if it’s properly maintained and calibrated. Gas detectors must be regularly bump-tested and calibrated according to manufacturer’s guidelines.

"Warning: These devices may give false readings without proper calibration, leaving workers unknowingly exposed to dangerous conditions."

As a general rule of thumb, devices should be bump-tested daily before use and calibrated every 90 days; however, you should always refer to and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for your specific device.

OSHA Requirements for Confined Space Monitoring

OSHA’s Confined Space Standard (29 CFR 1910.146) mandates air monitoring as part of any confined space entry program. According to the regulation, employers must:

• Test conditions to determine if acceptable entry conditions exist before entry is authorized.
• Test or monitor the space as necessary to determine if acceptable entry conditions are being maintained during the entry.
• Evacuate the space immediately if unacceptable atmospheric conditions are detected.

Best Practices

To ensure adequate air monitoring, follow these best practices:

• Use the correct monitoring device equipped with appropriate sensors for the environment. Confined spaces vary, and the device must detect all relevant gases.
• Train your team to interpret air monitoring data correctly and respond to dangerous conditions.
• Test conditions at various zones (top, middle, and bottom) of the confined space as gases can stratify and may accumulate at different heights.
• Maintain your devices with regular checks, calibration, and servicing to ensure accurate readings.

Air Monitoring Saves Lives!

Atmospheric hazards in confined spaces are often invisible, yet they pose significant dangers, from oxygen deficiency to toxic gases. Continuous air monitoring is crucial because it provides real-time data, allowing workers to detect life-threatening changes in the atmosphere before harm occurs. Without monitoring, workers may unknowingly enter environments with unsafe oxygen levels, flammable gases, or toxic compounds. Proper air monitoring ensures compliance with OSHA standards and can prevent fatal accidents by giving workers the critical information needed to avoid hazardous conditions. Simply put, monitoring saves lives.

ONLINE REFERENCES:

Accident Detail list

OSHA 1910.146 PRCS

Brannon Aaron, ASP, NRP is an Associate Safety Professional through the Board of Certified Safety Professionals and a Nationally Registered Paramedic who works as a Safety Specialist and CSRT Crew Chief at Roco Rescue. Brannon has an extensive military background as well as years of experience in Pre-hospital Emergency Medical Services and emergency response settings. 

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