A new OSHA fact sheet highlights a provision of the agency’s Confined Spaces in Construction standard specifying procedures for employers that rely on local rescue and emergency services to help workers in confined spaces. The fact sheet explains how employers can ensure that emergency response services are prepared to properly protect employees.

According to the fact sheet, employers should pre-plan to ensure that the selected emergency response service is available, prepared, and capable of protecting employees. The emergency responder should have the proper rescue equipment and be able to conduct a rescue in potential hazardous spaces—and in a timely manner, based on site conditions. Employers should provide the rescue team with access to all permit-required confined spaces, inform them of potential hazards when they are summoned, and ensure that contact information for the emergency service is readily available. 

View the fact sheet (PDF) on OSHA’s website.