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...
Ventilating a confined space isn’t just about flipping on a fan and calling it a day. There’s an art—and a bit of science—to getting it right. If you don’t, you could be putting yourself and your team at risk. Let’s break down four common mistakes people make when ventilating confined spaces: short-circuiting, recirculation, inadequate CFM,...
In recognition of Chief Instructor Bobby (BK) Kauer’s assistance with several real rescues alongside Wellsville EMS & Rescue and Western New York Ambulance Corps, we are featuring Chief Kauer in our Employee Spotlight. This past month, we received several great emails and phone calls in appreciation for the services rendered by Chief Kauer when he...
Are you struggling to navigate the complexities of confined space classifications? If so, you may find our latest white paper useful. This detailed analysis offers clear, practical guidance on determining whether a confined space requires a permit or can be managed under alternate entry or reclassification procedures, simplifying compliance for anyone managing a permit-required confined...
Perhaps the most commonly confused topic in confined space entry that I hear out in the wild is the difference between the terms entry and bodily enter. And it makes sense because, at face value, these two things sound incredibly similar. However, when we dig a little deeper and put into context, we’ll find out...
Medical calls make up the majority of contacts with the public for emergency responders. Technical rescue calls make up a much smaller segment of emergency response. While the response numbers are at opposite ends of the response spectrum, they are invariably tied together.
The following fatality reports were summarized from recent OSHA News Releases (osha.gov).
Fire Chief C.A. “Pete” Shelton (1932-2024)
Jackson, Mississippi is a burgeoning metro area with over 600,000 residents. Interstate highways busily crisscross the city. In the early evening of April 30, 2024, emergency responders found themselves planning how to recover the body of a man that had been missing for a month.
