29 CFR 1926.1211: Rescue and emergency services

Question 1

A crew is cleaning a 12-foot-deep vertical storm vault classified as a permit-required confined space. The entry supervisor has chosen non-entry rescue. Each entrant wears a full body harness with a retrieval line attached at the center of the back. The lines are anchored to a fixed eye-bolt on the vault lid frame, and no mechanical retrieval device is on site because the supervisor says the lines are short enough to pull by hand. What is the correct determination?

1. ACompliant, because a fixed anchor point outside the space satisfies the retrieval line requirement for any depth
2. BCompliant, because the mechanical device is only required when more than one entrant is inside the space
3. CNon-compliant, because a mechanical device must be available to retrieve personnel from a vertical permit space deeper than 5 feet
4. DNon-compliant, because wristlets must be used instead of a harness in vertical spaces

Question 2

A crew is cleaning a vertical storage tank, a permit space 12 feet deep with a single top opening. The entry supervisor has selected non-entry rescue. Each entrant wears a full body harness with a retrieval line attached at the center of the back near shoulder level. The lines are anchored to a fixed eyebolt on the tank rim. No winch, hoist, or other mechanical retrieval device has been brought to the site. The tank's internal configuration is clear. What is the status of the retrieval system?

1. ACompliant, because a fixed point outside the space is acceptable for any depth of vertical space
2. BNoncompliant, because a mechanical device must be available to retrieve personnel from vertical permit spaces more than 5 feet deep
3. CCompliant, because a full body harness with a line at the center of the back meets the attachment requirements
4. DNoncompliant, because wristlets or anklets must be used instead of a harness in vertical spaces

Question 3

A contractor is preparing for entry into a below-grade vault where the atmosphere may become IDLH. The safety technician is comparing two outside rescue services. Service A is fully equipped and proficient with the retrieval gear, but its crew would take well over half an hour to arrive from another county. Service B is equipped, proficient, and able to reach the vault in a few minutes. Based on the rule for selecting a rescue service, which action is correct?

1. ASelect neither service, because outside rescue services may not be designated for permit spaces
2. BSelect Service A, because the employer may rely on a local fire department's general reputation instead of evaluating response capability
3. CSelect Service B, because the service selected must be able to reach victims within a time frame appropriate to the hazards of the space
4. DSelect Service A, because equipment proficiency alone satisfies the selection requirement regardless of response time