Hi folks, I wonder if anyone can assist.

We've got a confined space - a sub-floor plant room with the main hazard related to potential for release of chlorine gas. The entrance to is the space is by lifting the floor hatch (approx. size 3' x 3' ) and then going down a fixed aluminium stair case, with bannister at one side.

We've already taken measures to reduce how often people need to enter the plant room and there are various safeguards in place regarding the atmosphere. So, in all probability, the need for emergency rescue would be from someone becoming ill (unrelated to chlorine release) when working down there or if they were to slip/fall when entering/exiting, and we will have measures in place to ensure fitness to enter confined space, suitable footwear/PPE, working in pairs etc.

I'm trying to assess and identify suitable evacuation equipment. I don't think, due to the stair-case type entry, that a tripod and winch would be suitable as we cannot do a direct vertical lift. Does anyone have any experience of this type of evacuation requirement and could suggest products/solutions that I could investigate?

Many thanks.

Sam

One suggestion, if not already done, would be to send your rescue team on a good Confined Space Rescue Training course. They can then discuss their challenge on the course, as it will be relevant and real, and hopefully they will either pick up a good solution or else get pointed in the right direction. Whatever you get of course they will need to use it.

Regards

Going off at a tanget; does the stair case conform to the building regs?

From what you have described I agree with other replies and would be looking at using an emergency rescue team. However it is very difficult to carry a stretcher out of a confined space link this. It is expensive to train and equip a rescue team. You may find people are reluctant to be part of a rescue team, a member may leave and they will require regular refresher training.

I have used both in-house and Mines Rescue. We gave up on in in-house team.

Plant rooms are not automatically confined spaces even if toxic substances are processed or transferred. You have not given any details about why there is potential for the release of chlorine gas. Is there the possibility of eliminating the risk?