Nearly every industry has facilities that include confined spaces, and it is estimated that million workers enter confined spaces each year for the purpose of maintenance, repairs, installations, inspections and meter reading. Unfortunately, unless proper precautions are taken, confined spaces can pose a number of significant hazards. These include toxic atmospheres, electrical hazards, mechanical dangers, fire, heat exhaustion -- the list is long. There are thousands of incidents on record in which either confined space workers, would-be rescuers or both have been overcome. It is a fact that would-be rescuers account for more than 50% of confined space fatalities.

OSHA now requires training for workers who must enter confined spaces, and has set up standards which aim to eliminate the dangers posed by confined spaces. Confined Space Emergency is a three-tape series which provides training and assistance for personnel who respond to confined space incidents, as well as for those who supervise or carry out confined space work. This new version of the program replaces Emergency Film Group's original "Confined Space Emergency" video. Our commitment to accuracy and timeliness required that we update the original program with more current definitions and terms, improved technical rescue equipment, and new rescue techniques.

"Understanding Confined Spaces"

Part One of the series, "Understanding Confined Spaces" defines confined spaces and tells where they are likely to be found. The film discusses the hazards associated with a confined space, including flammable and explosive atmospheres, oxygen deficient and oxygen enriched atmospheres, toxic atmospheres and physical hazards. It explains the difference between non-permit and permit spaces and explains the elements of a confined space permit. Other topics covered include developing an entry plan; responsibilities of the entry supervisor, the entrant and the attendant; blinding and blanking; lockout/tagout; atmospheric testing; ventilation; and protective clothing.

26 minutes Price: $295

"Confined Space and the First Responder"

The second part of the series is called "Confined Space and the First Responder." This program teaches the first responder, who typically is not trained or equipped to enter a confined space for rescue, how to deal with a confined space accident in a safe and effective manner. The first responder may be the attendant or may be fire or rescue personnel who are called to the rescue. This video covers communication with the entrant, calling for help, potential hazards inside and outside of the confined space area, establishing a command post, ventilation, size-up issues, and explosion proof and intrinsically safe equipment. It also stresses the dangers of an unprepared rescue, and discusses methods of victim retrieval without entering the space.

17 minutes Price: $295

"Confined Space Technical Rescue"

The final program in the Confined Space Emergency series is Confined Space Technical Rescue. This program provides training for personnel who may be required to enter a confined space for rescue purposes. It offers some possible scenarios for technical rescue and tells what specialized equipment is needed for a rescue team, including air monitoring instruments, protective clothing, specialized lighting, and retrieval systems. It also covers size-up issues, entry procedures, rescue procedures and command and control activities.

17 minutes Price: $295

Note: Purchase of Confined Space Emergency includes a 56-page Leader's Guide which includes pre- and post-seminar tests, ideas for classroom and field exercises, and additional resources to help you with your training.