Confined Space Training

Confined Space Training

Confined spaces can be one of the worst places for firefighters and rescue personnel. It's probably the worst place they'll ever visit. Over half of fatalities the connected with confined space are the rescuers themselves.

The Fire Service, in efforts to take most of the risk out of "Con_Space", implemented these guidelines. They are presented to firefighters in an effort to keep them alive so they can go back home to their families.

FBVFD Training:

The Department relies on the well qualified Instructors of the Virginia Department of Fire Programs. Con-Space training is a module that can be requested from VDFP. Currently, there are 3 Firefighters at Fort Blackmore Fire Department who have certifications for Confined Space Rescue.

Con-Spaces are defined as:

	Areas which are not intended for full time occupancy
	Areas that have limited ways to get in or out
	Areas that have a potential for overwhelmingly "bad" air

Con-Spaces that must have a "Permit" to enter are:

All the above plus these:

Probably contains hazardous gases inside

Probably contains gases or liquids that can cover you up quickly

Probably contains slopes or walls that close in, and can trap the rescuer

Probably contains many health hazards.

Objectives:

Training: without proper training in Con-Space, firefighters must understand that many hundreds of people underestimate what's inside. Therefore, their survival rate goes down.

Odds: rescuers need to see that the odds are against them.

Change: rescuers should change any Con-Space operation they are in so that the odds are for them.

Major Objectives:

To give the Firefighter information and training that will improve the odds that they come out of a Con-Space in a healthy, timely order.

To show them the positive and negative aspects of Con-Space.

To make training as realistic as possible.

To take Firefighters out of the office and out of their "comfort zone".

To show Firefighters that without proper training, doing Con-Space Rescues can kill/hurt them.

Many Thanks, to KFD

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Last Edited on 04/04/2006

	Probably contains hazardous gases inside
	Probably contains gases or liquids that can cover you up quickly
	Probably contains slopes or walls that close in, and can trap the rescuer
	Probably contains many health hazards.

	Training: without proper training in Con-Space, firefighters must understand that many hundreds of people underestimate what's inside. Therefore, their survival rate goes down.
	Odds: rescuers need to see that the odds are against them.
	Change: rescuers should change any Con-Space operation they are in so that the odds are for them.

	To give the Firefighter information and training that will improve the odds that they come out of a Con-Space in a healthy, timely order.
	To show them the positive and negative aspects of Con-Space.
	To make training as realistic as possible.
	To take Firefighters out of the office and out of their "comfort zone".
	To show Firefighters that without proper training, doing Con-Space Rescues can kill/hurt them.