As already described in the previous article, available at the following link (https://www.lineevita.it/spazi-confinati-cosa-sono-in-quali-pericoli-incorriamo/), confined spaces are areas where rescuing a worker after an incident or a sudden illness can be particularly difficult.
To facilitate these operations, in addition to an adequate anchorage device, the correct connection and rescue systems must also be provided.
These items of personal protective equipment (PPE) fall under two main standards: EN 360:2003 (“Personal protective equipment against falls from a height – Retractable type fall arresters”) and EN 1496:2007 (“Personal fall protection equipment – Rescue lifting devices”). Products available on the market may comply with one standard, the other, or both. But which should be selected? The key factor is the method of access to the confined space:
Access from a stable surface: This applies to frontal access points or access via ladders. In this case, the operator can reach the maintenance area independently, therefore it is appropriate to provide a retractable device with emergency rescue lifting function (EN 360 + EN 1496). These devices allow full autonomy during the work phase and enable immediate rescue by operating the integrated crank/lever. However, it is important to note that the rescue function is designed only for emergencies, not for continuous or frequent use. For this reason, it is not suitable for lowering the operator while suspended.
Suspended access (lowering into the space): In this case, to reach the maintenance area the operator must be lowered into the confined space. As stated above, the previous device is not suitable for lifting/lowering outside emergency situations. Therefore, the retractable device with rescue function must be integrated with a winch compliant only with EN 1496. In this configuration the operator can be lowered by the winch and, once a stable surface inside the confined space has been reached, can disconnect from the winch while remaining connected to the retractable device only. In the event of an emergency or illness, the operator can then be recovered using the rescue function integrated into the retractable. For normal exit at the end of the task, the operator will reconnect to the winch and will be recovered using that device.
In exceptional cases it is possible to use only the winch (EN 1496), but this is strongly discouraged because, if the operator moves on a stable surface, it is difficult to keep the steel cable constantly taut during movements. As a result, during ascent and descent the cable may twist, overlap or become pinched, damaging the device.
