Emergency Escape Systems for Confined Space via Rope Access.

Think Access installs and deploys temporary emergency escape systems for confined space entry operations using IRATA rope access. We establish safe self-rescue and assisted rescue routes that allow personnel to withdraw rapidly in the event of an incident.

Scope at a glance

System types

Retrieval line · Self-retracting lifeline · Anchor & retrieval systems · Pre-rigged

Capability

Extracts incapacitated casualty · No rescuer entry required · Raises from vessel depth · Through the manway

Process

Designed in pre-entry planning · Rigged & tested before entry · Self-rescue briefing · Tool-box talk

What we do

A pre-rigged escape system

An emergency escape system is a pre-rigged means of rapid withdrawal, in place before any person enters the space. It may be a retrieval line attached to the entry harness, a self-retracting lifeline at the entry point, or a combination of rope access anchor and retrieval systems suited to the geometry of the space.

Rescue without a second entry

The system must be capable of extracting an incapacitated person, one who cannot self-rescue without the rescuer entering the space. For a vertical entry through a manway, that means raising a casualty from the depth of the vessel and out through the manway without a second person having to descend.

Designed into pre-entry planning

We design the escape system as part of the pre-entry planning process, ensuring it is appropriate for the geometry of the space, the depth of entry and the likely emergency scenarios identified for the work.

Rigged, tested & briefed

The system is rigged and tested before entry begins, and the entry team is briefed on the self-rescue procedure as part of the tool-box talk — so everyone knows how to withdraw before work starts.

Why Think Access

Emergency escape from a confined space must work first time, without hesitation. Think Access builds the plan, rigs the system and briefs every team member before the first person enters.

F.A.Q’s

The system is designed for assisted extraction of an incapacitated person. The standby team operates the retrieval system to extract a casualty who cannot self-rescue. The effectiveness of this depends on the space geometry, we assess this as part of the rescue planning process.

Before each entry, we test the retrieval device under load, confirm anchor capacity for the required extraction load, check harness attachment points and brief the standby team on the extraction procedure. This pre-entry check is documented as part of the permit.