Firefighters Conduct Mock Confined Space Drill At

On Thursday September 6th, 2012 Cowpens Firefighters converged on Bericap, a international plastic bottle closure manufacturer with a plant located in Cowpens, SC. Crews conducted a mock confined space rescue from a 70' vertical storage silo. Upon arrival crews were briefed about a simulated worker who was preforming a routine inspection of the empty silo and was found unconsious, with an estimated downtime of 10 minutes. A quick assesment team made the ascent to the top of the silo carrying equipment to begin air monitoring, and equipment hoisting. Crews then began to haul up the necessary rescue equipment needed including: tripod, ventilation fans, supplied air breathing apparatus, and rigging equipment.
After all necessary equipment was in place crews began a confined space entry permit and rigged for a single entrant with attendant. The entrant was lowered into the space and fitted the
victim with a, LSP Half-Back harness. The victim was then attached to the haul system and evacuated from the space. Once the victim and rescuer were succesfully retrieved crews then prepared the victim for a lower to awaiting medical personel at the base of the silo. Crews rigged a simple two rope system an lowered the victim and basket between the four storage silos sucessfully. The entire drill was a success and the Cowpens Fire Department would like to thank Bericap for the use of their facility.
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