Confined Space Rigging Operation...What would you do?

[ProgressiveRescue]

Okay Guys,
So I was pre-planing a confined space for a company to determine if in fact it was considered a permitted confined space...yes it was as you can see in the pic. With that being said as always my mind starts thinking of all the angles...the if's the but's and I wanted to throw this one out to the members of our forum. The hatch you see in the picture is located about 150' on a horizontal member of a gantry crane. This area is inspected about once a year and entrance to this area is obtained by standing atop the moving trolly cab. That operation does not look to safe. Before I post my rescue idea I figure I'd give you guys first crack.
Kelly if you could work that UFO that I'm now obsessed with into the operation you would be the man.
Thanks,
Mike Donahue
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[DCFDRescue2]

I guess it depends on what your objective is. Are you just looking for a safe way to make entry, a retrieval system, or both?

I'm sure it's possible to float a UFO outside of that hole and use it as a point in space for a COD. It would certainly make for neat pictures.

I think a better idea is to have a high anchor if one is available and simply lower someone down until they are able to get themselves into the hole. A simple deflection of the mainline can line you up with your hole.

Alternatively, you could set up a Vortex on the beam over the hole and lean it out to clear the edge and run your system from a better spot.

[ProgressiveRescue]

My thoughts were what kind of rigging set-up would be needed to retrieve a worker injured inside this horizontal beam. I like the Vortex idea it could be back-tied and tensioned to the staircase behind the beam. The challenge would probably making egress with the victim. A halfback or a Rite Rescue System would probably work well because it would allow you to bend and negotiate their legs/torso through the hatch.I would tie a control line to the victims feet just to control their load transfer as they make the transition exiting the beam and onto the Vortex.
Here's a thought for a department that doesn't have a Vortex. Take an obese stokes and create a bridle system from 1/2 rope. Creating our own two point bridle system will allow us to keep the stokes wide open. Keeping the stokes wide open will then allow us to use it initially as a platform to gain access into the beam. We can either secure it in place using the staircase or rig there for a lower. We then access the patient, package the patient, secure a belay onto them then transfer them into the stokes for a lower or simply pull them onto the catwalk.
Now the wheels are turning....
Mike Donahue

[FiremanLyman]

Mike, mind if I ask what made this a permit-space?

[ProgressiveRescue]

I based the decision on the location and entrance location of the space and the interior because of the low clearence and baffels located through out posing a safety hazard. Also should a worker get injured it's not a simple operation to retrieve them. Are you thinking otherwise?
Mike Donahue

[stickboy42]

mike,
are there anchor points above the space even if the aren't inline with the access port. i think i'm leaning toward a deflection if a high point is possible even if not inline.

[FiremanLyman]

I based the decision on the location and entrance location of the space and the interior because of the low clearence and baffels located through out posing a safety hazard. Also should a worker get injured it's not a simple operation to retrieve them. Are you thinking otherwise?
Mike Donahue

Nope, I could be convinced of the need. Just was interested for the reason.

How high up is this beam?

[ProgressiveRescue]

Hey Drew,
The beam is about 150' up and a deflection is not a bad idea.
Mike