ITRA Confined Space Rescue
Confined space rescue is one of the many disciplines within technical rescue. It combines knowledge and skills that include atmospheric monitoring, lock out / tag out, incident management, rope rescue and other related equipment to safely gain access and assist in the extrication of a victim. While many confined spaces are associated with industrial situations, confined spaces exist in every community. These can include municipal water supplies, storm and sewage systems to wastewater treatment facilities. The confined space rescuer must be able to size up any of these scenarios, recognize, understand and be able to mitigate the hazards, all while implementing a rescue plan in a timely fashion.
Confined Space Rescue Introduction Courses
ITRA has standardized three introductory certificate courses. These are attendance-based courses without independent assessment of skills.
Introduction to Confined Space Responder (ICR)
Introduction to Confined Space Responder (ICR) is an entry-level course for confined space rescue professionals. This participation-based program covers the learning objectives of ITRA Level 1 Confined Space Rescue, but does not assess the learner for competency or qualifies them as such. Practitioners at this level will be able to define a confined space, identify common hazards and apply appropriate control measures. Practitioners will be able to respond to a confined space incident and conduct non-entry or simple entry rescues.
Introduction to Confined Space Technician (ICT)
Introduction to Confined Space Technician (ICT) program covers the learning objectives of ITRA Level 2 Confined Space Rescue, but not assess the learner for competency or qualifies them as such. Practitioners at this level will be able to further identify hazards, apply control measures, and manage entry into a confined space which is not immediately dangerous to life and health. Practitioners will be able to respond to a confined space incident and conduct entry rescues including the use of rope systems and packaging to extract a patient.
Introduction to Confined Space Advanced (ICA)
Introduction to Confined Space Advanced (ICA) covers the learning objectives of ITRA Level 3 Confined Space Rescue, but not assess the learner for competency or qualifies them as such. Practitioners at this level will be able to apply a wide range of control measures to manage entry into confined spaces which are immediately dangerous to life and health. Practitioners will be able to respond to a confined space incident and conduct rescues using self-contained and supplied air breathing apparatus. They will be able to carry out complex and extended confined space rescues.
For more information please see the documents in our document library.
Confined Space Rescue Qualification Courses
Qualification certificates can be earned through two different methods.
Post Course Assessment
Students can be assessed by an independant third party assessor following the completion of an introductory course. After successfully being assessed, the appropriate certificate will be awarded.
- Introduction To Confined Space Responder -> Confined Space Level 1 (Responder)
- Introduction To Confined Space Technician -> Confined Space Level 2 (Technician)
- Introduction To Confined Space Advanced -> Confined Space Level 3 (Advanced)
Direct Assessment
Students also have the opportunity to directly assess at the level of their choice without first attending an introductory course.
For more information please see the documents in our document library.
Custom Confined Space Rescue Courses
The ITRA system allows for the creation of custom “attendance” courses based on the needs of individuals and organizations. These custom courses can utilize the same learning objectives used in “introductory” and “qualification” courses but are tailored to specific needs of end users. This can include local requirements and guidance from other organizations such as NFPA, IRATA and SPRAT. To find out more about custom courses, contact an ITRA instructor in your area.
For more information please see the documents in our document library.
Confined Space Working Group
The ITRA Confined Space curriculum is maintained by the Confined Space Working Group. You can contact the Confined Space Working Group directly using the following form.