ASTM F1764-97(2024)

Standard Guide for Selection of Hardline Communication Systems for Confined-Space Rescue

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Because of the many unique requirements of permit-required confined-space rescue operations and the specific construction and composition of some confined spaces, hardline communications systems may be the only type that will meet the requirements for working within these spaces. Some of these requirements are set forth in federal regulations and some by safe operating procedures developed for working in confined spaces by industry.  
4.2 This guide is not meant to preclude the use of other types of communication systems in confined-space rescue.
SCOPE
1.1 This guide covers recommended criteria for the selection of hardwire communication systems for use in permit-required confined-space rescue operations.  
1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.3 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Mar-2024
• ICS: 33.060.01 - Radiocommunications in general
• Technical Committee: F32 - Search and Rescue
• Drafting Committee: F32.01 - Equipment, Testing, and Maintenance

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM F1764-97(2018) - Standard Guide for Selection of Hardline Communication Systems for Confined-Space Rescue
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2024

Overview

ASTM F1764-97(2024) - Standard Guide for Selection of Hardline Communication Systems for Confined-Space Rescue provides essential guidance for choosing hardwire (hardline) communication systems designed for use in permit-required confined-space rescue operations. Developed by ASTM International, this guide is aligned with internationally recognized principles for standardization and addresses the specialized needs and regulatory requirements associated with confined-space environments.

Confined spaces present unique challenges for emergency communication due to atmospheric hazards, restricted access, and personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements. Hardline communication systems are often necessary to ensure clear, reliable, and continuous communication among rescue team members and attendants, particularly where other types of communication systems may not be effective or compliant with federal or industry regulations.

Key Topics

• Criteria for System Selection
  The standard offers recommended criteria for evaluating and selecting hardwire communication systems specific to confined-space rescue, focusing on safety, operability, and regulatory compliance.

• Safety and Regulatory Considerations
  Systems must be safe for use within potentially hazardous atmospheres as defined under federal regulations, such as 29 CFR 1910.146 and the National Electrical Code (NEC)/NFPA 70.

• System Features

  • Continuous, hands-free voice communication
  • Private, dedicated channels to prevent interference
  • Compatibility with PPE, including breathing apparatus, helmets, and protective clothing
  • System capacity to support at least three users (attendant, entry, and backup personnel)
  • Imperviousness to chemical exposure
  • Low-battery warning or backup power for battery-operated systems

• Inherent Safety and Certification
  Hardline equipment may need to be certified as intrinsically safe or explosion-proof for use in hazardous environments. Certification must be conducted by a nationally recognized testing laboratory (NRTL) accredited by OSHA.

Applications

This standard is highly relevant across industries where confined-space entry and rescue operations are required, such as:

• Emergency response teams (fire departments, industrial emergency units)
• Petrochemical, chemical, and manufacturing facilities
• Utilities and energy providers
• Grain handling and storage sites
• Food processing and textile mills

Implementing ASTM F1764-97(2024) helps organizations achieve compliance with both OSHA and NEC regulations and maintain the highest level of safety during confined-space rescues. By ensuring teams can communicate reliably and continuously, this guide helps minimize risk and improve the outcomes of rescue operations in hazardous environments.

Related Standards

• 29 CFR 1910.146 - OSHA regulation governing permit-required confined spaces in general industry
• NEC/NFPA 70 - National Electrical Code for hazardous location classification and electrical safety
• ASTM F1490 (Withdrawn) - Terminology related to search and rescue

Organizations should consult these standards alongside ASTM F1764-97(2024) to address all aspects of safety, system compatibility, and compliance for confined-space communication systems.

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Keywords: hardline communication systems, confined-space rescue, ASTM F1764, confined-space communication, OSHA, intrinsically safe, permit-required confined space, emergency response, rescue team communication, hazardous location safety.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: F1764 − 97 (Reapproved 2024)
Standard Guide for
Selection of Hardline Communication Systems for Confined-
Space Rescue
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F1764; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 3. Terminology
1.1 This guide covers recommended criteria for the selec- 3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
tion of hardwire communication systems for use in permit-
3.1.1 confined space rescue—rescue operations within
required confined-space rescue operations.
spaces that meet the definition of “permit-required confined
space” in Fed. Std. 29 CFR 1910.146.
1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3.1.2 hardline communication system—any communication
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
system where all users are connected to the system by a
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
hardline or wire.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.3 This international standard was developed in accor-
4. Significance and Use
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
4.1 Because of the many unique requirements of permit-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
required confined-space rescue operations and the specific
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
construction and composition of some confined spaces, hard-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
line communications systems may be the only type that will
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
meet the requirements for working within these spaces. Some
of these requirements are set forth in federal regulations and
2. Referenced Documents
some by safe operating procedures developed for working in
2.1 ASTM Standards:
confined spaces by industry.
F1490 Terminology Relating to Search and Rescue (With-
4.2 This guide is not meant to preclude the use of other
drawn 2011)
types of communication systems in confined-space rescue.
2.2 Federal Standards:
29 Code of Federal Regulations 1910.146 Permit Required
4 5. System Requirements
Confined Spaces
29 Code of Federal Regulations 1910.7 Definition and Re- 5.1 System Safety—The system must be safe for use in the
quirements for a National Recognized Testing Laboratory
atmosphere, or potential atmosphere, within the space.
NOTE 1—See Annex A1.
2.3 National Code:
National Electrical Code (NEC)/NFPA 70
5.2 The system must have continuous, hands-free voice
communications capability.
NOTE 2—See X1.1.
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F32 on Search and
5.3 The system must be dedicated and private so operations
Rescue and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F32.01 on Equipment,
Testing, and Maintenance. cannot be interfered with by outsiders not involved with the
Current edition approved April 1, 2024. Published April 2024. Originally
rescue.
approved in 1997. Last previous edition approved in 2018 as F1764 – 97 (2018).
DOI: 10.1520/F1764-97R24. 5.4 The system shall not affect the readings of other safety
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
equipment (that is, gas detectors).
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
5.5 Systems that are battery powered must have a low-
the ASTM website.
battery warning or a backup power source that provides a
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
minimum of 30 min before communications are lost.
www.astm.org.
Available from Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), 200
5.6 The system must accommodate a minimum of three
Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20210, http://www.osha.gov.
users.
Available from National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch
Park, Quincy, MA 02169-7471, http://www.nfpa.org. NOTE 3—See X1.2.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F1764 − 97 (2024)
NOTE 5—See X1.4.
5.7 The system should allow for communication between all
entrants as well as with the attendant.
5.9 The system must be impervious to the chemicals within
NOTE 4—See X1.3.
the space.
5.8 The system must work in conjunction with the personal
6. Keywords
protective equipment (PPE) necessary to work in the environ-
ment within the space. 6.1 confined space; hardline
ANNEX
(Mandatory Information)
A1. INHERENT SAFETY
A1.1 Equipment that requires electrical power to operate A1.1.) Division 1 locations are more hazardous than Division
may be a source of ignition in the presence of flammable gases
2, therefore the test protocols for Division 1 are more stringent.
or vapors, combustible dusts, or ignitable fibers. Equipment
As such, equipment certified for Division 1 is also approved for
that must operate in potentially flammable atmospheres must
Division 2. Hardline systems that only have limited approval,
be unable to cause ignition (inherently safe) in those atmo-
when used only in atmospheres for which they are approved,
spheres. They can be certified as intrinsically safe or explosion-
meet this guide. (See Note A1.2.) The NFPA does not certify
proof. Rescue teams that only work in known hazards, such as
equipment. Testing and certification must be done by a
on-site rescue teams, may use equipment app
...