CSP/General/TBT-CSP-006

Emergency Rescue Plans

Confined Spaces › General › Emergency Rescue Plans

All Categories/Confined Spaces/General/Emergency Rescue Plans

Emergency Rescue Plans

Toolbox Talk Record

Ref: TBT-CSP-006  |  Issue: 1  |  Date: March 2026
PresenterProject
LocationDate

What?

  • A rescue plan must be in place before anyone enters a confined space — entry without one is prohibited.
  • The plan must detail how a casualty will be recovered from the specific confined space.
  • Rescue methods include self-rescue, non-entry rescue with tripod and winch, and trained entry rescue.
  • Non-entry rescue is preferred — it avoids putting rescuers at risk from the same hazards.
  • A tripod, inertia reel, and winch system allows extraction without entering the space.
  • Entry rescue should only be attempted by personnel trained in confined space rescue.
  • The Confined Spaces Regulations 1997 specifically require suitable rescue arrangements before entry.
  • Rescue equipment must be available at the entry point, tested, and ready for immediate use.
  • A rescue drill should be rehearsed before the first entry to confirm the plan works.
  • Emergency services should be pre-alerted for high-risk entries where on-site rescue may be insufficient.

Why?

Prevent multiple deathsUnplanned rescues are the leading cause of multiple confined space fatalities.
Legal requirementThe Confined Spaces Regulations mandate rescue arrangements before any entry.
Time criticalIn toxic atmospheres, a casualty can die within minutes of collapse.
Rescuer safetyUnplanned entry to rescue kills more people than the original incident.
Do Don't
  • Prepare a written rescue plan specific to each confined space before entry.
  • Position rescue equipment at the entry point and confirm it is operational.
  • Assign a trained rescue team and brief them on the plan before entry.
  • Rehearse the rescue procedure with a practice drill before the first entry.
  • Use a tripod and winch for non-entry rescue wherever possible.
  • Ensure the top man can raise the alarm and initiate rescue immediately.
  • Pre-alert the emergency services for high-risk confined space entries.
  • Include communication methods between the entrant and the rescue team.
  • Review the rescue plan if conditions change during the work activity.
  • Provide rescue team members with appropriate RPE and gas monitoring.
  • DON'T enter a confined space without a rescue plan in place.
  • DON'T attempt an unplanned rescue — this causes more deaths than it prevents.
  • DON'T assume the emergency services can rescue from every confined space.
  • DON'T position rescue equipment away from the entry point.
  • DON'T skip the rescue drill — untested plans fail when needed most.
  • DON'T send an unequipped rescuer into a space with a toxic atmosphere.
  • DON'T rely on a single rescue method — have a backup approach planned.
  • DON'T enter to rescue without breathing apparatus if gas levels are unsafe.
  • DON'T remove the top man from the entry point during the work.
  • DON'T use a generic rescue plan — it must be specific to the space.

See also: Confined Space Entry Procedures | Atmospheric Monitoring and Gas Testing
ebrora.com

RAMS Builder

Generate professional Risk Assessment and Method Statements in minutes. 10 document formats, site-specific content, instant Word download.

Learn More