EMG/Specific/TBT-EMG-009

Confined Space Emergency Response

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Confined Space Emergency Response

Toolbox Talk Record

Ref: TBT-EMG-009  |  Issue: 1  |  Date: March 2026
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What?

  • Confined space emergencies include atmospheric incidents, collapse, flooding, fire, and medical emergencies inside the space.
  • More than half of confined space fatalities are would-be rescuers who enter without proper equipment or training.
  • A written rescue plan specific to the confined space must be in place before any entry begins.
  • Rescue equipment including tripods, winches, breathing apparatus, and communication systems must be staged and ready.
  • The top man raises the alarm and initiates the rescue plan but must never enter the space to attempt rescue.
  • Self-rescue by the entrant is the fastest response; workers must recognise when to evacuate immediately.
  • Non-entry rescue using retrieval lines and winches is the preferred method for vertical confined spaces.
  • Entry rescue by trained rescuers wearing breathing apparatus is the last resort for complex situations.
  • Emergency services should be called at the earliest opportunity; do not wait to see if the situation improves.
  • The Confined Spaces Regulations 1997 require that suitable rescue arrangements are in place before entry.

Why?

Rescuer deathsUntrained rescuers entering confined spaces to save colleagues account for over half of all confined space fatalities.
Speed criticalBrain damage from oxygen deprivation begins within 4 minutes. Pre-planned rescue saves critical seconds.
Legal requirementThe Confined Spaces Regulations 1997 ACoP requires suitable and sufficient rescue arrangements before any entry.
Do Don't
  • Prepare a written rescue plan specific to each confined space before entry.
  • Stage rescue equipment including tripod, winch, and BA at the entry point.
  • Attach retrieval lines to entrants in vertical spaces for non-entry rescue.
  • Train all confined space team members in the rescue plan and equipment use.
  • Call 999 immediately when a confined space emergency is declared.
  • Use the top man to raise the alarm and coordinate rescue from outside.
  • Practise rescue drills regularly so the team can respond under pressure.
  • Ensure rescuers wear breathing apparatus before entering a contaminated space.
  • Evacuate immediately if you feel dizzy, nauseous, or the gas alarm activates.
  • Debrief after every rescue drill and real incident to identify improvements.
  • DON'T enter a confined space to rescue someone without BA and proper training.
  • DON'T allow the top man to leave the entry point to attempt a rescue.
  • DON'T delay calling 999; activate emergency services at the earliest opportunity.
  • DON'T begin confined space entry without rescue equipment staged and ready.
  • DON'T assume the atmosphere is safe because the casualty is still conscious.
  • DON'T attempt rescue without first assessing what caused the emergency.
  • DON'T remove the retrieval line to give the entrant more freedom of movement.
  • DON'T skip rescue drills because the work seems low risk or routine.
  • DON'T send multiple untrained rescuers into a space; this causes more casualties.
  • DON'T re-enter the space after a gas alarm without confirming it is safe.

See also: Emergency Rescue Plans | Confined Space Entry Procedures
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