Confined Space Rescue Services UK
Confined Space Rescue Company & Contractors UK
Here at Severn Access, we're one of the UK's leading confined space rescue companies and contractors, home to some of the most experienced and qualified confined space rescue teams found anywhere in the country.
We leverage cutting-edge rope access entry methods and equipment to execute emergency rescues with flawless precision. We ensure the safe and efficient retrieval of individuals who have become trapped or endangered within confined spaces, including silos, sewers, tunnels and other industrial settings.
Based in Worcestershire, our strategic West Midlands base allows us to offer nationwide coverage for our confined space rescue services. We are just as capable supporting your confined space operations in Birmingham as we are Bristol, London, Manchester, or anywhere else in the UK.
Operating in complete accordance with The Confined Space Regulations 1997, our highly-qualified rescue teams have years' of experience in performing rescue operations in hazardous, high-risk environments.
This ensures that your business stays compliant with the law when you choose us as your confined space rescue contractors. So if you're in need of a professional and highly skilled rescue team, contact Severn Access and Rescue Services today.
When Is a Confined Space Rescue Team Required?
According to Regulation 5 of The Confined Space Regulations 1997:
"No person at work shall enter or carry out work in a confined space unless there have been prepared in respect of that confined space suitable and sufficient arrangements for the rescue of persons in the event of an emergency".
This means that a confined space rescue team is required by law whenever a person is to enter or work in a confined space (and there are no foreseeable emergencies). These rescue arrangements must not rely solely on calling the emergency services. This is because it can cost valuable time, and can therefore mean the difference between life and death.
Instead, businesses need to have a confined space rescue plan in place before any entry takes place. This needs to be tailored to the environment, taking into account the tasks to be performed and the particular hazards associated with the space, as identified by the initial risk assessment.
The regulations also stipulate that a team must then be available to respond immediately in the event of an emergency. As such, the plan needs to allow for the provision of a highly trained and well-equipped confined space rescue team. This is the team that will be responsible for responding to an emergency situation, and who will be ready to execute a rescue if needed.
Confined Space Rescue Requirements
The Confined Space Regulations 1997 stipulate that employers need to plan and prepare for all of the following if work is to be completed in confined spaces:
- A Confined Space Rescue Plan: This details how a casualty will be located, reached, and removed.
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A Trained Rescue Team: These are the personnel who are competent in confined space rescue techniques.
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Appropriate Rescue Equipment: Harnesses, retrieval systems, breathing apparatus, resuscitation kit etc.
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Effective Channels of Communication: There must be forms of communication in place that allow personnel to raise the alarm and coordinate with the rescue team.
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Arrangements To Minimise Risk: At every stage of the operation, provisions must be put in place to minimise risk to all those entering confined spaces, including the rescue personnel.
- A Safe System of Work (SSoW): A document that outlines how tasks in confined spaces are to be carried out safely.
In short: If an emergency (like a gas leak or equipment failure) could put someone in a confined space at risk, you must have a competent rescue team ready to respond immediately.
Here at Severn Access, our highly-trained rescue operatives act as both emergency personnel and confined space rescue consultants. We can help you to conduct a thorough site risk assessment, and help you to draft a confined space rescue plan and a SSoW to keep your business compliant with all the regulations listed above.
Meanwhile, we can also supply you with a highly-trained and experienced confined space rescue team. They can either be waiting on call, or on site with you during your confined space operations, and will be prepared at all times to execute the confined space rescue plan and carry out an emergency rescue should one be required.
Situations Where A Rescue Team Is Essential
These spaces are typically characterised by their limited entry and exit points, making emergency responses particularly challenging. Typical spaces that the Confined Space Regulations apply to include:
- Tanks and vessels
- Silos and hoppers
- Sewers and underground drainage systems
- Vaults and utility chambers
- Tunnels and shafts
- pits and trenches
- ducts and pipes
- Any enclosed or partially enclosed spaces not designed for continuous human occupancy but requiring occasional entry for work.
Types of Emergency Scenarios
- Toxic gases or fumes
- Risk of falls
- Low oxygen levels
- Structural collapse
- Equipment failure
- Flammable atmospheres
Nationwide Coverage
Based in the West Midlands, Severn Access are strategically-positioned to offer nationwide coverage for our emergency rescue services. No matter where you're located in the UK, we're the go-to team you can depend on if you need a top man, confined space rescue consultant, or standby rescue team.
Bespoke Rescue Plans
We work with you to create a thorough, regulation-compliant confined space rescue plan that is 100% tailored to your business needs. From the provision of access equipment to the planning of an emergency response unit, we're not just a rescue team; we act as your personal consultants for navigating the complex stipulations of the Confined Space Regulations.
Industry-Leading Teams
Our standby rescue teams are some of the most experienced in the industry. Fully qualified and trained in the latest confined space regulations, we operate swiftly and decisively whilst adhering to the highest of safety standards. We ensure that rescue plans are executed flawlessly, following all procedures to ensure the safe retrieval of endangered individuals.
Our Confined Space Rescue Services
Here at Severn Access, we have helped countless businesses stay compliant with the regulations surrounding confined spaces. This includes businesses in the oil & gas, power generation, agriculture, construction and industrial sectors.
Our industry-leading confined space services cover everything from emergency response to risk assessments and the provision of standby rescue teams. We provide everything you need in-house to ensure that your business is fully prepared in the event of an emergency.
Our mission is to help advise you on what your business needs to remain regulation-compliant, as well as putting in place the necessary plans and procedures to help protect your workforce should the worst happen. Our services include:
- Confined Space Rescue Risk Assessments
- Confined Space Rescue Plan Formulation
- Confined Space Entry and Rescue Consultants
- Standby Rescue Teams
- Top Man Services
As one of the UK's leading confined space rescue companies and contractors, we have some of the nation's most experienced standby rescue teams.
They will be prepared to act in the event of an emergency to rescue personnel safely. Our rescue operatives leverage industry-leading rescue equipment and the latest rope access techniques to egress confined spaces swiftly and effectively.
Rescue3 Accredited
Severn Access is proud to hold the accolade of Rescue3 Accredited. This prestigious accreditation certifies that Severn Access is fully qualified to execute rescue operations in accordance with The Confined Space Regulations 1997.
This ensures that all of our rescue operatives are fully certified to handle emergency scenarios within hazardous, high-risk environments. This not only helps to keep your business compliant with UK law, but it also ensures the highest levels of precision and accuracy when it comes to the safe retrieval of endangered individuals.
Trust Severn Access and Rescue Services to execute your emergency operations with an unwavering commitment to professionalism and safety.
What Is a Confined Space Standby Rescue Team?
A standby rescue team is a specialised unit of rescue operatives who are hired to be on hand to perform a rescue should an emergency arise. They may be on-site with you, or on-call during a confined space operations in case the worst was to happen. These teams not only help to prioritise the safety of individual working in enclosed spaces, but also keeps you compliant with UK law.
With a deep understanding of the risks associated with confined spaces, our operatives are equipped to perform fast, effective rescues whilst upholding the highest of safety standards.
Our Standby Rescue Teams Offer:
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On-Site Emergency Response: Our teams are fully prepared to respond quickly in the event of an emergency, prioritisng the safety of trapped or endangered individuals.
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Expert Entry & Retrieval: We use industry-leading rope access techniques and entry methods to reach and extract individuals as safely and quickly as possible.
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Industry Compliance: All of our standby operations are carried out in accordance with the Confined Space Regulations, ensuring full legal compliance.
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Real-time Support: We support your operations with atmospheric monitoring, risk mitigation, and continuous communication during all phases of entry.
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Integrated Safety Planning: Our personnel can assist in developing or reviewing your confined space rescue plans and risk assessments while on-site.
With Severn Access, you're not just hiring a rescue team, you're partnering with experienced safety professionals who understand the critical importance of precision and compliance in emergency scenarios.
Confined Space Rescue Consultants UK
More than just a rescue team, we're also highly knowledgeable Confined Space Rescue Consultants who can help your business navigate the complex legalities of the confined space regulations. We can help you to produce a Safe System of Work (SSoW), which is vital for ensuring every task within confined spaces is carried out safely.
We will work closely with your team to design a complete SSoW that covers every stage of your operations—from initial planning right through to emergency readiness:
Our rescue consultancy services Include:
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Confined Space Risk Assessments: We identify potential hazards, evaluate control measures, and provide detailed, site-specific assessments to reduce risk.
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Rescue Plan Development: Our consultants help draft clear, compliant rescue plans tailored to your site, team, and tasks.
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Site Audits & Safety Reviews: We'll evaluate your current processes, equipment, and personnel to ensure you meet all legal obligations and best practices.
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Emergency Preparedness Planning: We assess your current emergency arrangements and provide practical, actionable improvements.
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Regulatory Compliance Support: We can offer expert advice so you stay up to date with UK legislation and HSE guidance to avoid penalties and ensure worker safety.
With years of front-line experience and deep regulatory knowledge, our consultants provide expert guidance on all aspects of safety, helping you stay compliant with the Confined Spaces Regulations, whilst also protecting your workforce from high-risk environments.
Confined Space Rescue Company UK
Why Choose Severn Access?
When lives are on the line and time is of the essence, you need a rescue team you can depend on.
Here at Severn Access and Rescue Services, we have a strong reputation for delivering both technical expertise and rapid response times to emergency situations. With an unwavering commitment to professionalism, we specialise at every level of confined space rescue operations, from the drafting of rescue plan and SSoW's right through to the emergency response.
Whether you simply need expert guidance, or you need a qualified top man or standby rescue team at your side for your business operations, Severn Access are the local team you can count on in the West Midlands and the wider UK.
Don't leave safety to chance: contact the local experts at Severn Access and Rescue Services today and we'll be happy to provide you with more information about our wide-range of specialist services.
Email Us: info@severnaccess.co.uk
Call Us Now: 07968 967214