Do I Need a Confined Space Rescue Plan?
If your business involves working in confined spaces, then yes, you need a confined space rescue plan in the event of an accident or emergency. A well-structured emergency rescue plan helps to protect the lives of employees, whilst also keeping your business compliant with UK law.
An emergency confined space rescue plan is a legal requirement under the Confined Spaces Regulations 1997, and failing to have one in place could put your workers—and your business—at serious risk.
But what exactly is a confined space rescue plan? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know, including who needs one, and what they involve.
What Is an Emergency Confined Space Rescue Plan?
An emergency confined space rescue plan is a detailed, pre-planned emergency response strategy designed to safely retrieve workers from hazardous enclosed areas. It includes risk assessments, procedures, designated rescue teams, and specialised equipment to ensure a fast and effective response in case of an emergency.
This isn’t something you can make up on the spot when things go wrong. A properly structured plan ensures that if someone becomes trapped, intoxicated by fumes, or injured in a confined space, the rescue process is quick, efficient, and—most importantly—safe for everyone involved.
How Do I Know If My Business Needs a Rescue Plan?
Many business owners and site managers underestimate the risks of confined spaces, assuming they won’t need a rescue plan unless their workers are deep underground or inside a high-risk industrial tank. But confined spaces are more common than you might think.
Ask yourself these questions:
✅ Do my employees work in enclosed or partially enclosed spaces such as tanks, tunnels or sewers?
✅ Are there risks of toxic gases, oxygen deficiency, flooding, or engulfment?
✅ Would it be difficult for a worker to exit quickly in an emergency?
✅ Do workers need permits, breathing equipment, or special training to enter the space?
✅ Are my operations in industries like construction, manufacturing, utilities, petrochemicals, or transport?
If you answered yes to any of these, your business requires a confined space rescue plan in case the worst was to happen.
What Do The Confined Space Regulations 1997 Stipulate?
The Confined Spaces Regulations 1997 stipulate that before any work is carried out in a confined space, employers have a legal obligation to put rescue and emergency arrangements in place.
Specifically, Regulation 5 stipulates that employers need a detailed confined space rescue plan that covers all of the following:
- The provision of first aid and medical support.
- Procedures for raising the alarm and evacuation.
- The provision of suitable rescue equipment (such as breathing apparatus, lifelines, and harnesses).
- Ensuring trained personnel are available to carry out rescues.
- Coordination with emergency services, if necessary.
Emergency Confined Space Rescue Plan Requirements
An emergency rescue plan is vital for ensuring the safety of workers in high-risk environments. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of what an effective plan should include in accordance with the 1997 Regulations, helping you stay compliant and prepared for any emergencies:
1. Risk Assessment & Hazard Identification
Before any work begins, you need to identify all potential dangers, such as:
- Gas leaks.
- Lack of oxygen.
- Entrapment risks.
- Flooding hazards.
Understanding the risks allows for proper safety measures to be implemented. With a well-thought-out risk assessment, you can prevent emergencies from happening in the first place, or be more aware to potential dangers whilst work is being undertaken.
2. On-site & Off-site Standby Rescue Teams
The preliminary stage also involves establishing which on-site and off-site personnel will be responsible for responding in the event of an emergency. You need to designate certain on-site personnel who will be responsible for identifying, reporting, and communicating potential emergencies should one arise.
Unless they are trained in confined spaces and have the necessary equipment, they will be responsible for contacting an off-site standby rescue team who will then coordinate and execute the plan.
The off-site rescue personnel/ standby team will then be prepared to act quickly when necessary, ensuring seamless communication with on-site personnel.
The standby team should be equipped and trained in:
- Safe confined space entry & retrieval.
- The use of rescue equipment, including breathing apparatus & gas detection.
- First aid & emergency response protocols.
Severn Access have some of the most experienced and skilled standby rescue teams in the UK, and are highly trained to respond to a wide-range of confined space emergency situations. If you’re in need of a standby rescue team for your business, contact Severn Access today and ensure you stay compliant with UK law.
3. Methods of Communication
Clear communication is crucial during an emergency. The plan should also establish reliable methods for the on-site personnel to contact rescue personnel, entrants, or the person in charge. Methods could include:
- Phone
- Radio
- Audible signals
- Visual hand signal
- Rope signals
4. Methods of Rescue
A plan also needs to specify the most appropriate methods for rescuing workers in emergencies. These methods could consist of:
- External (Retrieval)
Using tools such as winches or tripods to safely extract the worker without entry. - Internal Rescue
Sending trained personnel into the confined space with appropriate breathing apparatus to extract the worker. - Congested Space Rescue
Special techniques for confined spaces with limited access or challenging environments. - Hauling Systems
Using rope systems, pulleys, and winches for lifting or lowering workers during extraction. - Patient Lowering System
A system to safely lower a rescued worker from height if required. - Rescue Equipment
Includes the use of harnesses, stretchers, and other specialised gear to facilitate safe extractions.
5. On-Site Rescue Procedure
Your plan should also include a clear step-by-step guide for the standby team to follow during an emergency. Key aspects should include:
- How to recognise an emergency and raise the alarm.
- Whether non-entry rescue (e.g., using winches, tripods, or harnesses) is possible.
- When entry rescue (sending in trained personnel with breathing apparatus) is required.
- Detailed steps for administering first aid and safely extracting the casualty.
6. Rescue Equipment
Your plan must also specify the necessary rescue equipment. This could include:
- Lifelines
- Gas monitors
- SCBA (Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus)
- Harnesses
- Winches
- Specialist communication devices
Having the correct equipment ensures that plans can be performed effectively and safely. Your plan should ensure that all equipment is inspected by a competent person before use, with records of inspections attached.
7. Medical Equipment Requirements
Your plan also needs to include details on medical equipment required for emergencies. This could include items such as:
- Trauma kits
- Stretchers
- Fire extinguishers
Make sure that these supplies are easily accessible during an emergency.
An emergency rescue plan is more than just a requirement—it’s an essential part of ensuring worker safety and regulatory compliance. With clear procedures, proper equipment, and trained personnel, your plan can prevent accidents and provide peace of mind.
Contact Severn Access Today For an Expert Standby Rescue Team
If you’re in need of an expert standby rescue team to safely facilitate your emergency rescues, contact Severn Access today. We can help you structure an effective plan for confined space rescues, whilst also providing expert rescue services should you need us.
As one of the UK’s leading confined space rescue specialists, you can count on us to respond swiftly and effectively to your emergencies and accidents in confined spaces.
Choose Severn Access and you’ll be Choosing:
Expertise: Our highly trained rescue technicians specialise in confined space entry and rescue, ensuring fast and efficient emergency response.
Safety Compliance: We operate in full compliance with HSE regulations, including Confined Spaces Regulations 1997 and Safe Work in Confined Spaces guidelines.
Experienced Team: Our team has years of experience handling high-risk confined space situations with exceptional adherence to safety standards and protocols.
Nationwide Coverage: We offer services across the UK, ensuring your business remains compliant no matter your location.
State-of-the-Art Equipment: Severn Access uses the latest equipment, including breathing apparatus, gas detectors, and tripod winches for safe and effective extractions.
Emergency Readiness: We’re always prepared to act swiftly, providing expert teams on standby whenever you need them.
Don’t wait for an emergency to strike—prepare your team with the right plan today and contact the local experts Severn Access to support you every step of the way.