It is crucial to have a rescue plan when work is being done in a confined space; planning for a potential rescue will be the key to a successful rescue in the event of an actual emergency.

Trained personnel should complete the plan and while plans will differ in the amount of detail, they should contain the followi information:

• configuration of the space
• immediate surroundings
• location of the space
• position/dimensions of entry portals
• hazards of the space
• personal protective equipment required
• number of authorized entrants
• experience of the rescue team
• available rescue equipment

Once the rescue plan is completed, it should be part of the confined space program and will need to be reviewed and updated when conditions, team members or other factors change the plan.

Click here to see a sample Confined Space Rescue Plan.