Free confined space rescue equipment checklist
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Free confined space rescue equipment checklist (PDF-ready). Covers rescue tripod, winch, harness and breathing apparatus. Download free.
Commercial Director
Updated 3 May 2026
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What is a confined space rescue equipment checklist?
A confined space rescue equipment checklist is a systematic inspection document used to verify that all rescue equipment required for a confined space entry is present, functional and ready for immediate use. Under Australian WHS Regulations and AS 2865, rescue equipment must be available at the entry point before any person enters a confined space. The checklist covers the rescue tripod or davit arm, mechanical winch with self-retracting lifeline, full body harness, self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) or airline breathing apparatus, gas detection equipment, communication equipment, first aid and resuscitation equipment, intrinsically safe lighting, and stretcher or rescue basket. Each item is inspected for condition, function, calibration and expiry before the confined space entry permit is issued.
Rescue equipment that has not been inspected or that fails during an emergency can turn a recoverable situation into a fatality. Regular documented inspections ensure that every piece of rescue gear will perform as intended when it is needed most, and that expired or damaged items are identified and replaced before they are called upon in a real rescue. Maintaining a completed checklist alongside each confined space entry permit also satisfies auditor expectations under AS 2865 and WHS Regulation 2011, Chapter 4, Part 4.3.
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Benefits of using this confined space rescue equipment checklist
- Rescue readiness: confirms all rescue equipment is present, functional and ready before confined space entry begins.
- Regulatory compliance: meets AS 2865 and WHS Regulation requirements for rescue equipment availability.
- Equipment accountability: tracks condition, calibration dates and service history for each piece of rescue equipment.
- Defect detection: systematic inspection catches damaged harnesses, expired SCBA cylinders, faulty gas detectors and worn winch cables before they are needed.
- Training verification: confirms rescue personnel are trained and competent to use each piece of equipment.
- Audit trail: completed checklists provide documented evidence for safety audits and regulatory inspections.
Benefits of digitising forms in MapTrack
When you digitise rescue equipment checklists in MapTrack, you get:
- Field users can easily scan a QR code to complete a form on mobile. Unlimited users.
- Automatically get alerts when faults are identified.
- Link every form digitally as a PDF to the relevant asset, location or person.
- Receive a digital PDF copy with every submission to your email.
- Ability to share forms digitally.
- Build conditional logic (show or hide questions based on answers).
- Take pictures or attach photos. Not possible with a paper-based form.
- Electronic signatures.
- Edit forms later without reprinting.
- Restrict permissions (who can view, complete or approve).
- Build forms with AI (describe what you need and MapTrack suggests the form).
- Escalate critical hazards instantly to safety managers via push notification.
- Maintain an auditable safety register that satisfies WHS regulator requests.
- Correlate incident trends across sites with built-in safety analytics.
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What to include in a confined space rescue equipment checklist
This confined space rescue equipment checklist covers 10 key areas:
- Rescue tripod / davit arm: condition, load rating, anchor points, leg locks, pulley.
- Mechanical winch / SRL: cable condition, brake mechanism, descent speed, load capacity.
- Full body harness: webbing condition, buckles, D-rings, stitching, labels legible.
- Breathing apparatus (SCBA/airline): cylinder pressure, mask seal, demand valve, airline integrity.
- Gas detection: calibration date, bump test result, sensor expiry, alarm function.
- Communication equipment: battery charge, range test, intrinsically safe rating.
- First aid / resuscitation: kit contents, expiry dates, oxygen supply.
- Lighting: intrinsically safe rating, battery charge, function test.
- Stretcher / rescue basket: condition, straps, attachment points.
- General: storage condition, accessibility at entry point, signage.
How to use this confined space rescue equipment checklist
- Identify all rescue equipment required for the specific confined space entry.: Review the confined space risk assessment and entry permit to determine which rescue equipment is needed. Vertical entries typically require a tripod and winch. Horizontal entries may need a stretcher or rescue basket. SCBA is required where the atmosphere may be immediately dangerous to life or health.
- Lay out equipment at the confined space entry point.: Position all rescue equipment within immediate reach of the entry point so it can be deployed without delay. Assemble the tripod or davit arm over the opening and connect the winch and lifeline. Place SCBA units, first aid kit and communication equipment nearby.
- Inspect each item systematically, check condition, function, calibration and expiry.: Examine harness webbing for cuts and abrasion, check winch cable for fraying, verify SCBA cylinder pressure is at operating level, confirm gas detector calibration is current and bump-test it, and test two-way radios for range and clarity at the entry point.
- Record results on the checklist, mark Pass, Fail or N/A for each item.: Use a structured form listing every piece of rescue equipment. For each item note its serial number, condition finding and pass or fail status. Attach calibration certificates or service records where applicable to maintain a complete audit trail.
- Withdraw any failed or expired equipment and replace before entry is authorised.: Tag any failed or expired item as unserviceable and remove it from the entry area to prevent accidental use. Source a replacement from store or hire and re-inspect the replacement before adding it to the rescue kit. Do not authorise the confined space entry permit until all equipment passes.
- Confirm the standby person is trained and competent to use all equipment.: Verify the standby person holds current confined space rescue training and has practised with the specific tripod, winch, SCBA and harness models being used. Ask them to demonstrate deployment of the winch and donning of the SCBA before the entry begins.
In MapTrack, you can digitise safety inspections and compliance forms. Each submission is stored as a timestamped PDF against the asset record.
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Before every confined space entry. The rescue equipment checklist must be completed as part of the pre-entry process, before the confined space entry permit is issued. Additionally, all rescue equipment should receive formal documented inspections at the intervals specified by the manufacturer and relevant Australian Standards. Harnesses and lanyards should be formally inspected every 6 months, gas detectors require daily bump tests and 6-monthly calibration, and SCBA units need monthly visual inspections with annual servicing. Equipment that has been used in an actual rescue must be inspected and re-certified before being returned to service. Any item that fails inspection must be immediately tagged as out of service and replaced before entry is authorised.
AS 2865 and WHS Regulations 2011 (Chapter 4, Part 4.3) require that rescue arrangements be in place before any person enters a confined space, which includes verifying that all rescue equipment is functional and accessible at the entry point. AS/NZS 1891 sets specific inspection and retirement criteria for harnesses and fall-arrest devices. Organisations managing multiple confined spaces should maintain a centralised rescue equipment register that tracks inspection dates, calibration records and service history for every item across all sites.
Frequently asked questions
Applicable regulatory standards
This template aligns with the following regulations and standards:
- AS 2865 - Confined spaces (rescue requirements)
- WHS Regulations 2011 - Chapter 4, Part 4.3 (confined spaces)
- AS/NZS 1891 - Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices
- OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146 - Permit-required confined spaces
Need to digitise safety inspections and compliance forms?
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