Free confined space rescue equipment checklist
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A confined space rescue equipment checklist is used to systematically inspect and verify that all rescue equipment is present, functional and ready before workers enter a confined space. This page explains what to include, how to conduct the inspection, and offers a free PDF-ready checklist you can download and use straight away. No sign-up required.
Last updated: 2026-04-10 · MapTrack
Commercial Director
How to use: Lay out all rescue equipment at the entry point → inspect each item systematically → record Pass, Fail or N/A → withdraw any failed equipment → confirm standby person is trained → save as PDF.
- ✓ PDF-ready. Open and print to PDF
- ✓ Covers tripod, winch, harness, SCBA, gas detection, communication, first aid and lighting
- ✓ Free to use with or without MapTrack
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See the first part of the checklist below. Enter your email above to download the full confined space rescue equipment checklist (PDF-ready).
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.
Benefits of using this 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 move from paper or static PDFs to digital forms 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).
Book a demo to see digital rescue equipment inspections and compliance tracking in MapTrack.
What to include in a confined space rescue equipment checklist
Our free confined space rescue equipment checklist includes:
- 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 conduct the inspection
- Identify all rescue equipment required for the specific confined space entry.
- Lay out equipment at the confined space entry point.
- Inspect each item systematically, check condition, function, calibration and expiry.
- Record results on the checklist, mark Pass, Fail or N/A for each item.
- Withdraw any failed or expired equipment and replace before entry is authorised.
- Confirm the standby person is trained and competent to use all equipment.
In MapTrack, you can digitise rescue equipment inspections with photo evidence, automated calibration reminders, and a complete audit trail for every piece of gear. Book a demo to see how.
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Back to download formWhen to inspect rescue equipment
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. Equipment that has been used in an actual rescue must be inspected and re-certified before being returned to service.
Frequently asked questions
- What rescue equipment is required for confined space entry?
- Under Australian WHS Regulations and AS 2865, confined space rescue equipment must include a rescue tripod or davit arm (for vertical entry), a mechanical winch with self-retracting lifeline (SRL), full body harness with attachment point compatible with the winch, self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) or airline breathing apparatus, gas detection equipment (4-gas monitor at minimum), communication equipment (two-way radios or hardwired intercom), first aid kit including resuscitation equipment, lighting (intrinsically safe for potentially flammable atmospheres), and stretcher or rescue basket. Equipment must be rated for the specific confined space conditions and regularly inspected and maintained.
- How often should confined space rescue equipment be inspected?
- Confined space rescue equipment should be inspected before each use, with formal documented inspections at regular intervals. Harnesses and lanyards should be formally inspected every 6 months (or per manufacturer specifications). Gas detectors require daily bump tests and formal calibration every 6 months. SCBA units need monthly visual inspections, 6-monthly flow tests, and annual servicing. Rescue tripods and winches should have annual load testing and certification. All equipment must be withdrawn from service immediately if any defect, damage or expiry is identified.
- Who should be trained in confined space rescue?
- Under Australian WHS Regulations, the PCBU must ensure that a trained rescue team or standby person is present whenever workers enter a confined space. Rescue personnel must be trained in confined space rescue techniques, use of all rescue equipment (tripod, winch, SCBA, harness), first aid including resuscitation, atmospheric monitoring, and emergency communication procedures. Rescue drills should be practised regularly (at minimum annually) to maintain competency. Rescue personnel must not enter the confined space to perform a rescue unless they are wearing appropriate PPE and using the rescue equipment.
- Is the template free to use without MapTrack?
- Yes. Download and use the confined space rescue equipment checklist for free. Open the file and use Print → Save as PDF. No MapTrack account required. If you later want digital equipment inspections with photo evidence, automated scheduling and compliance alerts, we'd be happy to show you MapTrack.
Need digital rescue equipment tracking with calibration alerts?
Track confined space rescue equipment in MapTrack. Schedule inspections, get calibration reminders, and keep a digital audit trail for every piece of rescue gear.