Free confined space rescue plan template

• The MapTrack confined space rescue plan template contains 24 checks across 4 sections. Sections covered: Space & scenario, Rescue method selection, Rescue equipment, Drills & notification.
• Plan ownership and scope: specific confined space ID classification typical occupancy entry method linked risk assessment and the rescue plan revision number owner and approval date.
• Scenario library: realistic rescue scenarios for this space including medical collapse atmospheric exceedance heat stress engulfment entanglement injury at height electrical contact and fire each with its own response branch.
• Rescue method decision: documented selection of self-rescue non-entry rescue (winch and retrieval line) or entry rescue with the reasoning recorded and the residual risk if entry rescue is unavoidable.

Learn more about compliance and inspections in MapTrack.

• Procedural clarity: a written response procedure step roles communications and handover gives every rescuer a clear path through the highest-stress event on site rather than relying on memory of a generic training course.
• Scenario coverage: documenting every realistic scenario (medical collapse atmospheric change engulfment entanglement injury at height) ensures the response is rehearsed for the worst foreseeable event not just the most likely one.
• Rescue method selection: scoring whether self-rescue non-entry rescue (winch and retrieval line) or entry rescue is feasible for the specific space prevents the catastrophic default to untrained entry rescue that drives most rescuer fatalities.
• Drill cadence: a written drill schedule and scenario rotation satisfies OSHA 1910.146(k)(2) practice exercise requirement and AS 2865 rescue competency expectations so the team remains current.
• Comms and medical handover: defined comms tree from standby person to entry supervisor to emergency services and medical pathway to clinical care addresses the gaps that turn recoverable casualties into fatalities.
• Regulator and insurer defence: a documented exercised rescue plan attached to every entry permit is the artefact regulators and insurers examine first after a confined space incident or near-miss.

• Plan ownership and scope: specific confined space ID classification typical occupancy entry method linked risk assessment and the rescue plan revision number owner and approval date.
• Scenario library: realistic rescue scenarios for this space including medical collapse atmospheric exceedance heat stress engulfment entanglement injury at height electrical contact and fire each with its own response branch.
• Rescue method decision: documented selection of self-rescue non-entry rescue (winch and retrieval line) or entry rescue with the reasoning recorded and the residual risk if entry rescue is unavoidable.
• Roles and team composition: entry supervisor entrant standby person attendant entry rescuer non-entry rescuer comms operator medical first responder and incident controller with named individuals and competencies.
• Response sequence: step by step response procedure from alarm raised through retrieval medical assessment handover to ambulance and post-incident scene preservation expected times against each step.
• Equipment and PPE: rescue equipment specific to the scenario (tripod winch SRL stretcher rescue basket SCBA airline harness gas detector intrinsically safe lighting comms) linked to the rescue equipment checklist that verifies hardware presence.
• Communications: comms tree from entrant to standby person to entry supervisor to incident controller to emergency services radio channels backup hardwired comms hand signals and the language and accent considerations on multi-cultural sites.
• Drill program: annual drill cadence scenario rotation realistic scenario rules evaluation method documentation requirement under OSHA 1910.146(k)(2) and AS 2865 rescue competency.
• Post-incident actions: scene preservation regulator notification timeline incident report investigation root cause analysis corrective actions plan revision and re-training requirement.
• Sign-off and review: rescue coordinator signature site manager countersign valid from date next review due date and the trigger criteria for interim plan revision.

1. Confirm the space and the linked risk assessment

   select the specific confined space ID review the per-space risk assessment confirm classification typical entry method occupancy duration and atmospheric profile then identify every realistic rescue scenario this space could foreseeably produce including medical collapse atmospheric exceedance engulfment entanglement injury at height electrical contact and fire.

2. Decide the rescue method against AS 2865 and OSHA 1910.146(k)

   for each scenario decide whether self-rescue non-entry rescue (winch and retrieval line) or entry rescue is the chosen method document the reasoning if entry rescue is required (because the space configuration cannot support retrieval line) and record the residual risk and any compensating controls.

3. Assign roles competencies and the response sequence

   name individuals to entry supervisor entrant standby person attendant entry rescuer non-entry rescuer comms operator medical first responder and incident controller record competencies against AS 2865 OSHA 1910.146(g) NFPA 1006 Chapter 7 expectations and write the step by step response procedure with expected times against each step.

4. Document equipment communications and medical handover

   specify rescue equipment per scenario link to the rescue equipment checklist that verifies hardware presence write the comms tree from entrant to standby person to entry supervisor to incident controller to emergency services define radio channels backup hardwired comms hand signals and the medical handover procedure to first responders and ambulance.

5. Set the drill cadence post-incident actions and sign off

   schedule the annual rescue drill (minimum per OSHA 1910.146(k)(2)) rotate scenarios document evaluation method define the post-incident actions (scene preservation regulator notification incident report root cause corrective actions and plan revision) then have the rescue coordinator and site manager sign the plan and attach it to every entry permit raised against this space.

Practical answers about the form, record keeping and using MapTrack.

This form is a starting point. Check the current requirements that apply to your equipment, work and location. The form alone does not establish compliance.

• AS 2865-2009 (Confined spaces - rescue clauses Section 4.5 and Appendix C)
• OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146(k) (Rescue and emergency services)
• NFPA 350-2025 (Guide for Safe Confined Space Entry and Work Chapter 9)
• NFPA 1006-2025 (Technical Rescuer Professional Qualifications Chapter 7)
• UK Confined Spaces Regulations 1997 regulation 5
• UK HSE L101 Approved Code of Practice

• Model Codes of Practice (Safe Work Australia)
• OSHA 29 CFR Part 1910, Occupational Safety and Health Standards

MapTrack publishes this template. The linked authorities publish their own guidance; they haven't endorsed this form.

• confined space entry permit
• confined space risk assessment
• confined space rescue equipment checklist
• emergency evacuation drill checklist
• rescue kit inspection checklist
• site emergency plan
• journey management plan
• Compliance tracking
• Pre-start inspections
• Asset tracking