Confined Space Rescue — Safe Work Method Statement
Safe Work Method Statement for providing rescue cover during confined space entry, covering the rescue plan, equipment set-up, standby duties, non-entry retrieval, entry rescue with breathing apparatus, casualty extraction and handover to emergency services.
Download this template
Many people who die in confined spaces in Australia are would-be rescuers: a workmate sees someone collapse and goes in after them without breathing apparatus. Confined space rescue therefore has to be planned, resourced and practised before anyone enters the space, not improvised when something goes wrong. Under Part 4.3 of the model WHS Regulations, the PCBU must establish first aid and rescue procedures for a confined space before entry, and those procedures must be practised to make sure they work. Rescue is part of confined space work, so it falls under the High Risk Construction Work category for work in a confined space, and a SWMS is required.
Calling 000 is part of the plan, but it cannot be the whole plan. Emergency services may take too long to arrive for someone in an oxygen-deficient or toxic atmosphere, and may not be able to fit through small openings. The rescue plan must suit the specific space: its entry size, depth, internal layout, the likely atmosphere and how a casualty would be packaged and lifted out.
The order of preference is self-rescue, then non-entry rescue (the standby person winches the entrant out using the retrieval line on a tripod or davit without entering), then entry rescue by a trained team wearing supplied-air breathing apparatus. The standby person must never enter the space to attempt a rescue. Entry rescue needs at least one rescuer in the space and backup outside, with a reliable breathing air supply, communications and a second retrieval system. Rescue equipment must be rated for lifting people, inspected and set up at the entry point before work starts.
There is no single national licence for confined space rescue, but rescuers must be trained and assessed as competent in confined space rescue and in the breathing apparatus they use, and refresher training and exercises should be held regularly. First aiders need current training, and oxygen resuscitation equipment should only be used by people trained to use it.
Customise this template with the confined space identifier and entry dimensions, the hazards on the entry permit, the rescue method selected and why, the rescue team names and competencies, the retrieval system and breathing apparatus details, communications, the nearest hospital, how emergency services will be met and directed, and the date of the last rescue drill.
Personal Protective Equipment
High Risk Construction Work Types
- •Work in or near a confined space
- •Work in an area that may have a contaminated or flammable atmosphere
Risk Assessment
1.Rescue planning and pre-entry briefing
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No workable rescue plan for this specific space | Catastrophic | Rescue plan written for the specific space and attached to the entry permit. Plan states rescue method, equipment, team members, communications and emergency services contact. Test the plan by walking through it at the entry point. No entry until the rescue team and equipment are in place. | Low | Entry Supervisor / Rescue Team Leader |
| Rescue team not competent or not current | High | Rescue team members hold current confined space rescue and breathing apparatus competencies. Training records checked before the job. Rescue drill held for the space type at the frequency set by the PCBU. | Low | Rescue Team Leader |
| Emergency services delayed in finding the site | Moderate | Site address and access point confirmed. A person is nominated to meet and guide emergency services. | Low | Entry Supervisor |
2.Rescue equipment set-up and checks
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Retrieval system fails under load | Catastrophic | Tripod or davit rated for personnel retrieval, set up over the entry on stable ground with legs pinned and chained. Winch and fall arrest block inspected before each use and within inspection date. Entrant's harness connected to the retrieval line at all times where the space layout allows. | Low | Rescue Team |
| Breathing apparatus faulty or air supply insufficient | Catastrophic | Pre-use check of SCBA and airline sets: cylinder pressure, face seal, low-pressure warning and escape cylinder. Breathing air from a compliant source. Spare cylinders on site. | Low | Rescue Team |
3.Standby during entry
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entrant collapses without being noticed | Catastrophic | Standby person at the entry point for the whole entry, in continuous communication with entrants by voice, radio or line signals. Continuous gas monitoring with alarms. Standby has no other duties. | Low | Standby Person |
| Standby person enters the space to help | Catastrophic | Standby person never enters. On alarm or loss of contact: call entrants out, start non-entry retrieval, raise the alarm and call the rescue team and 000. | Low | Standby Person |
4.Non-entry rescue (retrieval from outside)
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Casualty snagged or injured during winching | High | Winch steadily and stop if resistance is felt. Retrieval line kept clear of internal obstructions. Rescue team guides the casualty through the opening. | Moderate | Rescue Team |
| Rescuers exposed to hazardous atmosphere at the opening | High | Monitor gas at the entry point. Rescuers stay upwind and use breathing apparatus if the atmosphere at the opening is unsafe. | Low | Rescue Team Leader |
5.Entry rescue with breathing apparatus
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rescuer overcome by atmosphere | Catastrophic | Entry rescue only by trained rescuers wearing SCBA or airline breathing apparatus with escape cylinder. Each rescuer on their own retrieval line. Backup rescuer suited and ready outside. Continuous gas monitoring. | Moderate | Rescue Team |
| Fire or explosion in a flammable atmosphere | Catastrophic | Intrinsically safe equipment only. Ventilate with forced air where it will not spread contaminant. No entry if LEL is above the limit in the rescue plan. | Moderate | Rescue Team Leader |
| Engulfment or inflow during rescue | High | Confirm isolations remain in place before entry. Do not start entry rescue where isolation has failed and engulfment is ongoing. | Moderate | Rescue Team Leader |
6.Casualty packaging, extraction and first aid
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Further injury to casualty during extraction | High | Package casualty in a stretcher or extraction device suited to the opening. Use spinal precautions where injury is suspected and it is safe to do so. Remove the casualty from the hazardous atmosphere first. | Moderate | Rescue Team |
| Delay in first aid | High | First aider and first aid kit at the entry point. Begin CPR or oxygen therapy (if trained) once the casualty is in fresh air. Hand over to paramedics with gas readings and exposure details. | Moderate | First Aider |
| Manual handling injuries to rescuers | Moderate | Use mechanical advantage systems. Rotate rescuers. Plan lifts through tight openings. | Low | Rescue Team |
7.Post-rescue actions
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Incident scene disturbed or regulator not notified | Moderate | Keep the site undisturbed except to assist injured people or make the site safe. Notify the regulator immediately if it is a notifiable incident. | Low | PCBU / Site Supervisor |
| Contaminated or damaged equipment returned to service | Moderate | Decontaminate equipment. Quarantine retrieval gear and harnesses that took a load until inspected. Debrief and update the rescue plan. | Low | Rescue Team Leader |
Relevant Codes of Practice
Worker Acknowledgement
By signing below, I confirm that I have read, understood and agree to comply with this Safe Work Method Statement.