Confined Space Rescue Plan Review Checklist [FREE PDF]

OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146(k) requires employers to develop and implement procedures for summoning rescue services, rescuing entrants, providing necessary emergency services, and preventing unauthorized personnel from attempting rescue. NFPA 350 and ANSI Z117.1 further mandate that rescue plans be reviewed, practiced, and updated at defined intervals to reflect current site conditions. A thorough rescue plan review ensures that all team members understand their roles, equipment is serviceable, and res

  • Industry: General Industry
  • Frequency: Per Event
  • Estimated Time: 30-45 minutes
  • Role: Rescue Team Lead
  • Total Items: 34
  • Compliance: OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146(k), OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146(d)(9), NFPA 350 Chapter 10, ANSI Z117.1-2017 Section 9, CSA Z1006-16 Section 8

Rescue Plan Documentation Review

Verify that a written rescue plan exists, is current, and addresses all required elements per OSHA 1910.146.

  • Is a written rescue plan specific to this confined space available on site?
  • Has the rescue plan been reviewed or updated within the last 12 months?
  • Does the rescue plan identify both non-entry and entry rescue methods?
  • Are emergency contact numbers and rescue service details documented in the plan?
  • Does the plan address hazard-specific rescue considerations for this space?

Rescue Team Qualifications & Training

Confirm that all rescue team members hold current training certifications and have practiced rescue scenarios.

  • Are all rescue team members trained in the permit space rescue procedures for this space?
  • Do all rescue team members hold current CPR and first aid certifications?
  • Has the rescue team conducted a practice rescue within the past 12 months?
  • Are rescue team training records available and accessible on site?
  • What is the minimum number of trained rescue personnel available for this entry?

Rescue Equipment Inspection

Inspect all rescue equipment for serviceability, calibration, and readiness prior to confined space entry.

  • Is a retrieval system (tripod, davit arm, or equivalent) available and in serviceable condition?
  • Are retrieval lines, harnesses, and wristlets free of visible damage, wear, or contamination?
  • Is supplied-air or SCBA rescue equipment available, charged, and within calibration dates?
  • Is a first aid kit and AED accessible at the confined space entry point?
  • Has rescue equipment been photographed and documented for this inspection?

Communication & Alarm Systems

Ensure communication devices and alarm notification systems are tested and functional before entry.

  • Is a reliable two-way communication method established between the entrant and attendant?
  • Has communication equipment (radios, intercom) been tested and confirmed operational today?
  • Is there a clearly defined alarm or distress signal known to all team members?
  • Are emergency services (911 or site ERT) pre-notified of the confined space entry activity?
  • Is the estimated emergency response time for external rescue services documented?

Pre-Entry Hazard & Rescue Briefing

Confirm all team members received a comprehensive briefing on space-specific hazards and rescue roles.

  • Were all team members briefed on the specific hazards identified in this space's permit?
  • Has each team member been assigned a specific role in the rescue plan?
  • Were rescue routes and assembly points identified and communicated to all personnel?
  • Did all team members acknowledge understanding of the rescue plan via signature or verbal confirmation?
  • Are any team members new to this space or rescue procedure who require additional orientation?

Non-Entry Rescue Feasibility Assessment

Evaluate whether non-entry rescue methods are feasible and preferred for this confined space configuration.

  • Has the space been evaluated to determine if non-entry rescue is feasible?
  • Are retrieval lines pre-attached to the entrant's full-body harness prior to entry?
  • Is the space geometry (bends, offsets, restrictions) documented as compatible with non-entry retrieval?
  • If non-entry rescue is not feasible, is this documented with justification on the permit?
  • Please describe any space-specific retrieval challenges or non-entry rescue limitations:

Review Completion & Authorization

Capture final sign-off, corrective actions, and authorization status before permitting confined space entry.

  • Were any deficiencies identified during this rescue plan review?
  • Have all identified deficiencies been corrected or documented with corrective action plans?
  • Does the rescue team lead authorize the confined space entry to proceed based on this review?
  • Please record any additional notes, observations, or corrective actions from this review:

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Why Use This Confined Space Rescue Plan Review Checklist [FREE PDF]?

This confined space rescue plan review checklist [free pdf] helps general industry teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for rescue team lead professionals, this checklist covers 34 critical inspection points across 7 sections. Recommended frequency: per event.

Ensures compliance with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146(k), OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146(d)(9), NFPA 350 Chapter 10, ANSI Z117.1-2017 Section 9, CSA Z1006-16 Section 8. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Confined Space Rescue Plan Review Checklist [FREE PDF] cover?

This checklist covers 34 inspection items across 7 sections: Rescue Plan Documentation Review, Rescue Team Qualifications & Training, Rescue Equipment Inspection, Communication & Alarm Systems, Pre-Entry Hazard & Rescue Briefing, Non-Entry Rescue Feasibility Assessment, Review Completion & Authorization. It is designed for general industry operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed per event. Each completion takes approximately 30-45 minutes.

Who should use this Confined Space Rescue Plan Review Checklist [FREE PDF]?

This checklist is designed for Rescue Team Lead professionals in the general industry industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.

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