Scout's Toolbox Talks

No confined space entry is safe without a plan for getting workers out — fast — if something goes wrong.

Why It Matters:

Rescue delays in confined spaces often lead to multiple fatalities. Many would-be rescuers die trying to save others without proper plans or equipment. A documented rescue plan isn’t optional — it’s a life-saving necessity.

Key Points:

• Every permit-required confined space entry must have a written rescue plan
• Plans must include:
  • Who performs the rescue (in-house team or local fire dept)
  • How to access the space and extract the entrant
  • What equipment is needed (tripods, harnesses, retrieval systems, etc.)
  • How to initiate communication and emergency response
• The rescue plan should be reviewed during the pre-entry briefing and available at the entry point
• Rescue teams must be trained, equipped, and capable of responding in the time required by the hazards present

✅ Hope for the best — but plan for the worst.

Ask the Crew:

• Do we have a documented rescue plan for today’s entry?
• Has the rescue team practiced a confined space drill this year?

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