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Under the Confined Spaces Regulations 1997, duty holders must put in place “adequate emergency arrangements before the work start”, and the Regulations require “adequate arrangements for the rescue of any person” in the event of an emergency.
HSE guidance is very clear that rescue planning must be considered before anyone enters a confined space. HSE states:
“Before any person enters a confined space of any type, arrangements for rescue in the event of an emergency should be in place.”
Just as importantly, HSE also makes clear that:
“Emergency arrangements should not rely on the attendance of the Fire and Rescue Services”
That is a crucial point. Too often, some assume that calling 999 is an adequate rescue plan. It is not. The emergency services are not there to provide your planned standby rescue cover, and reliance on them alone does not meet the expectation of proper confined space emergency arrangements.
If there is a foreseeable risk that someone could become injured, incapacitated, overcome by gas, trapped, or unable to self-rescue, then suitable rescue arrangements are required.
In many working environments, that means having a competent, properly equipped confined space rescue team available.
This is especially important where there is:
Having the right confined space rescue provision in place is about more than legal compliance. It is about protecting your people, reducing risk, and ensuring that if the worst happens, there is an immediate and effective response already in place.
Confined space emergencies are rarely forgiving. Rescue must be part of the job from the start – not something left to chance.
A rescue plan must be practical, site-specific, and capable of being implemented immediately. It is not enough to have a document that says emergency services will be called if something happens.
Effective rescue arrangements may need to include:
The reality is simple: when a confined space incident occurs, time is critical. Delays cost lives.
Rescue2 supports projects nationwide from our base in Poling, West Sussex, providing rescue cover and safety management for customers in construction, energy, manufacturing, infrastructure and other industrial sectors.
At Rescue 2, we provide specialist confined space rescue teams for planned works, shutdowns, maintenance, utilities operations, infrastructure projects, and emergency response support across the UK.
Our teams are trained, competent, and equipped to deliver professional standby rescue cover tailored to your site, your activity, and your risk profile. We help customers ensure that rescue arrangements are not only documented, but practical, compliant, and ready to respond.
If you are unsure whether your confined space activity requires a rescue team, speak to Rescue 2. We can help you assess the risks and determine the most suitable level of rescue provision for your works.
Complete confined space safety management – planning, documentation, rescue cover and emergency response 24/7.
All meet National Occupational Standards and hold City & Guilds, EUSR and FREC qualifications.
Yes. Rescue2 operates 24/7 with an agreed rapid nationwide call-out.
Yes. Our technical team produces detailed RAMS for every deployment before work begins.
Through continuous CPD, internal training audits and role-specific assessment for all technicians.
Construction, energy, manufacturing, infrastructure and utilities nationwide.
Real world experience, qualified staff, and documented processes that guarantee safety and compliance.
Complete confined space safety management – planning, documentation, rescue cover and emergency response 24/7.
All meet National Occupational Standards and hold City & Guilds, EUSR and FREC qualifications.
Yes. Rescue2 operates 24/7 with an agreed rapid nationwide call-out.
Yes. Our technical team produces detailed RAMS for every deployment before work begins.
Through continuous CPD, internal training audits and role-specific assessment for all technicians.
Construction, energy, manufacturing, infrastructure and utilities nationwide.
Real world experience, qualified staff, and documented processes that guarantee safety and compliance.
Rescue2 Ltd, The Old Stables, Decoy Lane, Arundel Road, Poling, West Sussex BN18 9QA
