Confined Space Rescue Plan — OSHA 1910.146(k) Compliant
The rescue arrangement required by 1910.146(d)(9) before any permit-required confined space entry. Covers in-house rescue teams, contracted rescue services, and 911-based response — with the OSHA rescue service evaluation built in.
When this template is required
Required when permit-required confined space entries are performed. The employer must evaluate prospective rescue services for capability, ensure rescue can be summoned, and have the means in place BEFORE entry begins.
Why this template
OSHA rescue service evaluation worksheet
1910.146(k)(1)(i) requires the employer to evaluate the prospective rescue service's ability to respond in a timely manner and to function appropriately. The worksheet follows the OSHA Appendix F evaluation format that inspectors look for.
Covers in-house, contracted, and 911-based rescue
Three rescue models are common: in-house team (industrial sites), contracted rescue service (large construction projects), or 911-based response (small contractors). The plan documents whichever model you use.
Non-entry rescue procedure
1910.146(k)(3) requires retrieval systems to be used unless retrieval would increase risk or be infeasible. Non-entry rescue is the default; the plan documents the retrieval equipment, anchor points, and procedure.
Drill record format included
1910.146(k)(2)(iv) requires rescue practice drills at least every 12 months. The drill record format documents the scenario, response time, equipment used, and lessons learned.
What you receive
- Confined Space Rescue Plan (Word .docx)
- Rescue service evaluation worksheet (OSHA Appendix F format)
- Rescue team designation and competency record (in-house teams)
- Rescue equipment inventory and inspection log
- Non-entry rescue procedure (retrieval system)
- Entry rescue procedure (when non-entry is infeasible)
- Annual practice drill record format
- Rescue response time documentation
- Medical evaluation post-rescue protocol
How you get it
This document is written and reviewed against the standard it cites, and it is ready now. The download link is emailed as soon as your payment clears.
Revisions included — if something about your operation changes what the document should say, reply to the delivery email and we will amend it.
Who buys this
- Industrial sites with frequent confined space entries
- Utility contractors (telecom, electric, water, sewer)
- Construction GCs coordinating subcontractor confined space work
- Facilities relying on 911/fire department for rescue (with capability documentation)
Frequently asked
Can I just rely on 911 for confined space rescue?
Sometimes. 1910.146(k)(1) requires the employer to evaluate whether the prospective rescue service (including 911 / fire department) can respond in a timely manner and is equipped/trained for confined space rescue. Many local fire departments do NOT have confined space rescue capability. If you rely on 911, you must document the evaluation — the worksheet walks through it. If the evaluation shows the local response is inadequate, you need an alternative arrangement (in-house team or contracted rescue).
What's the difference between non-entry rescue and entry rescue?
Non-entry rescue: a retrieval system (full-body harness, retrieval line, mechanical retrieval device) lets an attendant pull the entrant out without entering the space. This is the OSHA-preferred default per 1910.146(k)(3). Entry rescue: rescuers enter the space to retrieve the entrant — used when non-entry is infeasible (configuration prevents retrieval, entrant is unconscious and entangled, etc). Entry rescue requires substantially more training, equipment, and risk evaluation.
How often do we need to drill?
1910.146(k)(2)(iv) requires rescue practice drills at least every 12 months. Best practice for high-risk facilities is quarterly. The drill must use representative confined spaces (or a simulator that approximates them), the rescue equipment that would be used in an actual rescue, and address the most challenging rescue scenarios.
Do I need this plan if I have the Entry Program?
The Confined Space Entry Program covers the rescue arrangement at a high level — who responds, how to summon them. The Confined Space Rescue Plan provides the detailed procedures, the rescue service evaluation, the equipment list, and the drill records. For most operations, both products are appropriate. The Entry Program is the umbrella; the Rescue Plan is the rescue-specific detail.
What is the OSHA Appendix F evaluation?
Appendix F to 1910.146 is OSHA's non-mandatory rescue service evaluation form. It walks through the criteria for evaluating whether a prospective rescue service can respond appropriately: response time, equipment, training, prior experience, ability to access the specific spaces at your facility. Following Appendix F is the recognized way to document the §1910.146(k)(1) evaluation requirement.