Why the rescue plan is the line reviewers reject
For confined space, MEWP and fall-arrest work, the rescue plan is the part of the RAMS a principal contractor reads first — and the fastest rejection. The law expects a rescue plan that does not rely on the emergency services, because a casualty hanging in a harness or trapped in a confined space has minutes, not the time it takes for the fire service to arrive and rig. “Call 999” is the textbook line reviewers send back. A real rescue plan names the rescuers, the equipment, the method, and confirms the team has practised it.
Confined space, MEWP and fall-arrest rescue
Each scenario needs its own plan. Confined space rescue (Confined Spaces Regulations 1997) needs trained rescuers, a retrieval system, atmosphere monitoring and a top-man who never enters — most confined-space deaths are would-be rescuers. MEWP rescue covers bringing a trapped operative down on the ground/auxiliary controls, plus a plan for power failure and for entrapment against a structure. Fall-arrest rescue is about suspension trauma: a suspended person must be reached and lowered quickly, so the plan names the equipment and the trained person who will do it.
Rescue Plans RAMS FAQs
Can we just rely on 999 for rescue?
No — for confined space, MEWP and fall-arrest work a self-sufficient rescue plan is expected. A suspended or confined casualty has minutes, and the emergency services may take far longer to arrive and set up. Relying on them is the most common rescue-plan rejection.
Who carries out the rescue?
Named, trained people on site with the right equipment — not the casualty's workmates improvising, and not the fire service by default. Confined-space rescue in particular needs trained rescuers and a retrieval system, because untrained rescuers are the ones who die.
Do we need a rescue plan for every MEWP job?
Wherever entrapment or a fall from the platform is foreseeable, yes. The plan should cover lowering the platform on the ground and auxiliary controls and what happens if the machine loses power with someone at height.
Is there a rescue-plan report in the builder?
The rescue-plan templates are in the library now; a configurable builder report is on the way. Open any template and use "Request this RAMS" to be notified. Free during early access.