Confined Space Rescue Team
Professional Standby Rescue Cover
for Confined Space Entry Operations
Working in confined spaces presents some of the most significant risks in any workplace.
These environments often involve restricted access, limited ventilation, and hazards that can quickly become life-threatening if an emergency occurs. As a result, careful planning and appropriate safety measures are essential before any work begins.
Whether carrying out inspections, maintenance, cleaning operations, repairs or construction activities, employers have a legal responsibility to ensure suitable emergency rescue arrangements are in place before entry takes place.
Having a rescue plan is not simply a regulatory requirement; it is a vital part of protecting the health and safety of everyone involved and ensuring a rapid response if an incident occurs.
At Trade Safety, our experienced Confined Space Rescue Team provides professional standby rescue cover, rescue planning and emergency response services to support confined space operations throughout Ireland. Our team works alongside your personnel to help ensure rescue arrangements are in place, risks are effectively managed, and confined space work can be carried out safely, efficiently and in compliance with current safety requirements.
Why Is a Confined Space Rescue Team Required?
The HSA Code of Practice for Working in Confined Spaces (2017) states:
“Confined spaces are significantly more hazardous than normal workplaces. The hazards involved may not be unique to confined spaces but are always exacerbated by the enclosed nature of the confined space. The resulting injuries are potentially fatal.”
The Code of Practice further states:
“Whenever work in a confined space is carried out, arrangements that are suitable and sufficient for the rescue of persons in the event of an emergency therein must be in place.”
Confined spaces can present hazards including:
• Oxygen deficiency
• Toxic or hazardous gases
• Flammable atmospheres
• Restricted access and egress
• Engulfment hazards
• Flooding risks
• Heat stress
• Mechanical hazards
Without a suitable rescue plan and competent rescue personnel on standby, a minor incident can quickly become a life-threatening emergency.
Our Confined Space Rescue Services
Our rescue team can provide:
Standby Rescue Cover
Dedicated rescue personnel remain on-site throughout the confined space operation, ready to respond immediately in the event of an emergency.
Rescue Planning & Documentation
Prior to any confined space entry, our team can prepare all required documentation, including:
- Method Statements
- Risk Assessments
- Safe Systems of Work (SSWPs)
- Permit-to-Work Documentation
- Rescue Plans
- Emergency Procedures
Emergency Response
Should an incident occur, our trained rescue personnel can implement site-specific rescue procedures using specialist confined space rescue equipment.
Specialist Rescue Equipment
The equipment required to support safe entry and emergency rescue operations.
Our Confined Space Rescue Team arrives fully equipped with the equipment required to support safe entry and emergency rescue operations.Â
Equipment includes:
• Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)
• Breathing Air Trailers
• Breathing Air Trolley Systems
• Multi-Gas Monitors
• Radio Communication Systems
• Rescue Stretchers
• First Aid Equipment
• Fire Extinguishers
• Rescue Tripods
• Rescue Winches
• Retrieval Systems
All equipment is regularly inspected, serviced and maintained to ensure operational readiness.
Code of Practice
Regulation 6 of the Confined Space Regulations 2001
A person shall not enter a confined space unless there is a suitable emergency arrangements have been made which are appropriate to the confined space in question.
The emergency arrangements shall include:
All practical measures necessary to ensure the health and safety of those taking part in the rescue.
The provision of a suitable and reliable means of raising the alarm in the event of an emergency, having all necessary rescue equipment nearby and in a well maintained, good condition.
The provision of information, instruction and training to all involved in rescue procedures.
The provision of equipment and training for resuscitation procedures if there is a foreseeable risk that they will be needed.
Industries We Support
Supporting a wide range of industries
Our Confined Space Rescue Team supports a wide range of industries, including:
• Water & Wastewater Treatment
• Utilities
• Manufacturing
• Pharmaceutical Facilities
• Construction Projects
• Food Processing Facilities
• Local Authorities
• Energy & Infrastructure Projects
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about our products, services and safety solutions.
The HSA requires suitable and sufficient rescue arrangements to be in place whenever confined space work is undertaken. In many situations, a dedicated standby rescue team provides the safest and most effective solution.
Yes. We provide rescue cover for both short-duration works and long-term projects.
Yes. Our team can prepare risk assessments, method statements, permits, rescue plans and other required documentation before work commences.
Our team arrives with specialist rescue equipment including breathing apparatus, gas monitors, communication systems, rescue stretchers and emergency response equipment.
Yes. We provide nationwide coverage for confined space rescue and standby rescue services.
Yes. Atmospheric monitoring can be provided before and during confined space entry operations.
Why Choose Trade Safety?
Professional Safety Solutions Backed by Experience
• Experienced Confined Space Rescue Personnel
• Fully Equipped Rescue Team
• Nationwide Coverage
• Rescue Planning & Documentation
• HSA Compliance Support
• Fast Response & Professional Service
Meet Our Rescue Team
Austin Handy
Our rescue personnel are trained and experienced in confined space entry, emergency rescue procedures, breathing apparatus operations, gas detection, casualty management and emergency response planning.
Each project is supported by competent personnel who understand the unique hazards associated with confined space work and the importance of rapid intervention during an emergency.
Austin Handy is the Founder and Managing Director of Trade Safety Ltd and has over 20 years’ experience in health and safety consultancy, confined space safety, rescue planning, and emergency response. Holding a Bachelor of Science in Environmental, Construction, Health & Safety Management, Austin is a qualified Confined Space Instructor and has delivered confined space entry and rescue training to organisations across the construction, utilities, pharmaceutical, manufacturing and waste management sectors.
Throughout his career, he has provided confined space training using both escape breathing apparatus and full breathing apparatus for companies including BAM, John Sisk & Son, ENVA, Abbott, Lakeland Dairies, Beckman Coulter, Odlums, Murphy International, Dublin Bay Power and Dublin City Council. Austin also holds specialist qualifications in rescue instruction, breathing apparatus, working at height, gas detection, quantitative face fit testing and chemical safety, bringing extensive practical experience to the delivery of confined space rescue services throughout Ireland.
Request a Quotation
Don't take any chances when it comes to confined space safety.
Contact Trade Safety today to discuss your project requirements and receive a quotation for standby confined space rescue cover, rescue planning and emergency response services.
Explore our full range of confined space safety equipment and services or speak with our team to discuss your specific requirements.