Rescue plans are a critical component of workplace safety, especially in situations involving confined spaces or other hazardous environments. Here's a breakdown of key considerations for developing and implementing effective rescue plans:

1. Emergency Procedures: Employers must establish comprehensive emergency procedures that outline the steps to be taken in various scenarios, such as hazardous substance releases or lighting system failures [1]. These procedures should include emergency evacuation plans, where applicable, or plans for evacuating employees who require special assistance in the event of a fire [2].

2. Emergency Response Plan: Develop a plan for responding to emergencies that may require rescue or evacuation [3]. This plan should identify potential emergencies, detail procedures for dealing with them, and specify the location and operational procedures for emergency equipment and PPE [3].

3. Designated Personnel: Employers need to designate workers who will provide rescue services and supervise evacuation procedures during an emergency [3]. These designated rescue and emergency workers must receive appropriate training in emergency response, tailored to the specific work site and potential emergencies identified in the emergency response plan [3].

4. Training and Equipment: Ensure that workers are adequately trained in rescue procedures [4]. This includes training on the location, use, and operation of fire protection and emergency equipment provided by the employer [2]. Also, provide the appropriate rescue, emergency, and personal protective equipment for safe entry into and rescue from confined spaces [5].

5. Confined Spaces: For hazardous confined spaces, ensure a worker is attended by and in communication with another worker who is adequately trained in rescue procedures [4]. If entrance to a confined space is from the top, ensure the worker uses a full-body harness and lifeline, attended by another trained worker. If using a harness and lifeline creates an additional hazard, develop and implement an alternate rescue method [4].

6. Rescue Service Evaluation: If designating rescue and emergency services, evaluate their ability to respond in a timely manner and their proficiency with rescue-related tasks and equipment [6]. Provide the rescue team with access to all permit spaces from which rescue may be necessary to develop appropriate rescue plans and practice rescue operations [7].

7. Drills and Reviews: Conduct regular training exercises that simulate potential emergencies to ensure rescue and evacuation workers are competent [3]. Review the emergency action plan with employees initially, whenever responsibilities change, and whenever the plan is updated [8].

8. Emergency Warning System: Establish and implement an emergency warning system that alerts workers of an emergency requiring prompt evacuation [9]. Inspect and test this system at reasonably practicable intervals to ensure it's operating properly [9].

9. First Aid: Ensure a holder of a class A qualification in first aid is available to provide immediate first aid, and that personnel trained in rescue procedures are readily available to assist in a rescue procedure [4].

10. Non-Entry Retrieval: Use retrieval systems or methods whenever an authorized entrant enters a permit space to facilitate non-entry rescue, unless the retrieval equipment would increase the overall risk of entry or would not contribute to the rescue of the entrant [7].

11. Coordination: In buildings with multiple employers, coordinate emergency plans to avoid conflicts and confusion during emergencies [10].

12. Voluntary Rescue: Be aware that UOSH (or equivalent) may not issue citations for voluntary rescue attempts unless the employee was designated to perform rescue operations and the employer failed to provide adequate protection, training, and equipment [11].

By following these guidelines, employers can create comprehensive rescue plans that prioritize the safety and well-being of their employees during emergencies.