Begin with the job, rather than a crew size.
A request for “two people for a day” does not tell a rescue provider enough about the work. At T1, we need to understand where people will be working, what could prevent them leaving safely and how a casualty could be recovered. That information determines whether we can offer suitable cover.
1. Describe the site and task
Send the address, nature of the work, working positions, heights and access arrangements. Include drawings or photographs where you are authorised to share them. Explain whether several work areas will operate at once and whether access changes during the project.
2. Share existing arrangements
Your risk assessment and existing rescue plan help us understand the role you want T1 to provide. Tell us who controls the work, who our team would report to and what site induction or permits apply. Identify the information available about anchors and recovery routes; these must be assessed rather than assumed suitable.
3. Explain the timetable
Provide dates, shift times, planned breaks and likely changes. A standby arrangement needs to cover the periods and work areas agreed in the quotation. Travel, familiarisation, relief and equipment arrangements can affect the overall provision.
4. Ask for a clear scope
The quotation should identify the proposed service, staffing, equipment, planning, hours and exclusions. Make clear whether you want rescue standby only or another activity as well. Rope-access maintenance and rescue standby are different scopes.
What this means for your enquiry
HSE explains that work at height must be planned, supervised and undertaken by competent people. Our recommendation is to involve the rescue provider while the work is being planned, so the proposed provision can be assessed against the actual task.
This enquiry guide is not a site-specific rescue plan or an instruction for carrying out a rescue. The appropriate arrangements need competent assessment.
Further reading: HSE — work at height: the law.
Planning work at height?
Send your site, dates and task details to start a discussion.