An educational library of workplace documents — purpose, who completes them, when they are used, typical fields, common mistakes and how they connect. Linked to workplace safety, workplace training, occupations, industries and employment documents. Informational only — template examples, not legal advice or official documents; employers remain responsible and using a document does not guarantee compliance.
What a work at height rescue permit is
A work at height rescue permit is a controlled authorisation for carrying out, or being ready to carry out, the rescue of a person suspended in a harness or stranded at height, confirming that a workable method, suitable equipment and a competent team are in place. Prompt rescue matters because suspension can quickly cause harm.
This page is an educational overview with a simplified example. It is not an official template, not jurisdiction-specific and not legal advice — the employer decides how height rescue is planned and what the permit must record.
Purpose
- Confirm a planned rescue method is in place before height work begins.
- Identify the rescue equipment and the competent rescue team.
- Address suspension risk and the need for prompt recovery.
- Record that rescue arrangements were assessed and ready.
Who completes it
- An authorised issuer who knows the work and the rescue method.
- The rescue team or standby person, who accept the conditions.
- It is linked to the team doing the work at height.
- The employer decides who is competent to plan and carry out rescue.
When it is used
- Alongside height work where a person could be suspended or stranded.
- Where self-rescue is not assured if a fall is arrested.
- For the duration of the height work it supports.
- Whenever the employer’s system requires a planned rescue.
Typical fields
- Permit number, linked work-at-height task and location.
- Rescue method, equipment and access for the rescue.
- Rescue team members and their competence.
- Communication, alarm and time-to-rescue considerations.
- Issuer and acceptor signatures, and stand-down sign-off.
- Example fields only — adapt to the work and the applicable law.
Common mistakes
- Relying on the emergency services as the only rescue plan.
- No equipment ready or no one competent to carry out the rescue.
- Ignoring how quickly suspension can cause harm.
- A method that cannot actually reach the suspended person.
Document workflow
A work at height rescue permit is typically raised under the permit to work system alongside a working at height permit, a roof access permit or a MEWP permit, providing the rescue side of those activities after a risk assessment.
See the related documents below for what is commonly required before, used with and completed after a work at height rescue permit.
Retention (high level)
Completed permits are usually kept for a period afterwards as a record of how rescue was arranged, in line with the employer’s obligations and data-protection duties. This page does not state a period — confirm with the applicable law and the official authority.
Completing and sharing as a PDF
These permits are commonly completed, signed and stored as PDFs alongside the height-work permit. Exporting to PDF supports the record; it does not make the permit official or guarantee compliance.
Employer checklist
- Plan a workable rescue, not only reliance on emergency services.
- Provide rescue equipment and a competent rescue team.
- Consider time-to-rescue and the effect of suspension.
- Keep completed permits with the related height-work permits.
Worker notes
- Do not start height work where a rescue plan should exist but does not.
- Know the rescue method and how to raise the alarm.
- Report immediately if a colleague is suspended or stranded.
Country considerations
Rules and expectations on height rescue vary by country, and the official authority differs. This page is general and high-level — not a statement of any country’s law and not a guarantee of validity.
Confirm current requirements with the official authority for your country and a qualified professional.
Who is responsible
The employer is responsible for planning and resourcing height rescue and for compliance. This page is an educational overview with a template example; it does not authorise any work and does not transfer responsibility.
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The documents, policies and templates this involves can be exported, edited, signed, stored and shared as PDFs with the HELPERG PDF Editor.
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