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29 CFR 1910.146: Permit-required confined spaces

Subpart J—General Environmental Controls

Tanks, pits, vaults and similar spaces with serious hazards must be identified and entered only under a written permit program, with atmosphere testing, an attendant outside and a rescue plan.

10,158citations since 2015
3,891employers cited
83%serious, willful or repeat
$0median penalty per item

OSHA has cited 29 CFR 1910.146 10,158 times since 2015, against 3,891 employers. Penalties on these items add up to $27,145,428 at their current amounts.

Citations per year

The parts of the rule cited most

1910.146(c)(2) · 1,521 citations

(2) If the workplace contains permit spaces, the employer shall inform exposed employees, by posting danger signs or by any other equally effective means, of the existence and location of and the danger posed by the permit spaces.

1910.146(c)(1) · 1,313 citations

(c) General requirements. (1) The employer shall evaluate the workplace to determine if any spaces are permit- required confined spaces.

1910.146(c)(4) · 1,211 citations

(4) If the employer decides that its employees will enter permit spaces, the employer shall develop and implement a written permit space program that complies with this section. The written program shall be available for inspection by employees and their authorized representatives.

1910.146(g)(1) · 785 citations

(g) Training. (1) The employer shall provide training so that all employees whose work is regulated by this section acquire the understanding, knowledge, and skills necessary for the safe performance of the duties assigned under this section.

1910.146(e)(1) · 420 citations

(e) Permit system. (1) Before entry is authorized, the employer shall document the completion of measures required by paragraph (d)(3) of this section by preparing an entry permit.

1910.146(d)(9) · 244 citations

(9) Develop and implement procedures for summoning rescue and emergency services, for rescuing entrants from permit spaces, for providing necessary emergency services to rescued employees, and for preventing unauthorized personnel from attempting a rescue;

1910.146(c)(3) · 226 citations

(3) If the employer decides that its employees will not enter permit spaces, the employer shall take effective measures to prevent its employees from entering the permit spaces and shall comply with paragraphs (c)(1), (c)(2), (c)(6), and (c)(8) of this section.

1910.146(d)(3) · 219 citations

(3) Develop and implement the means, procedures, and practices necessary for safe permit space entry operations, including, but not limited to, the following:

Industries cited most

  • Manufacturing 4,246
  • Utilities 1,471
  • Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services 879
  • Construction 768
  • Wholesale Trade 584
  • Transportation and Warehousing 484

States cited most

Recently cited employers