1910.120(c)(6): Monitoring During Initial Site Entry
When site evaluation shows possible ionizing radiation or IDLH conditions, or cannot rule them out, the employer must monitor during initial entry with direct reading instruments for radiation and air hazards and watch for signs of danger. Ongoing air monitoring under paragraph (h) must start once the site is found safe for operations.
Key takeaways
- 1910.120(c)(6) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart H).
- OSHA cited it 1 times in the last 3 years, in 1 inspections, with $0 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Related part: 1910.120(c) Site characterization and analysis (3 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
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In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.120(c)(6) ("Monitoring") is one requirement inside 1910.120 Hazardous waste operations and emergency response, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart H). It includes 4 sub-paragraphs. The official text below is copied word for word from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). The numbers, injury cases and training on this page show how OSHA enforces it on real job sites.
Official text
(6) Monitoring. The following monitoring shall be conducted during initial site entry when the site evaluation produces information that shows the potential for ionizing radiation or IDLH conditions, or when the site information is not sufficient reasonably to eliminate these possible conditions: 1 citations
(i) Monitoring with direct reading instruments for hazardous levels of ionizing radiation.
(ii) Monitoring the air with appropriate direct reading test equipment (i.e., combustible gas meters, detector tubes) for IDLH and other conditions that may cause death or serious harm (combustible or explosive atmospheres, oxygen deficiency, toxic substances). Open (c)(6)(ii) 1 citations
(iii) Visually observing for signs of actual or potential IDLH or other dangerous conditions.
(iv) An ongoing air monitoring program in accordance with paragraph (h) of this section shall be implemented after site characterization has determined the site is safe for the start-up of operations.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.120.
Export the list: 1 inspections cited 1910.120(c)(6) in the last 3 years, with employer, location, penalty and date.
Purple Belt, $59/moInjuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.120(c)(6).
At 2:30 p.m. on March 9, 2024, an employee was at the back of a tank with a hose and had two wrenches to take the tank valve cap off. The employee was founddead at the site of the tank valve. It was later determined…
Where and how often it was cited
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A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.120(c)(6), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.120(c)(6).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.120(c) Site characterization and analysis 3 citations
- 1910.120(c)(6)(ii) 1 citations
- 1910.120(c)(4) Required information
- 1910.120(c)(4)(ii)
- 1910.120(c)(7) Risk identification
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Frequently asked questions
When is monitoring required at initial entry?
When the site evaluation shows potential for ionizing radiation or IDLH conditions, or site information is not sufficient to reasonably eliminate them.
What instruments are used for air?
Appropriate direct reading test equipment such as combustible gas meters and detector tubes.
What happens after site characterization?
An ongoing air monitoring program under paragraph (h) is implemented once the site is determined safe for start-up.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.120 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly; data as of 2026-11-06
3-year window. Federal OSHA only; state-plan rules are not counted. Plain-language text is a summary, not legal advice; the official text controls. Black Belt Safety is not part of OSHA or the Department of Labor.