1910.146(d)(1): Prevent Unauthorized Permit Space Entry
Under the permit space program, employers must put in place the measures needed to prevent unauthorized entry into permit-required confined spaces.
Key takeaways
- 1910.146(d)(1) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart J).
- OSHA cited it 16 times in the last 3 years, in 16 inspections, with $141,342 in current penalties.
- 4 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: KS (3), TX (2), MN (2).
- Related part: 1910.146(d) Permit-required confined space program (480 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.146(d)(1) is one requirement inside 1910.146 Permit-required confined spaces, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart J). 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
(1) Implement the measures necessary to prevent unauthorized entry; 16 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.146.
Injuries linked to this rule
4 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.146(d)(1).
At 12:00 a.m. on June 20, 2024, an employee became "stuck" in a fine particle collector, a type of hopper. A second employee attempted to assist him. The first employee was able to free himself from the hopper, but the second employeecollapsed and was found…
Full case list with employer, penalty, filters and download is part of OSHA Data (Purple Belt).
Unlock with Purple BeltWhere and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 9 |
| 2025 | 4 |
| 2026 | 3 |
Top states: KS (3), TX (2), MN (2), NH (1), OH (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| 107323 - WAYNE TRANSPORTS INC | VIRGINIA, MN | $67,200 |
| JOBE MATERIALS, L.P. | EL PASO, TX | $16,550 |
| QUALAWASH HOLDINGS, LLC | LA PORTE, TX | $15,000 |
| PANHANDLE OILFIELD SERVICE COMPANIES, INC. | GARDEN CITY, KS | $11,614 |
| MAGUIRE IRON INC | ELLINWOOD, KS | $9,682 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.146(d)(1), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.146(d)(1).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.146(d) Permit-required confined space program 480 citations
- 1910.146(d)(3) 107 citations
- 1910.146(d)(5) 91 citations
- 1910.146(d)(4) 66 citations
- 1910.146(d)(9) 63 citations
- 1910.146(d)(5)(i) 58 citations
- 1910.146(d)(2) 40 citations
- 1910.146(d)(4)(i) 33 citations
- 1910.146(d)(6) 31 citations
- 1910.146(d)(14) 23 citations
- 1910.146(d)(10) 17 citations
- 1910.146(d)(3)(iii) 15 citations
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
Trainers and suppliers: feature your business on this rule for $25/month.
Frequently asked questions
What does this rule require?
The employer must implement the measures necessary to prevent unauthorized entry into permit spaces.
Where does this rule fit?
It is part of the permit space program requirements in 1910.146(d).
Who may enter a permit space?
Only those authorized under the employer's permit space program.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.146 (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 2026-10-20
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.