1910.146(d)(3)(iii): Isolating the Permit Space
As part of safe permit space entry, employers must develop and implement the means, procedures and practices for isolating the permit space.
Key takeaways
- 1910.146(d)(3)(iii) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart J).
- OSHA cited it 15 times in the last 3 years, in 15 inspections, with $263,640 in current penalties.
- 2 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: WI (4), IL (3), OK (1).
- 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)(3)(iii) 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
(iii) Isolating the permit space; 15 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.146.
Injuries linked to this rule
2 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.146(d)(3)(iii).
At 9:00 a.m. on April 3, 2024, an employee working as a plant operator for building materials manufacturer was reinstalling mixer blades onto the shaft inside a Vince Hagan HM-10 Horizontal Concrete Mixer. The employee had been on acrew between January 2024 and April 2024…
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 | 7 |
| 2025 | 4 |
| 2026 | 4 |
Top states: WI (4), IL (3), OK (1), TX (1), KS (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| WESTROCK CP, LLC | WEST POINT, VA | $162,849 |
| FRAZER & JONES, LLC | SYRACUSE, NY | $15,971 |
| FUYAO GLASS AMERICA INC. | MORAINE, OH | $14,188 |
| PRODUCTS UNLIMITED, INC. | OMAHA, NE | $12,769 |
| MERIT ENERGY COMPANY | GARDEN CITY, KS | $12,098 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.146(d)(3)(iii), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Permit Required Confined Space (2025-01-03)
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)(1) 16 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?
Isolating the permit space as part of the procedures for safe entry.
Where does this rule fit?
It is listed under 1910.146(d)(3), the means and practices for safe permit space entry.
Why isolate a space?
Isolation keeps hazards from entering or starting up while people are inside.
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.