1910.146(e)(6): Keep Canceled Entry Permits
Employers must keep each canceled confined space entry permit for at least 1 year to help review the permit space program. Any problems found during an entry must be noted on the permit so the program can be revised.
Key takeaways
- 1910.146(e)(6) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart J).
- OSHA cited it 18 times in the last 3 years, in 18 inspections, with $22,267 in current penalties.
- 2 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: MI (2), NY (2), NJ (2).
- Related part: 1910.146(e) Permit system (147 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.146(e)(6) 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
(6) The employer shall retain each canceled entry permit for at least 1 year to facilitate the review of the permit-required confined space program required by paragraph (d)(14) of this section. Any problems encountered during an entry operation shall be noted on the pertinent permit so that appropriate revisions to the permit space program can be made. 18 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(e)(6).
At 10:20 a.m. on August 1, 2024, an employee was working inside a transformer. The employee entered a permitted confined space filled with nitrogen and asphyxiated due to overexposure to nitrogen. The employee was killed.
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 |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 5 |
| 2025 | 5 |
| 2026 | 6 |
Top states: MI (2), NY (2), NJ (2), VA (2), CT (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| HEIDELBERG MATERIALS NORTHEAST LLC | NAZARETH, PA | $9,457 |
| TOWNSHIP OF SOUTH BRUNSWICK DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS | MONMOUTH JUNCTION, NJ | $4,900 |
| 67107 - MOUNTAIN ENTERPRISES INC | RISNER, KY | $4,900 |
| BOROUGH OF ELMWOOD PARK DPW | ELMWOOD PARK, NJ | $2,800 |
| 109729 - WENGER CORPORATION | OWATONNA, MN | $210 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.146(e)(6), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.146(e) Permit system 147 citations
- 1910.146(e)(1) 104 citations
- 1910.146(e)(5) 10 citations
- 1910.146(e)(3) 4 citations
- 1910.146(e)(2) 3 citations
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
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Frequently asked questions
How long must canceled entry permits be kept?
For at least 1 year.
Why keep old permits?
To help with the review of the permit-required confined space program.
What should be written on the permit after entry?
Any problems encountered during the entry operation, so the program can be revised.
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.