1910.146(g)(2): When Permit Space Training Is Required
Employers must train each affected employee in permit-required confined space duties before first assigning those duties, before any change in duties, whenever a change in permit space operations creates a hazard the employee has not been trained on, and whenever the employer has reason to believe the entry procedures are not being followed or the employee's knowledge or use of them is lacking.
Key takeaways
- 1910.146(g)(2) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart J).
- OSHA cited it 28 times in the last 3 years, in 28 inspections, with $22,900 in current penalties.
- 2 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: MN (7), OH (3), VA (3).
- Related part: 1910.146(g) Training (282 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.146(g)(2) is one requirement inside 1910.146 Permit-required confined spaces, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart J). 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
(2) Training shall be provided to each affected employee: 28 citations
(i) Before the employee is first assigned duties under this section; Open (g)(2)(i) 13 citations
(ii) Before there is a change in assigned duties;
(iii) Whenever there is a change in permit space operations that presents a hazard about which an employee has not previously been trained; 1 citations
(iv) Whenever the employer has reason to believe either that there are deviations from the permit space entry procedures required by paragraph (d)(3) of this section or that there are inadequacies in the employee's knowledge or use of these procedures.
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(g)(2).
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 |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 17 |
| 2025 | 8 |
| 2026 | 2 |
Top states: MN (7), OH (3), VA (3), CT (2), AK (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| 66859 - ALLTECH INC | SPRINGFIELD, KY | $7,000 |
| 107421 - COMMUNITY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION | CLOQUET, MN | $4,900 |
| 67107 - MOUNTAIN ENTERPRISES INC | RISNER, KY | $4,900 |
| 107374 - ISD 16 - WESTWOOD INTERMEDIATE AND MIDDLE SCHOOL | MINNEAPOLIS, MN | $1,680 |
| 108857 - NORTH FREEZE DRY LLC | LITTLE FALLS, MN | $1,440 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.146(g)(2), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.146(g)(2).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.146(g) Training 282 citations
- 1910.146(g)(1) 189 citations
- 1910.146(g)(4) 45 citations
- 1910.146(g)(3) 20 citations
- 1910.146(g)(2)(i) 13 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
When must permit space training happen first?
Before the employee is first assigned duties under the permit space rule.
Does training need to be repeated?
Yes, before a change in assigned duties, when operations change and present a new hazard, and when there are deviations from or gaps in knowledge of the entry procedures.
What triggers retraining for procedure problems?
When the employer has reason to believe there are deviations from the entry procedures or inadequacies in the employee's knowledge or use of them.
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.