1910.146(k)(1)(i): Evaluating a Rescue Team's Response Time
Employers must evaluate whether a prospective rescue service can respond to a rescue call in a timely manner, considering the hazards identified for the permit space. What counts as timely depends on the specific hazards of each entry.
Key takeaways
- 1910.146(k)(1)(i) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart J).
- OSHA cited it 29 times in the last 3 years, in 29 inspections, with $109,860 in current penalties.
- Most citations: CT (7), ME (3), NJ (3).
- Related part: 1910.146(k) Rescue and emergency services (204 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.146(k)(1)(i) 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
(i) Evaluate a prospective rescuer's ability to respond to a rescue summons in a timely manner, considering the hazard(s) identified; 29 citations
What will be considered timely will vary according to the specific hazards involved in each entry. For example, § 1910.134, Respiratory Protection, requires that employers provide a standby person or persons capable of immediate action to rescue employee(s) wearing respiratory protection while in work areas defined as IDLH atmospheres.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.146.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 3 |
| 2024 | 14 |
| 2025 | 5 |
| 2026 | 7 |
Top states: CT (7), ME (3), NJ (3), TX (3), WI (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| TACTICAL CLEANING ACQUISITION, LLC | HARWOOD, TX | $35,748 |
| MCKEE UTILITY CONTRACTORS, LLC | FORT WORTH, TX | $14,895 |
| CERTAIN TEED GYPSUM MANUFACTURING, INC | LAS VEGAS, NV | $14,518 |
| DANZER VENEER AMERICAS, INC | WILLIAMSPORT, PA | $10,372 |
| AMERICAN GYPSUM CO | BERNALILLO, NM | $7,616 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.146(k)(1)(i), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.146(k) Rescue and emergency services 204 citations
- 1910.146(k)(1) 123 citations
- 1910.146(k)(3) 43 citations
- 1910.146(k)(2) 38 citations
- 1910.146(k)(1)(ii) 27 citations
- 1910.146(k)(2)(iv) 26 citations
- 1910.146(k)(3)(i) 10 citations
- 1910.146(k)(1)(v) 10 citations
- 1910.146(k)(3)(ii) 9 citations
- 1910.146(k)(2)(iii) 5 citations
- 1910.146(k)(1)(iv) 4 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 must be evaluated about a rescue service?
Its ability to respond to a rescue summons in a timely manner, considering the identified hazards.
How fast is timely?
It varies according to the specific hazards involved in each entry.
Is there an example in the rule?
Yes. For IDLH atmospheres, 1910.134 requires a standby person capable of immediate action to rescue employees wearing respiratory protection.
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.