1926.1203(b): Warning Workers About Permit Spaces
An employer who identifies or is told of a permit-required confined space must warn exposed employees of its location and danger with danger signs or another equally effective way, and must promptly tell employees' authorized representatives and the controlling contractor in a way other than posting.
Key takeaways
- 1926.1203(b) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart AA).
- OSHA cited it 12 times in the last 3 years, in 11 inspections, with $45,293 in current penalties.
- 3 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: TX (4), MI (3), MO (2).
- Related part: 1926.1203(b)(1) (11 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.1203(b) is one requirement inside 1926.1203 General requirements, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart AA). It includes 2 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
(b) If the workplace contains one or more permit spaces, the employer who identifies, or who receives notice of, a permit space must: 12 citations
(1) Inform exposed employees by posting danger signs or by any other equally effective means, of the existence and location of, and the danger posed by, each permit space; and Open (b)(1) 11 citations
A sign reading “DANGER—PERMIT-REQUIRED CONFINED SPACE, DO NOT ENTER” or using other similar language would satisfy the requirement for a sign.
(2) Inform, in a timely manner and in a manner other than posting, its employees' authorized representatives and the controlling contractor of the existence and location of, and the danger posed by, each permit space. Open (b)(2) 1 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.1203.
Injuries linked to this rule
3 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.1203(b).
At 7:15 a.m. on September 12, 2024, Employee #1 was extracting sediment materialfrom the floor of a lift station when the lift station suddenly filled with water. The flooding water caused the employee to drown at the scene.
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 | 5 |
Top states: TX (4), MI (3), MO (2), KY (1), CT (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| PLW WATERWORKS, LLC | LAREDO, TX | $16,550 |
| Z MODULAR | JARRELL, TX | $8,276 |
| AZAR SERVICES, LLC | LAREDO, TX | $7,530 |
| 66676 - BUILDING CRAFTS INC | LUDLOW, KY | $7,000 |
| OPIELA MECHANICAL, INC. | SAN ANTONIO, TX | $4,767 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.1203(b), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.1203(b).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.1203(b)(1) 11 citations
- 1926.1203(b)(2) 1 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
How must workers be told about permit spaces?
By posting danger signs or another equally effective means.
What sign wording works?
DANGER, PERMIT-REQUIRED CONFINED SPACE, DO NOT ENTER, or similar language.
Who else must be informed?
Employees' authorized representatives and the controlling contractor, in a timely manner and other than by posting.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.1203 (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.