1926.1203(g)(3): Certify Permit Space Hazards Are Eliminated
The entry employer must document the basis for deciding that all hazards in a permit space have been eliminated or isolated, using a certification with the date, the location of the space and the signature of the person making the determination. The certification must be made available to each employee entering the space or their authorized representative.
Key takeaways
- 1926.1203(g)(3) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart AA).
- OSHA cited it 3 times in the last 3 years, in 3 inspections, with $21,317 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Related part: 1926.1203(g) (4 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.1203(g)(3) is one requirement inside 1926.1203 General requirements, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart AA). 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
(3) The entry employer must document the basis for determining that all hazards in a permit space have been eliminated or isolated, through a certification that contains the date, the location of the space, and the signature of the person making the determination. The certification must be made available to each employee entering the space or to that employee's authorized representative; and 3 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.1203.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.1203(g)(3).
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.
Where and how often it was cited
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.1203(g)(3), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.1203(g)(3).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.1203(g) 4 citations
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Frequently asked questions
What must the certification include?
The date, the location of the space and the signature of the person making the determination.
Who can see the certification?
Each employee entering the space or that employee's authorized representative.
What is being certified?
The basis for determining that all hazards in the permit space have been eliminated or isolated.
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.