1926.1204(f): Attendant Outside the Permit Space
Employers must provide at least one attendant outside the permit space for the duration of entry operations. An attendant may cover more than one space and be stationed anywhere outside, as long as the duties in 1926.1209 can be effectively performed for each space.
Key takeaways
- 1926.1204(f) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart AA).
- OSHA cited it 2 times in the last 3 years, in 2 inspections, with $23,550 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.1204(f) is one requirement inside 1926.1204 Permit-required confined space program, 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
(f) Provide at least one attendant outside the permit space into which entry is authorized for the duration of entry operations: 2 citations
(1) Attendants may be assigned to more than one permit space provided the duties described in § 1926.1209 can be effectively performed for each permit space.
(2) Attendants may be stationed at any location outside the permit space as long as the duties described in § 1926.1209 can be effectively performed for each permit space to which the attendant is assigned.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.1204.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.1204(f).
At 12:00 a.m. on December 14, 2023, Employee #1 was working for a general contractor. Employees #1 and #2 were working in a 20x20x30 pit removing wall forms when the plug that was installed failed causing the pit to fill up with water. This resulted…
Where and how often it was cited
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.1204(f), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.1204(f).
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Frequently asked questions
How many attendants are required?
At least one attendant outside the permit space for the duration of entry operations.
Can one attendant cover more than one space?
Yes, if the duties described in 1926.1209 can be effectively performed for each permit space.
Where can the attendant stand?
At any location outside the permit space, as long as the duties can be effectively performed.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.1204 (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.