1926.1211(c): Non-Entry Rescue and Retrieval Systems
Non-entry rescue is required for permit spaces unless retrieval equipment would increase overall risk or not help the rescue; otherwise an entry rescue service must be designated. When non-entry rescue is used, entrants must wear chest or full body harnesses with retrieval lines attached outside, a mechanical device must be available for vertical spaces more than 5 feet deep, and the employer must confirm emergency help is available if non-entry rescue fails.
Key takeaways
- 1926.1211(c) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart AA).
- OSHA cited it 9 times in the last 3 years, in 7 inspections, with $38,892 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 1926.1211(c) is one requirement inside 1926.1211 Rescue and emergency services, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart AA). It includes 3 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
(c) Non-entry rescue is required unless the retrieval equipment would increase the overall risk of entry or would not contribute to the rescue of the entrant. The employer must designate an entry rescue service whenever non-entry rescue is not selected. Whenever non-entry rescue is selected, the entry employer must ensure that retrieval systems or methods are used whenever an authorized entrant enters a permit space, and must confirm, prior to entry, that emergency assistance would be available in the event that non-entry rescue fails. Retrieval systems must meet the following requirements: 9 citations
(1) Each authorized entrant must use a chest or full body harness, with a retrieval line attached at the center of the entrant's back near shoulder level, above the entrant's head, or at another point which the employer can establish presents a profile small enough for the successful removal of the entrant. Wristlets or anklets may be used in lieu of the chest or full body harness if the employer can demonstrate that the use of a chest or full body harness is infeasible or creates a greater hazard and that the use of wristlets or anklets is the safest and most effective alternative. 3 citations
(2) The other end of the retrieval line must be attached to a mechanical device or fixed point outside the permit space in such a manner that rescue can begin as soon as the rescuer becomes aware that rescue is necessary. A mechanical device must be available to retrieve personnel from vertical type permit spaces more than 5 feet (1.52 meters) deep. 3 citations
(3) Equipment that is unsuitable for retrieval must not be used, including, but not limited to, retrieval lines that have a reasonable probability of becoming entangled with the retrieval lines used by other authorized entrants, or retrieval lines that will not work due to the internal configuration of the permit space.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.1211.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.1211(c).
At 7:31 a.m. on September 13, 2024, Employee #1 was working inside a 9-foot deepsewer manhole in Faribault, Minnesota. The employee was performing a construction task to cement the end of a pipeline to close an old sewer line. The employee was not wearing a…
Where and how often it was cited
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.1211(c), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.1211(c).
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 is non-entry rescue required?
Unless retrieval equipment would increase the overall risk of entry or would not contribute to the rescue of the entrant.
When is a mechanical retrieval device needed?
For vertical type permit spaces more than 5 feet deep.
Can wristlets be used instead of a harness?
Only if the employer can demonstrate a chest or full body harness is infeasible or creates a greater hazard and wristlets or anklets are the safest alternative.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.1211 (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.