1926.353(b): Welding, cutting, and heating in confined spaces
Key takeaways
- 1926.353(b) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart J).
- OSHA cited it 2 times in the last 3 years, in 2 inspections, with $14,753 in current penalties.
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.353(b) ("Welding, cutting, and heating in confined spaces") is one requirement inside 1926.353 Ventilation and protection in welding, cutting, and heating, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart J). 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
(b) Welding, cutting, and heating in confined spaces. 2 citations
(1) Except as provided in paragraph (b)(2) of this section, and paragraph (c)(2) of this section, either general mechanical or local exhaust ventilation meeting the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section shall be provided whenever welding, cutting, or heating is performed in a confined space. 1 citations
(2) When sufficient ventilation cannot be obtained without blocking the means of access, employees in the confined space shall be protected by air line respirators in accordance with the requirements of subpart E of this part, and an employee on the outside of such a confined space shall be assigned to maintain communication with those working within it and to aid them in an emergency.
(3) Lifelines. Where a welder must enter a confined space through a manhole or other small opening, means shall be provided for quickly removing him in case of emergency. When safety belts and lifelines are used for this purpose they shall be so attached to the welder's body that his body cannot be jammed in a small exit opening. An attendant with a pre-planned rescue procedure shall be stationed outside to observe the welder at all times and be capable of putting rescue operations into effect. 1 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.353.
Where and how often it was cited
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OSHA interpretation letters
- Application of the Confined Spaces Advisor to construction; personal fall arrest system requirements. (2000-11-03)
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About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.353 (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.