1926.651(g)(2): Emergency rescue equipment
Key takeaways
- 1926.651(g)(2) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart P).
- OSHA cited it 3 times in the last 3 years, in 3 inspections, with $15,482 in current penalties.
- Related part: 1926.651(g) Hazardous atmospheres (19 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.651(g)(2) ("Emergency rescue equipment") is one requirement inside 1926.651 Specific excavation requirements, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart P). 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
(2) Emergency rescue equipment. 3 citations
(i) Emergency rescue equipment, such as breathing apparatus, a safety harness and line, or a basket stretcher, shall be readily available where hazardous atmospheric conditions exist or may reasonably be expected to develop during work in an excavation. This equipment shall be attended when in use. Open (g)(2)(i) 3 citations
(ii) Employees entering bell-bottom pier holes, or other similar deep and confined footing excavations, shall wear a harness with a life-line securely attached to it. The lifeline shall be separate from any line used to handle materials, and shall be individually attended at all times while the employee wearing the lifeline is in the excavation. Open (g)(2)(ii)
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.651.
Where and how often it was cited
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OSHA interpretation letters
- Review of Reeves Sleeve stretcher. (1993-06-24)
- Use of Cranes to Lift Personnel in Drilled Pier Operations (1992-01-28)
- Limitation on Enforcement of Certain Subsections of the Excavation Standard. (1990-08-01)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.651(g) Hazardous atmospheres 19 citations
- 1926.651(g)(1) Testing and controls 16 citations
- 1926.651(g)(1)(i) 13 citations
- 1926.651(g)(2)(i) 3 citations
- 1926.651(g)(2)(ii)
- 1926.651(g)(1)(iii)
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About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.651 (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.