1910.146(c)(7)(i): Reclassifying a Permit Space as Non-Permit
A permit-required confined space may be reclassified as a non-permit confined space if it has no actual or potential atmospheric hazards and all hazards inside are eliminated without entering the space. The reclassification lasts only as long as the non-atmospheric hazards stay eliminated.
Key takeaways
- 1910.146(c)(7)(i) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart J).
- OSHA cited it 9 times in the last 3 years, in 8 inspections, with $43,802 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Related part: 1910.146(c) General requirements (1,090 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.146(c)(7)(i) is one requirement inside 1910.146 Permit-required confined spaces, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart J). 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
(i) If the permit space poses no actual or potential atmospheric hazards and if all hazards within the space are eliminated without entry into the space, the permit space may be reclassified as a non-permit confined space for as long as the non-atmospheric hazards remain eliminated. 9 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.146.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.146(c)(7)(i).
At 6:00 a.m. on August 29, 2024, Employee #1 was working to clear spilled product from inside the Retort machine. While attempting to perform the task, the employee became caught between the top lip of the machine opening and a rackof product being loaded into…
Where and how often it was cited
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A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.146(c)(7)(i), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Clarification of "potential atmospheric hazard" when reclassifying a PRCS as a non-permit required confined space. (2005-12-02)
- Applicability of the confined-space standard to dock-leveler pits. (2002-12-02)
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.146(c) General requirements 1,090 citations
- 1910.146(c)(2) 359 citations
- 1910.146(c)(1) 293 citations
- 1910.146(c)(4) 253 citations
- 1910.146(c)(5) 63 citations
- 1910.146(c)(5)(ii) 59 citations
- 1910.146(c)(7) 50 citations
- 1910.146(c)(3) 40 citations
- 1910.146(c)(7)(iii) 33 citations
- 1910.146(c)(5)(ii)(C) 24 citations
- 1910.146(c)(8) 19 citations
- 1910.146(c)(9) 11 citations
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Frequently asked questions
When can a permit space be reclassified?
When it poses no actual or potential atmospheric hazards and all hazards within it are eliminated without entry.
Can I enter to eliminate hazards and then reclassify?
No. Under this paragraph, hazards must be eliminated without entry into the space.
How long does reclassification last?
For as long as the non-atmospheric hazards remain eliminated.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.146 (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.