1910.146(c)(9): Contractor Duties for Permit Space Entry
Each contractor hired to perform permit space entry must, in addition to the general permit space rules, get available hazard and entry information from the host employer, coordinate entry operations with the host when both crews work in or near permit spaces, and inform the host of the contractor's permit space program and any hazards confronted or created, through a debriefing or during the entry.
Key takeaways
- 1910.146(c)(9) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart J).
- OSHA cited it 11 times in the last 3 years, in 8 inspections, with $9,910 in current penalties.
- Most citations: TN (3), NC (3), MI (1).
- 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)(9) is one requirement inside 1910.146 Permit-required confined spaces, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, 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
(9) In addition to complying with the permit space requirements that apply to all employers, each contractor who is retained to perform permit space entry operations shall: 11 citations
(i) Obtain any available information regarding permit space hazards and entry operations from the host employer; 6 citations
(ii) Coordinate entry operations with the host employer, when both host employer personnel and contractor personnel will be working in or near permit spaces, as required by paragraph (d)(11) of this section; and 1 citations
(iii) Inform the host employer of the permit space program that the contractor will follow and of any hazards confronted or created in permit spaces, either through a debriefing or during the entry operation. 3 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.146.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 4 |
| 2025 | 2 |
| 2026 | 4 |
Top states: TN (3), NC (3), MI (1), KY (1), PA (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| JSS SAFETY & RESCUE | BAY CITY, MI | $3,760 |
| LGC GLOBAL ENERGY FM, LLC | CHATTANOOGA, TN | $2,700 |
| 66552 - MARTIN SOLUTIONS INC | SARDIS, KY | $1,500 |
| FINLEY CONTRACTING, LLC | SAVANNAH, TN | $1,200 |
| 161265 - ACME SERVICES OF DURHAM, INC. | DURHAM, NC | $750 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.146(c)(9), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Applicability of the PRCS standard to aircraft maintenance activities. (2009-05-12)
- Elevator industry employees working in and around pits and equipment. (1994-09-19)
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)(5)(ii)(H) 10 citations
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
What must a contractor get from the host employer?
Any available information regarding permit space hazards and entry operations.
When must entry be coordinated?
When both host employer personnel and contractor personnel will be working in or near permit spaces.
What must the contractor tell the host?
The permit space program it will follow and any hazards confronted or created, through a debriefing or during the entry.
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.