1910.146(e)(1): Entry Permit Required Before Entry
Before entry into a permit space is authorized, employers must document that the required entry measures under paragraph (d)(3) are complete by preparing an entry permit. Appendix D gives example permits.
Key takeaways
- 1910.146(e)(1) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart J).
- OSHA cited it 104 times in the last 3 years, in 104 inspections, with $334,839 in current penalties.
- 9 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: IL (11), PA (8), TX (7).
- Related part: 1910.146(e) Permit system (147 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.146(e)(1) 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
(1) Before entry is authorized, the employer shall document the completion of measures required by paragraph (d)(3) of this section by preparing an entry permit. 104 citations
Appendix D to § 1910.146 presents examples of permits whose elements are considered to comply with the requirements of this section.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.146.
Injuries linked to this rule
9 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.146(e)(1).
On July 21, 2024, an employee working for a water treatment plant was troubleshooting an electrical float valve inside a treatment tank. The employee contacted live electrical wiring and was shocked. The employee died due to electrocution.
Full case list with employer, penalty, filters and download is part of OSHA Data (Purple Belt).
Unlock with Purple BeltWhere and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 6 |
| 2024 | 42 |
| 2025 | 27 |
| 2026 | 29 |
Top states: IL (11), PA (8), TX (7), MI (7), WI (6)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| TACTICAL CLEANING ACQUISITION, LLC | HARWOOD, TX | $35,748 |
| JOBE MATERIALS, L.P. | EL PASO, TX | $16,550 |
| FLEETPRIDE INC. | CORPUS CHRISTI, TX | $16,550 |
| CHS, INC | DEVILS LAKE, ND | $16,550 |
| INTERNATIONAL PAPER COMPANY | ROME, GA | $16,131 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.146(e)(1), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.146(e)(1).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.146(e) Permit system 147 citations
- 1910.146(e)(6) 18 citations
- 1910.146(e)(5) 10 citations
- 1910.146(e)(3) 4 citations
- 1910.146(e)(2) 3 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
When must the entry permit be prepared?
Before entry is authorized.
What does the permit document?
Completion of the measures required by paragraph (d)(3) of 1910.146.
Where can I find sample permits?
Appendix D to 1910.146 presents example permits.
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.