1910.146(e)(2): Entry Supervisor Signs the Permit
Before entry into a permit-required confined space begins, the entry supervisor named on the permit must sign the entry permit to authorize the entry.
Key takeaways
- 1910.146(e)(2) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart J).
- OSHA cited it 3 times in the last 3 years, in 3 inspections, with $17,455 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- 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)(2) 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
(2) Before entry begins, the entry supervisor identified on the permit shall sign the entry permit to authorize entry. 3 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(e)(2).
At 10:20 a.m. on August 1, 2024, an employee was working inside a transformer. The employee entered a permitted confined space filled with nitrogen and asphyxiated due to overexposure to nitrogen. The employee was killed.
Where and how often it was cited
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.146(e)(2), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.146(e)(2).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.146(e) Permit system 147 citations
- 1910.146(e)(1) 104 citations
- 1910.146(e)(6) 18 citations
- 1910.146(e)(5) 10 citations
- 1910.146(e)(3) 4 citations
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Frequently asked questions
Who signs the entry permit?
The entry supervisor identified on the permit.
When must it be signed?
Before entry begins.
What does the signature do?
It authorizes 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.