1910.146(g)(3): Confined Space Training Must Build Proficiency
Permit-required confined space training must make employees proficient in the duties this section requires, and must introduce new or revised procedures as needed to comply with the section.
Key takeaways
- 1910.146(g)(3) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart J).
- OSHA cited it 20 times in the last 3 years, in 17 inspections, with $94,525 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: TN (5), OK (4), MN (4).
- Related part: 1910.146(g) Training (282 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.146(g)(3) 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
(3) The training shall establish employee proficiency in the duties required by this section and shall introduce new or revised procedures, as necessary, for compliance with this section. 20 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(g)(3).
On March 7, 2024, following an automatic cleaning process of a tank trailer, theemployee entered the tank, presumably to conduct routine inspection of the tank following the wash process. The employee was wearing rubber gloves, boots, and coveralls and was not wearing a respirator or…
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 11 |
| 2025 | 4 |
| 2026 | 4 |
Top states: TN (5), OK (4), MN (4), AK (2), CT (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| 107323 - WAYNE TRANSPORTS INC | VIRGINIA, MN | $67,200 |
| FUYAO GLASS AMERICA INC. | MORAINE, OH | $14,188 |
| C & M ROUSTABOUT SERVICES, LLC | PURCELL, OK | $6,452 |
| ADVANCED UNDERGROUND INSPECTION LLC | PONTIAC, MI | $2,100 |
| REAL ALLOY RECYCLING, LLC | LOUDON, TN | $1,750 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.146(g)(3), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.146(g)(3).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.146(g) Training 282 citations
- 1910.146(g)(1) 189 citations
- 1910.146(g)(4) 45 citations
- 1910.146(g)(2) 28 citations
- 1910.146(g)(2)(i) 13 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 confined space training achieve?
It must establish employee proficiency in the duties required by the section.
Does training cover procedure changes?
Yes. It must introduce new or revised procedures as necessary for compliance.
Is a sign-in sheet enough?
No. The training must establish that employees are proficient.
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.