1910.146(g): Permit Space Training
Employers must train all employees whose work is regulated by the permit space standard so they have the understanding, knowledge and skills to do their duties safely. Training is required before first assignment, before a change in duties, when operations change and present a new hazard, and when deviations or gaps in knowledge are found, and must establish proficiency. The employer must certify training with each employee's name, trainer signatures or initials and dates.
Key takeaways
- 1910.146(g) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart J).
- OSHA cited it 282 times in the last 3 years, in 256 inspections, with $735,214 in current penalties.
- 13 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: IL (29), MN (22), MI (21).
- Related part: 1910.146(g)(1) (189 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.146(g) ("Training") is one requirement inside 1910.146 Permit-required confined spaces, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart J). It includes 8 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
(g) Training. 282 citations
(1) The employer shall provide training so that all employees whose work is regulated by this section acquire the understanding, knowledge, and skills necessary for the safe performance of the duties assigned under this section. Open (g)(1) 189 citations
(2) Training shall be provided to each affected employee: Open (g)(2) 28 citations
(i) Before the employee is first assigned duties under this section; Open (g)(2)(i) 13 citations
(ii) Before there is a change in assigned duties;
(iii) Whenever there is a change in permit space operations that presents a hazard about which an employee has not previously been trained; 1 citations
(iv) Whenever the employer has reason to believe either that there are deviations from the permit space entry procedures required by paragraph (d)(3) of this section or that there are inadequacies in the employee's knowledge or use of these procedures.
(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. Open (g)(3) 20 citations
(4) The employer shall certify that the training required by paragraphs (g)(1) through (g)(3) of this section has been accomplished. The certification shall contain each employee's name, the signatures or initials of the trainers, and the dates of training. The certification shall be available for inspection by employees and their authorized representatives. Open (g)(4) 45 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.146.
Injuries linked to this rule
13 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.146(g).
On January 30, 2025, Employee #1 was working at a trailer truck wash business and had been subcontracted to clean out a trailer tank using a water hose. The business specialized in washing out livestock haulers. Employee #1 entered the tank to continue cleaning. A…
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 | 14 |
| 2024 | 120 |
| 2025 | 87 |
| 2026 | 61 |
Top states: IL (29), MN (22), MI (21), NY (19), NJ (19)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| 107323 - WAYNE TRANSPORTS INC | VIRGINIA, MN | $78,400 |
| MICHIGAN SUGAR COMPANY | BAY CITY, MI | $70,000 |
| 109588 - LANG COMPANIES INC DBA LANG FEEDS INC | EDEN VALLEY, MN | $28,300 |
| RED BARN TRUCK WASH & SERVICE CENTER LLC | LIBERAL, KS | $27,318 |
| MICHIGAN SUGAR COMPANY | CROSWELL, MI | $25,000 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.146(g), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.146(g).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.146(g)(1) 189 citations
- 1910.146(g)(4) 45 citations
- 1910.146(g)(2) 28 citations
- 1910.146(g)(3) 20 citations
- 1910.146(g)(2)(i) 13 citations
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Frequently asked questions
When must permit space training be given?
Before first assignment, before a change in duties, when operations change in a way that presents a new hazard, and when deviations or inadequacies in knowledge are suspected.
What must the training certification include?
Each employee's name, the signatures or initials of the trainers, and the dates of training.
Who can see the training certification?
It must be available for inspection by employees and their authorized representatives.
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.