1910.146(k)(3)(i): Retrieval Harness for Entrants
Employers must make sure each authorized entrant uses a chest or full body harness with a retrieval line attached at the center of the back near shoulder level, above the head, or at another point small enough for removal. Wristlets may be used only if the employer shows a harness is infeasible or more hazardous and wristlets are safest.
Key takeaways
- 1910.146(k)(3)(i) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart J).
- OSHA cited it 10 times in the last 3 years, in 10 inspections, with $25,929 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: TN (2), WI (1), KY (1).
- Related part: 1910.146(k) Rescue and emergency services (204 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.146(k)(3)(i) 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
(i) Each authorized entrant shall use a chest or full body harness, with a retrieval line attached at the center of the entrant's back near shoulder level, above the entrant's head, or at another point which the employer can establish presents a profile small enough for the successful removal of the entrant. Wristlets may be used in lieu of the chest or full body harness if the employer can demonstrate that the use of a chest or full body harness is infeasible or creates a greater hazard and that the use of wristlets is the safest and most effective alternative. 10 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(k)(3)(i).
At 12:00 a.m. on June 20, 2024, an employee became "stuck" in a fine particle collector, a type of hopper. A second employee attempted to assist him. The first employee was able to free himself from the hopper, but the second employeecollapsed and was found…
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 4 |
| 2025 | 4 |
| 2026 | 1 |
Top states: TN (2), WI (1), KY (1), OK (1), MI (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| REAGENTS CHEMICAL AND RESEARCH, LLC | HOUSTON, TX | $6,385 |
| WHEELER BROTHERS GRAIN COMPANY, L.L.C. | ALVA, OK | $5,852 |
| 67107 - MOUNTAIN ENTERPRISES INC | RISNER, KY | $4,900 |
| STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSE SOLUTIONS, LLC. | RUMFORD, ME | $4,220 |
| PCE PETROLEUM CONTRACTORS ENTERPRISES INC. | LAKE WORTH, FL | $3,972 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.146(k)(3)(i), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.146(k) Rescue and emergency services 204 citations
- 1910.146(k)(1) 123 citations
- 1910.146(k)(3) 43 citations
- 1910.146(k)(2) 38 citations
- 1910.146(k)(1)(i) 29 citations
- 1910.146(k)(1)(ii) 27 citations
- 1910.146(k)(2)(iv) 26 citations
- 1910.146(k)(1)(v) 10 citations
- 1910.146(k)(3)(ii) 9 citations
- 1910.146(k)(2)(iii) 5 citations
- 1910.146(k)(1)(iv) 4 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
Where is the retrieval line attached?
At the center of the entrant's back near shoulder level, above the entrant's head, or another point the employer shows allows successful removal.
Can wristlets be used?
Only if the employer can show a harness is infeasible or creates a greater hazard and wristlets are the safest alternative.
What harness types are allowed?
A chest or full body harness.
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.