1910.146(k)(3): Retrieval Systems for Permit Space Entry
Retrieval systems or methods must be used whenever an authorized entrant enters a permit space, unless they would increase overall risk or not help rescue. Entrants must wear a chest or full body harness with the retrieval line attached as specified, wristlets only when shown to be the safest option, and the line must be attached outside the space so rescue can start right away, with a mechanical device for vertical spaces more than 5 feet deep.
Key takeaways
- 1910.146(k)(3) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart J).
- OSHA cited it 43 times in the last 3 years, in 39 inspections, with $234,211 in current penalties.
- 5 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: MN (5), IL (5), WI (4).
- 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) is one requirement inside 1910.146 Permit-required confined spaces, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart J). It includes 2 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
(3) To facilitate non-entry rescue, retrieval systems or methods shall be used whenever an authorized entrant enters a permit space, unless the retrieval equipment would increase the overall risk of entry or would not contribute to the rescue of the entrant. Retrieval systems shall meet the following requirements. 43 citations
(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. Open (k)(3)(i) 10 citations
(ii) The other end of the retrieval line shall be attached to a mechanical device or fixed point outside the permit space in such a manner that rescue can begin as soon as the rescuer becomes aware that rescue is necessary. A mechanical device shall be available to retrieve personnel from vertical type permit spaces more than 5 feet (1.52 m) deep. Open (k)(3)(ii) 9 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.146.
Injuries linked to this rule
5 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.146(k)(3).
At approximately 9:34 a.m. on January 10, 2025, an employee was directed to enter a 23,737-gallon rail tank car containing residues of PCBs and transformer oil to obtain wipe samples of the interior surfaces. The rail tank car was a permit-required confined space. The employee…
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 | 4 |
| 2024 | 16 |
| 2025 | 14 |
| 2026 | 9 |
Top states: MN (5), IL (5), WI (4), OH (4), TN (4)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| 107323 - WAYNE TRANSPORTS INC | VIRGINIA, MN | $67,200 |
| 109588 - LANG COMPANIES INC DBA LANG FEEDS INC | EDEN VALLEY, MN | $25,000 |
| HITACHI ENERGY USA, INC. | CRYSTAL SPRINGS, MS | $16,550 |
| CLEAN HARBORS ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES INC. | TWINSBURG, OH | $16,550 |
| TACTICAL CLEANING ACQUISITION, LLC | HARWOOD, TX | $16,550 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.146(k)(3), 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)(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)(3)(i) 10 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
When must a retrieval system be used?
Whenever an authorized entrant enters a permit space, unless it would increase overall risk or not contribute to rescue.
Where is the retrieval line attached?
At the center of the back near shoulder level, above the head, or another point shown to give a small enough profile for removal.
When is a mechanical retrieval device required?
It must be available for vertical permit spaces more than 5 feet deep.
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.