1926.1203(b)(1): Warning Workers About Permit Spaces in Construction
Construction employers must inform exposed employees of the existence, location and danger of each permit-required confined space by posting danger signs or by any other equally effective means. A sign reading "DANGER--PERMIT-REQUIRED CONFINED SPACE, DO NOT ENTER" or similar language would satisfy the sign requirement.
Key takeaways
- 1926.1203(b)(1) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart AA).
- OSHA cited it 11 times in the last 3 years, in 11 inspections, with $45,293 in current penalties.
- 3 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: TX (4), MI (3), KY (1).
- Related part: 1926.1203(b) (12 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.1203(b)(1) is one requirement inside 1926.1203 General requirements, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart AA). 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
(1) Inform exposed employees by posting danger signs or by any other equally effective means, of the existence and location of, and the danger posed by, each permit space; and 11 citations
A sign reading “DANGER—PERMIT-REQUIRED CONFINED SPACE, DO NOT ENTER” or using other similar language would satisfy the requirement for a sign.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.1203.
Injuries linked to this rule
3 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.1203(b)(1).
At 7:15 a.m. on September 12, 2024, Employee #1 was extracting sediment materialfrom the floor of a lift station when the lift station suddenly filled with water. The flooding water caused the employee to drown at the scene.
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 |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 6 |
| 2025 | 5 |
Top states: TX (4), MI (3), KY (1), CT (1), MO (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| PLW WATERWORKS, LLC | LAREDO, TX | $16,550 |
| Z MODULAR | JARRELL, TX | $8,276 |
| AZAR SERVICES, LLC | LAREDO, TX | $7,530 |
| 66676 - BUILDING CRAFTS INC | LUDLOW, KY | $7,000 |
| OPIELA MECHANICAL, INC. | SAN ANTONIO, TX | $4,767 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.1203(b)(1), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.1203(b)(1).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.1203(b) 12 citations
- 1926.1203(b)(2) 1 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
How must workers be warned about permit spaces?
By posting danger signs or by any other equally effective means.
What must the warning tell workers?
The existence and location of, and the danger posed by, each permit space.
What sign wording is acceptable?
A sign reading "DANGER--PERMIT-REQUIRED CONFINED SPACE, DO NOT ENTER" or similar language.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.1203 (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 2026-10-19
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.