1926.1203(d): Written Program for Permit Space Entry
If an employer decides employees it directs will enter a permit space, it must have a written permit space program that complies with 1926.1204 in place at the construction site. The program must be available before and during entry for inspection by employees and their authorized representatives.
Key takeaways
- 1926.1203(d) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart AA).
- OSHA cited it 22 times in the last 3 years, in 22 inspections, with $120,370 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: TX (3), VT (2), IL (2).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.1203(d) 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
(d) If any employer decides that employees it directs will enter a permit space, that employer must have a written permit space program that complies with § 1926.1204 implemented at the construction site. The written program must be made available prior to and during entry operations for inspection by employees and their authorized representatives. 22 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.1203.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.1203(d).
At 11:30 a.m. on September 7, 2024, Employee #1 and the owner were working inside a silage silo when they were overcome by hazardous vapors. A third employee entered the silo in an attempt to assist them. Employee #1 and the owner sustained fatal asphyxia…
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 4 |
| 2024 | 11 |
| 2025 | 6 |
| 2026 | 1 |
Top states: TX (3), VT (2), IL (2), WI (2), MI (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| K & D PLUMBING, INC. | ROME, GA | $33,936 |
| Z MODULAR | JARRELL, TX | $11,585 |
| HAMMONASSET CONSTRUCTION, LLC | BRIDGEPORT, CT | $11,292 |
| CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS INC. | WHITE RIVER JUNCTION, VT | $9,375 |
| CITY OF CEDAR RAPIDS | CEDAR RAPIDS, IA | $7,448 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.1203(d), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.1203(d).
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 is a written permit space program required?
When an employer decides that employees it directs will enter a permit space.
What must the program comply with?
1926.1204.
Who can inspect the program?
Employees and their authorized representatives, before and during entry operations.
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.