1926.1204(b): Evaluate Permit Space Hazards
Employers must identify and evaluate the hazards of permit spaces before employees enter them.
Key takeaways
- 1926.1204(b) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart AA).
- OSHA cited it 10 times in the last 3 years, in 10 inspections, with $98,591 in current penalties.
- 2 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: NY (2), TX (2), MN (2).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.1204(b) is one requirement inside 1926.1204 Permit-required confined space program, 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
(b) Identify and evaluate the hazards of permit spaces before employees enter them; 10 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.1204.
Injuries linked to this rule
2 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.1204(b).
At 7:31 a.m. on September 13, 2024, Employee #1 was working inside a 9-foot deepsewer manhole in Faribault, Minnesota. The employee was performing a construction task to cement the end of a pipeline to close an old sewer line. The employee was not wearing 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 |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 4 |
| 2025 | 3 |
| 2026 | 3 |
Top states: NY (2), TX (2), MN (2), PR (1), UT (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| AHERN PAINTING CONTRACTORS | BROOKLYN, NY | $43,554 |
| 108102 - ICON LLC | FARIBAULT, MN | $25,000 |
| D L BANDY CONSTRUCTORS INC. | CONVERSE, TX | $11,585 |
| COMMODORE MAINTENANCE CORPORATION | BROOKLYN, NY | $11,292 |
| PLUMBING AND SEWER CLEANING R US | CABO ROJO, PR | $4,410 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.1204(b), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.1204(b).
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 hazards be identified?
Before employees enter the permit spaces.
What must be done with the hazards?
They must be identified and evaluated.
Who is responsible?
The employer.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.1204 (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.