1926.1204(c)(3): Isolating the Permit Space
Employers must isolate the permit space and the physical hazards within the space as part of safe permit space entry.
Key takeaways
- 1926.1204(c)(3) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart AA).
- OSHA cited it 2 times in the last 3 years, in 2 inspections, with $7,000 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Related part: 1926.1204(c) (27 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.1204(c)(3) 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
(3) Isolating the permit space and physical hazard(s) within the space; 2 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.1204.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.1204(c)(3).
At 12:00 a.m. on December 14, 2023, Employee #1 was working for a general contractor. Employees #1 and #2 were working in a 20x20x30 pit removing wall forms when the plug that was installed failed causing the pit to fill up with water. This resulted…
Where and how often it was cited
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.1204(c)(3), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.1204(c)(3).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.1204(c) 27 citations
- 1926.1204(c)(4) 4 citations
- 1926.1204(c)(2) 2 citations
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Frequently asked questions
What must be isolated?
The permit space and the physical hazard(s) within the space.
Is this part of the permit space program?
Yes. It is one of the measures needed for safe permit space entry operations.
Why isolate hazards?
So hazards inside the space cannot reach entrants during entry.
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.