1926.1204(d)(8): Rescue and Emergency Equipment
As part of a permit-required confined space program, the employer must provide the rescue and emergency equipment needed to meet the rescue requirements in paragraph (i), except to the extent rescue services provide that equipment.
Key takeaways
- 1926.1204(d)(8) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart AA).
- OSHA cited it 5 times in the last 3 years, in 5 inspections, with $40,630 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Related part: 1926.1204(d) (19 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.1204(d)(8) 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
(8) Rescue and emergency equipment needed to comply with paragraph (i) of this section, except to the extent that the equipment is provided by rescue services; and 5 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(d)(8).
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.
Where and how often it was cited
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.1204(d)(8), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.1204(d)(8).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.1204(d) 19 citations
- 1926.1204(d)(2) 3 citations
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
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Frequently asked questions
Who must supply rescue equipment for permit spaces?
The employer, except to the extent the equipment is provided by rescue services.
What rescue equipment is required?
The equipment needed to comply with the rescue and emergency requirements in paragraph (i) of 1926.1204.
If an outside rescue service brings gear, does the employer still need to?
Only for equipment the rescue service does not provide.
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.