1926.1204(i): Confined Space Rescue Procedures
Construction employers with permit-required confined spaces must develop and implement procedures for summoning rescue and emergency services, including after a failed non-entry rescue, for rescuing entrants, for giving necessary emergency services to rescued employees, and for preventing unauthorized people from attempting a rescue.
Key takeaways
- 1926.1204(i) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart AA).
- OSHA cited it 14 times in the last 3 years, in 14 inspections, with $51,840 in current penalties.
- 2 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: FL (2), NJ (2), KY (1).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.1204(i) 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
(i) Develop and implement procedures for summoning rescue and emergency services (including procedures for summoning emergency assistance in the event of a failed non-entry rescue), for rescuing entrants from permit spaces, for providing necessary emergency services to rescued employees, and for preventing unauthorized personnel from attempting a rescue; 14 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(i).
At 5:00 p.m. on July 13, 2024, Employee #1 entered a manhole to tape piping in preparation for pouring concrete inverts. Shortly after entry, a coworker, stationed topside, observed that Employee #1 appeared pale and was sweating profusely. When asked, Employee #1 indicated difficulty breathing.…
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 | 7 |
| 2025 | 4 |
| 2026 | 3 |
Top states: FL (2), NJ (2), KY (1), CT (1), UT (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| CONSTRUCTION LABOR SERVICES, INC. | MOBILE, AL | $16,550 |
| SBF CONSTRUCTION, INC. | NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ | $14,895 |
| 66676 - BUILDING CRAFTS INC | LUDLOW, KY | $7,000 |
| A-1 PARADISE PLUMBING PARENT LLC | FORT LAUDERDALE, FL | $6,775 |
| D L BANDY CONSTRUCTORS INC. | CONVERSE, TX | $6,620 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.1204(i), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.1204(i).
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
What rescue procedures must exist?
Procedures to summon rescue and emergency services, rescue entrants, provide emergency services to rescued workers, and stop unauthorized rescue attempts.
Do procedures cover a failed non-entry rescue?
Yes. They must cover summoning emergency help if a non-entry rescue fails.
Can coworkers jump in to help?
The procedures must prevent unauthorized personnel from attempting a rescue.
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.