1926.1208: Duties of Authorized Entrants
The entry employer must make sure all authorized entrants know the hazards they may face, including how exposure happens and its signs, symptoms and results. Entrants must use equipment properly, keep in contact with the attendant, and alert the attendant to warning signs or prohibited conditions. They must exit as fast as possible when ordered, when warning signs or prohibited conditions appear, or when an evacuation alarm sounds.
Key takeaways
- 1926.1208 is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart AA).
- OSHA cited it 6 times in the last 3 years, in 6 inspections, with $36,590 in current penalties.
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.1208, "Duties of authorized entrants", is an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart AA). It has 11 numbered paragraphs. 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
Show the full text of 1926.1208 (11 paragraphs)
The entry employer must ensure that all authorized entrants:
(a) Are familiar with and understand the hazards that may be faced during entry, including information on the mode, signs or symptoms, and consequences of the exposure; 5 citations
(b) Properly use equipment as required by § 1926.1204(d); 1 citations
(c) Communicate with the attendant as necessary to enable the attendant to assess entrant status and to enable the attendant to alert entrants of the need to evacuate the space as required by § 1926.1209(f);
(d) Alert the attendant whenever:
(1) There is any warning sign or symptom of exposure to a dangerous situation; or
(2) The entrant detects a prohibited condition; and
(e) Exit from the permit space as quickly as possible whenever:
(1) An order to evacuate is given by the attendant or the entry supervisor;
(2) There is any warning sign or symptom of exposure to a dangerous situation;
(3) The entrant detects a prohibited condition; or
(4) An evacuation alarm is activated.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15.
Where and how often it was cited
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.1208, plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.1208.
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Frequently asked questions
When must an entrant leave the space?
When the attendant or entry supervisor orders evacuation, at any warning sign or symptom, on detecting a prohibited condition, or when an evacuation alarm is activated.
When must an entrant alert the attendant?
Whenever there is a warning sign or symptom of exposure, or the entrant detects a prohibited condition.
Why must entrants talk with the attendant?
So the attendant can assess entrant status and alert entrants when they need to evacuate.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.1208 (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.