1926.1211(b)(2): Training Rescue Team Employees
When employees perform permit space rescue, the employer must train each affected employee to perform assigned rescue duties. The employer must make sure they successfully complete the required training and establish proficiency as authorized entrants under 1926.1207 and 1926.1208.
Key takeaways
- 1926.1211(b)(2) 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 $24,080 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Related part: 1926.1211(b) (6 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.1211(b)(2) is one requirement inside 1926.1211 Rescue and emergency services, 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
(2) Train each affected employee to perform assigned rescue duties. The employer must ensure that such employees successfully complete the training required and establish proficiency as authorized entrants, as provided by §§ 1926.1207 and 1926.1208; 2 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.1211.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.1211(b)(2).
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 1926.1211(b)(2), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.1211(b)(2).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.1211(b) 6 citations
- 1926.1211(b)(4) 2 citations
- 1926.1211(b)(1) 1 citations
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
Who must be trained for rescue duties?
Each affected employee who has assigned rescue duties.
Must rescuers also be trained as entrants?
Yes. They must establish proficiency as authorized entrants, as provided by 1926.1207 and 1926.1208.
Is completing training enough?
The employer must ensure employees successfully complete the training and establish proficiency.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.1211 (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.