1926.1211(b)(4): Practice Permit Space Rescues
Employers must make sure rescue employees practice permit space rescues before an actual rescue and at least once every 12 months, using simulated rescues with dummies, manikins or persons in actual or representative spaces. Practice is not required if they properly performed a rescue in the last 12 months in the same or a similar space.
Key takeaways
- 1926.1211(b)(4) 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 $16,550 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)(4) 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
(4) Ensure that affected employees practice making permit space rescues before attempting an actual rescue, and at least once every 12 months, by means of simulated rescue operations in which they remove dummies, manikins, or actual persons from the actual permit spaces or from representative permit spaces, except practice rescue is not required where the affected employees properly performed a rescue operation during the last 12 months in the same permit space the authorized entrant will enter, or in a similar permit space. Representative permit spaces must, with respect to opening size, configuration, and accessibility, simulate the types of permit spaces from which rescue is to be performed. 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)(4).
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)(4), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.1211(b)(4).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.1211(b) 6 citations
- 1926.1211(b)(2) 2 citations
- 1926.1211(b)(1) 1 citations
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Frequently asked questions
How often must rescue practice happen?
Before attempting an actual rescue, and at least once every 12 months.
What is used in practice rescues?
Dummies, manikins, or actual persons removed from the actual permit spaces or from representative permit spaces.
What must a representative space simulate?
The opening size, configuration and accessibility of the permit spaces from which rescue is to be performed.
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.