01/20/2026
Do you have confined spaces at your facility? Many organizations do — storage tanks, pits, vaults, silos, sewers, and similar spaces often meet the definition. If so, your responsibilities fall under OSHA’s Permit-Required Confined Space standard (29 CFR 1910.146).
OSHA requires employers to identify and evaluate confined spaces and determine whether they are permit-required due to hazards such as hazardous atmospheres, engulfment, internal configurations, or other serious risks. When permit-required spaces exist, employers must have a written confined space program, employee training, atmospheric testing, hazard controls, entry permits, and regular program review.
One of the most frequently cited failures is rescue capability. Under CFR 1910.146, employers must ensure timely and effective rescue — including trained rescue personnel, appropriate equipment, documented procedures, and practice drills. Simply planning to call 911 is often not sufficient unless specific OSHA criteria are met and documented.
🚨 Here’s a stark reminder: In July 2025, OSHA cited an employer following a confined space fatality at a facility in Twinsburg, Ohio, and proposed $602,938 in penalties for failures to properly ventilate and test the space, control hazards, and provide adequate rescue provisions under the standard.
Ask yourself:
• Have all confined spaces been identified and properly classified?
• Is your confined space program current and OSHA-compliant?
• Do you have documented, trained, and adequately equipped rescue capability?
Hot Springs Training and Consulting can help evaluate your confined spaces, update or develop your confined space program, assess rescue readiness, and support compliance with 29 CFR 1910.146. Proactive action protects workers — and your organization.
