§ 5–602
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Md. Code Ann., Lab. & Empl. § 5-602 (2026)
Title 5. Occupational Safety and Health
Subtitle 6
§ 5–602LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)
“Confined space” means a space that, by design:
(i)
has limited openings for entry and exit; and
(ii)
is subject to:
(1)
the accumulation of a combustible agent;
(2)
an accumulation of a toxic agent; or
(3)
a deficiency of oxygen.
(3)
“Confined space” includes:
(i)
a basin;
(ii)
a bin;
(iii)
a degreaser;
(iv)
a duct;
(v)
a pipeline;
(vi)
a pit;
(vii)
a sewer;
(viii)
a silo;
(ix)
a tank that is enclosed or has an open top;
(x)
a tub;
(xi)
a tunnel;
(xii)
a vat;
(xiii)
a process vessel; or
(xiv)
a reaction vessel.
(4)
“Maintenance work” means cleaning, inspection, maintenance, painting, repair, servicing, or other similar work.
(b)
A person described in § 5–101(d)(2)(ii) or (iii) of this title may not allow or cause an individual described in § 5–101(c)(2)(iii) or (iv) of this title to do maintenance work in a confined space, unless the Commissioner:
(1)
grants written authorization based on a satisfactory showing that work practices in effect will protect the health and safety of the individual; or
(2)
in accordance with Subtitle 3 of this title, passes an order for a variance.
(c)
(1)
This subsection applies only to an employer who is a subcontractor.
(2)
Each subcontractor who, under an original contract or subcontract, is to do maintenance work in a confined space shall give the Commissioner:
(i)
at the commencement of the maintenance work, oral notice of the maintenance work to be performed; and
(ii)
within 24 hours after the oral notice, written notice of the maintenance work.