Confined Space Entry

DOE-EM-STD-5503-94

13.0. CONFINED SPACE ENTRY

13.1. BACKGROUND

A confined space is defined as any location that has limited openings for entry and egress, is not

intended for continuous employee occupancy, and is so enclosed that natural ventilation may not

reduce air contaminants to levels below the threshold limit value (TLV). Examples of confined

spaces include: manholes, stacks, pipes, storage tanks, trailers, tank cars, pits, sumps, hoppers,

and bins. Entry into confined spaces without the proper precautions could result in injury and/or

impairment or death due to:

An atmosphere that is flammable or explosive,

Lack of sufficient oxygen to support life,

Contact with or inhalation of toxic materials, or

General safety or work area hazards such as steam or high pressure materials.

The overall objectives of this chapter are to provide the minimum safety requirements to be

followed while entering, exiting and working in confined spaces during environmental restoration

work. This chapter provides pertinent details on the following:

Duties and responsibilities,

Identification and evaluation,

Hazard assessment,

Hazard controls,

Entry permits,

Entry procedures,

Opening a confined space,

Atmospheric testing,

Isolation and lockout/tagout safeguards,

Ingress/egress safeguards,

Warning signs and symbols,

Training, and

Emergency response.

13.2. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

13.2.1. Project Manager

The Project Manager should assign an individual within each project to act as the project

Confined Space Coordinator. This individual should be responsible for implementing the confined

space program in accordance with this chapter.

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