Environment, Health, & Safety Division

Confined Space Program

Confined spaces are locations that are large enough to enter, are difficult to enter or exit, and are not designed for continuous human occupancy. Confined spaces at LBNL include but are not limited to tanks, ducts, pipelines, sumps, sewers, and vaults. Confined space accidents are a significant cause of death and injury in the workplace. Hazards vary widely, with oxygen deficiency, flammable and toxic gases or vapors being the most common hazards.

If you are responsible for a project or process that may include entry into confined spaces then you must conform to LBNL’s requirements. These requirements include checking the confined space inventory for Safe Work Procedures, working with a designated Entry Supervisor to remove the hazards prior to entry, engaging a specialty subcontractor if necessary, and completing documentation. All Berkeley Lab employees who enter confined spaces are required to have completed EHS 275 – the Confined Space Entry Training Class. Entry Supervisors require additional training.

Policies and procedures for classification of, and safe entry into, confined spaces can be found in PUB-3000, Chapter 34. Please contact Barbara Tuse’, bjmtuse@lbl.gov if you have questions or other concerns about confined spaces.

Additional Information

• Final Report Assessment of Confined Space Program at LBNL Transmittal
• Final Report Assessment of Confined Space Program at LBNL
• LBNL Confined Space Inventory
• LBNL Confined Space Maps
• LBNL Confined Space Policy (PUB-3000, Chapter 34)
• LBNL Lessons Learned Website
• OSHA: Health & Safety Topics: Confined Spaces
• OSHA: Permit-required Confined Spaces Regulation
• Visit Confined Space Sub Contractor
• Visit Confined Space Entry Supervisors