There is a 6 inch high door ledge that one must step over, which helps make the seal. When closed, it is air-tight and virtually sound proof. Workers enter the space to change out filters or take readings. Workers are required to wear PPE, including respirators, inside this space because the filters contain alpha emitters. An employee must enter to undo the bolts.
Air monitoring is performed and no air quality problems have been detected.
A permit program is in place and the response team is notified prior to each entry. The caller asked if DOE had issued any guidance on the confined space standard. What are the differences between the OSHA general industry and construction standards on confined space.