Clearances For Industrial Equipment

[automaker]

The plant i work for has an automated line theat was a package installation the pc controlling the equipment is in the middle isle of two identical pieces of equipment is housed in an all steel enclosure, is on wheels and is used to control the automation only ,the software for the machine is in this terminal as well as troubleshooting software,my question is as it is part of the factory installation of this wheeled terminal.
Are the clearance requirements as per the 110:26 code do they apply? I have already read the no exception language, but this equipment was custom made and is all part of the automation package...thanx

 

[Dennis Alwon]

I took the liberty to change the post to lowercase. Please do not type in Uppercase as it is hard to read. Thanks :thumbsup:

 

[Dennis Alwon]

I do not think 110.26 would apply to a portable piece of equipment assuming it can be moved to make the clearance

 

[petersonra]

I do not think 110.26 would apply to a portable piece of equipment assuming it can be moved to make the clearance

I am inclined to agree but others here have argued that the rule does not allow one to move anything to get the required clearances.

The rule does not actually say that, so I am not convinced they are right.

 

[iwire]

In my opinion the code applies to carts just as much as brooms and mops stored in-front of electrical equipment. I suspect OSHA would say so too.

 

[iwire]

I am inclined to agree but others here have argued that the rule does not allow one to move anything to get the required clearances.

The rule does not actually say that, so I am not convinced they are right.

The key for me is that rule prohibits storage in the area. I don't see anything in the section that things on wheels are excluded.

110.26(B) Clear Spaces. Working space required by this section
shall not be used for storage. When normally enclosed live
parts are exposed for inspection or servicing, the working
space, if in a passageway or general open space, shall be
suitably guarded.

I also suspect you have not had to deal with OSHA inspections, they are pretty aggressive in reading the rules. You can appeal, they lower the fine but it is still on the company record for many years which can lead to very high fines if you have a repeat violation.

The company I work for has decided strict adherence to OSHA rules makes better financial sense than trying to push the limits. Electrical inspector fail jobs, OSHA inspector levy fines. I know which one I would take more seriously.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

We allow a door to swing into the path of a panel but of course that is easier to move than a machine.

It may be an authority having jurisdiction call

 

[iwire]

It may be an authority having jurisdiction call

It always is.

But when the work is in an area subject to OSHA inspections I would be very cautions about counting on them to be lenient.

Understand they give out fines for ladders that the decals are worn out on. ... Seriously.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

It always is.

But when the work is in an area subject to OSHA inspections I would be very cautions about counting on them to be lenient.

Understand they give out fines for ladders that the decals are worn out on. ... Seriously.

I had not considered Osha-- you're right they can be difficult. We are lucky they never show on residential jobs. Boy the stuff you see there is unbelievable. Stairs without handrail or lofts with no rails. HVAC are notoriously the worst with ext. cords that don't look like 14 gauge but maybe. Those cords are usually all kinked and twisted from overheating...