Marking of Working Spare 110.26(A)

[raberding]

hi - just wondering if anyone has had an AHJ require paint stripes or tape on the floor outlining the depth and width of the required working space at panelboards. Thinking "ordinary" 208/120, 600s or 400s or 225a panels. In retail space. I don't see that the NEC requires marking. Maybe OSHA?

 

[infinity]

You're correct that there is no NEC requirement to mark the floor. Might be an insurance company thing. I don't think that it's an OSHA requirement either because we never have done it.

 

[Elect117]

I have been seeing more of it.

I think it is part insurance, part management, part safety person.

It stems from the idea that no storage should be in front of the panel board. In a clothing retail space it is probably to ensure that they don't store materials that might have loose fibers or easily ignitable stuff in proximity to electrical equipment. Something between a "classified" location and keeping a clear working space.

I also see it marked when you get forklifts and storage racks. Sometimes they put the racks up and the panelboard is on the ground level of it. They will mark it to keep the workers from storing materials in front or close to the panelboard to reduce the risk of damaging it.