Electrical-equipment working clearances and storage

July 26, 2004

Mr. William Overby

[Recipient address omitted]

Dear Mr. Overby:

Thank you for your recent letter to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Your letter has been referred to the Directorate of Enforcement Program's (DEP's) Office of General Industry Enforcement for an answer to your question regarding clearances from electrical equipment. Your question has been restated below for clarity.

Question: What would OSHA consider to be a safe distance for setting extra stock or empty containers from any electrical equipment such as ladder cable trays?

Reply: 29 CFR 1910.303(g)(2)(ii) and 1910.303(h)(2)(ii) address the protection of electric equipment that may be exposed to physical damage. Suitable enclosures or guards must be provided to prevent damage to this equipment. In addition, enclosed please find a copy of 29 CFR 1910.303(g) and 1910.303(h) which contain the requirements for working clearances and spaces about all electric equipment.

Thank you for your interest in occupational safety and health. We hope you find this information helpful. OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards, and regulations. Our interpretations letters explain the requirements, and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they can not create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. In addition, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at http://www.osha.gov. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact the Office of General Industry Enforcement at (202) 693-1850.

Sincerely,

Richard E. Fairfax, Director

Directorate of Enforcement Programs

Enclosure