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• Standard Number: 1910.212

January 8, 1992

Mr. Samuel J. Gualardo, CSP
Metropolitan Edison Company
Post Office Box 16001
Reading, Pennsylvania 19640

Dear Mr. Gualardo:

Thank you for your letter of November 13, 1991 requesting clarification on a previous interpretation of 1910.212(a)(5).

As we understand the situation, the issue is whether or not guards are required for fan blades on an electrical transformer as shown in the picture you provided.

As stated in your letter, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) standard at 29 CFR 1910.212(a)(5) requires employers to protect employees from exposed fan blades. If working with or near equipment exposes an employee to a hazard, in this instance, fan blades, then guards must be provided. Part 29 CFR 1910.212(a)(5) provides that when the periphery of the blades of a fan is less than seven (7) feet above the floor or working level, the blades shall be guarded.

After studying the picture enclosed with your letter, we noted cages over the fans. OSHA standard 1910.212(a)(5) further requires that the guard shall have openings no larger than 1/2 inch. That requirement must be met.

There is no exemption from these requirements in the General Industry Standards.

If we can be of any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Sincerely,



Raymond E. Donnelly, Director
Office of General Industry Compliance Assistance

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