Defining Acceptable Guarding of Fan Blades

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OSHA Instruction STD 1-12.1 October 30, 1978

March 24, 1972

OSHA PROGRAM DIRECTIVE #100-5

To: National and Field Offices

Subject: Defining Acceptable Guarding of Fan Blades

1. Purpose. To clarify the applicability of 1910.212(a)(5) and to direct answers to inquiries.

2. Background. This paragraph establishes the guarding requirements for fans within 7 feet of floor or working level. Numerous requests for clarification have been received, principally from employers using floor fans.

Restricting fans to low speed does not void machine guarding standards.

Archive Notice - OSHA Archive

NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot 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. Also, 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 https://www.osha.gov.

29 CFR 1910.212(a)(5) February 10, 1975

Mr. Hugo W. Plaag
Director of Risk Management
Giant Food, Inc.
Box 1804
Washington, D.C. 20013

Dear Mr. Plaag:

Assistant Secretary John H. Stender has asked me to respond to your letter dated January 21, 1975, relative to Section 1910.212(a)(5) Machine Guarding, Exposure of Blades, of the Occupational Safety and Health Standards.

Maximum permissible guard openings for blade guards on cooling fans

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot 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. Also, 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 https://www.osha.gov.

August 21, 2003

Mr. Romualdo Correa Carrión
Occupational Safety & Health Consultant
38 Asia Street Mónaco II
Manati, PR 00674

Dear Mr. Carrión: