![]() OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards, and regulations. We hope you find this information helpful. Thank you for your interest in occupational safety and health. Additionally, the National Electrical Code (NEC) 2005, Article 110.26, partly states, "Enclosures housing electrical apparatus that are controlled by a lock(s) shall be considered accessible to qualified persons." Please note that the use of multiple locks, which requires different keys or combinations, on disconnecting switches may preclude the installation from being accessible or readily accessible to a particular individual who is authorized to access the panel. 399, Readily accessible is defined as "capable of being reached quickly for operation, renewal, or inspections, without requiring those to whom ready access is requisite to climb over or remove obstacles or to resort to portable ladders, chairs, etc." This definition, however, does not preclude the use of a lock on the disconnecting means (circuit breakers panel), provided those, for whom ready access may be necessary, have a key (or lock combination) available. ![]() Question: Does locking the electrical panels operating at 600 volts or less (to control access by unauthorized employees) violate OSHA electrical requirements for not being " Readily accessible" in the event of an emergency? The breakers in these electrical panels are not used by employees as switches to turn equipment on and off daily. A majority of these panels are lighting panels operating at 277 volts and are located throughout the center in office buildings, shop areas, and testing facilities. Locking the panels is to control access by unauthorized employees. Scenario: It is not a standard practice at the Marshall Space Flight Center to lock electrical panels operating at 600 volts or less, but a request has been received from our Facilities Department to place locks that require a key to open all electrical panels. Your paraphrased scenario, question, and our response are provided below. ![]() We apologize for the delay in our response. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation only of the requirements discussed and may not be applicable to any question not delineated within your original correspondence. Thank you for your inquiry dated May 24, 2005, regarding clarification of the definition for " Readily accessible" as contained in the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) electrical standards.
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