1) The area I am referring to is above the equipment, within six feet vertically of its top, but behind the footprint. If the equipment were 6' from the wall instead of 4" then there would definately be no problem with anything foreign being installed there.
2) Nothing is rendered inaccessible. Again, I must not have described the scenario well. Nothing has been placed directly behind the switchgear. It it above but behind the footprint.
