Anyone know of some rules to reference that state electrical rooms cannot be used for storage. I know there are a couple in section 2 of the CEC, but any hydro rules, WCB rules or anything else would be helpful. I trying to clean up the rooms in the facility I work in, and need some rules to back up my efforts. Thanks.
I'd be interested in this too as it seems all the banks we do share their electrical rooms/closets with janitorial/maintenance.
Nothing like having to clear off corrosive chemicals and supplies from the transformers let alone clear out the traffic jams of used lamps, boxes of toilet paper, step ladders etc etc from in front of the panel.
Replies appreciated,
Greg
I don't know the code number but there is rule about working space in front of a panel.
CEC 2-120, 2-308 (as mentioned)2-310 and 2-312. I work in a factory and this is a common problem, we implemented a 5S system for housekeeping as well as the CSA inspector can write your workplace up for excessive violation (if you ask him to)
thanks marsbar, what is this 5S system you implemented? FYI the NFPA and building code also clearly state that electrical vaults shall not be used for storage.
The 5s system is from the theory/practice of lean manufacturing. It is as follows:
Sort
Set
Shine
Standardization
Sustain
I believe it was Toyota that developed this practice.
Cheers
Try these rules 2-200 for protection of the equipment. 2-308 for working space around electrical equipment. 2-312 for access to and from electrical equipment. 2-316 covers storage of flammable materials.
2-202 prevents access to electrical room with bare live parts to unqualified persons and I have streatched that to include all electrical rooms by only reading subrule 3.
Basically if you can't find a rule to stop someone from doing a bad thing in other parts of the code section 2 is the place to look.
While on a job, I ran into what I think you are describing, and just called the local fire chief in that area and asked him if he could come to the site and give his ruling on a fire safety issue that was being argued over with the management of the building, as we had little choice when the management would simply not move or remove anything away from the EL equipment in this 3 level apartment, and that room was worse than a storage closet and had aviation 100LL fuel pushed about 1 foot in front of the 600A main disconnect to all sorts of garbage! They were forced to remove EVERYTHING FLAMABLE TO ALMOST LICKING THAT FLOOR CLEAN IN THAT EL ROOM IN THE END but, as this fire chief was an absolute enforcer of regulations and had not too long ago dealt with another situation like this one, but not as bad, so when he saw the condition that this EL room was in, (well you can imagine what came next), and by the time he was through he had written every fire code safety rule that was being violated that he could find in the book, and gave the owners 24 hours to clean it out, or be served the appropriate fine.
This happened in 1994.
I hope that this may help you in you’re quest!
Robert Wagner!
Hi, just joined, love the site.
I once had to install a 100a disco beside a chicken cooking device in a grocery store because it had caught fire the day before and could not be shut off because the electrical room was also where they loked up the cartons of smokes!