Electrical Panel Clearances

[ponycar17]

I've recently been asked to document the specific regulations concerning temporary storage of items in front of electrical panels. I realize that by NEC 2005 Article 110.26 Table 110.26(A)(1), that our 480 VAC control cabinet must have a minimum of 42" of working space in front of it. The problem I have is that this seems very vague with respect to closed cabinets. OSHA regulations seem to blur the NEC requirements to mean that the cabinet has to be "easily accessible." Does this mean that temporary storage, such as that on a cart, is acceptable?

Is there a specific NFPA, OSHA or even NEC regulation that covers access to control cabinets, even when the item being stored in front is readily moved?

Thanks for the help in advance!...

 

[jghrist]

For additional backup of your position, check with the fire department. We had an inspection in our office by the fire department and they made us move some stuff that was in front of our service panel.