Belts, pulleys, and shafting located in rooms used exclusively for power transmission apparatus need not be guarded when the vertical clearance in passageways between the floor and any objects is not less than ____ feet 6 inches.

Belts, pulleys, and shafting located in rooms used exclusively for power transmission apparatus need not be guarded when the vertical clearance in passageways between the floor and any objects is not less than ____ feet 6 inches.

• A. 5 Feet 6 Inches
• B. 6 Feet
• C. 4 Feet 6 Inches
• D. 5 Feet

Answer: (A)

The rule hinges on having enough headroom in walkways so workers cannot reach moving belts, pulleys, or shafts. When a room is used only for power transmission, guarding the moving parts isn’t required if the vertical clearance in passageways from floor to ceiling or objects is at least 5 feet 6 inches. That height provides ample space to prevent accidental contact with the machinery, making additional guarding unnecessary. Any height below that threshold would require guarding, while heights at or above 5 feet 6 inches satisfy the exemption. So 5 feet 6 inches is the minimum clearance that allows the exemption.

The rule hinges on having enough headroom in walkways so workers cannot reach moving belts, pulleys, or shafts. When a room is used only for power transmission, guarding the moving parts isn’t required if the vertical clearance in passageways from floor to ceiling or objects is at least 5 feet 6 inches. That height provides ample space to prevent accidental contact with the machinery, making additional guarding unnecessary. Any height below that threshold would require guarding, while heights at or above 5 feet 6 inches satisfy the exemption. So 5 feet 6 inches is the minimum clearance that allows the exemption.