OSHA Hazard Information Bulletins
July 29, 1994
| MEMORANDUM FOR: |
REGIONAL ADMINISTRATORS |
| THROUGH: |
CHARLES E. ADKINS, CIH
Acting Director
Directorate of Technical Support |
| SUBJECT: |
Hazard Information Bulletin(1): Telemecanique
D11SF4 Rotary Handle and D11SH10, D11SH16 Shaft Kits
used with Telemecanique D10 Disconnect Switches |
___________
FOOTNOTE(1) The Directorate of Technical Support issues Hazard
Information Bulletins (HIB) in accordance with OSHA Instruction CPL 2.65
to provide relevant information regarding unrecognized or misunderstood
health hazards, inadequacies of materials, devices, techniques, and safety
engineering controls. HIBs are initiated based on information provided by
the field staff, studies, reports and concerns expressed by safety and health
professionals, employers, and the public. Bulletins are developed based on a
thorough evaluation of available facts and in co-ordination with appropriate
parties.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission forwarded to the Occupational Safety
and Health Administration information regarding a potential hazard associated
with the rotary handle and shaft kits referenced above, manufactured by the
French company, Telemecanique Inc., from 1989 through 1992. Telemecanique
Inc. is part of the Square D Company.
These kits are used in a variety of industrial and commercial electrical
applications. In one application, the rotary handle and shaft kits are used
as one unit with Telemecanique D10 disconnect switches in mechanical
equipment rooms in schools, commercial buildings, hospitals, and other
industrial facilities.
The Telemecanique D11SF4 rotary handle kit consists of an operating lever
that can be mounted on the face of an electrical panel box. The lever is
secured to a shaft passing through the front of the box and attached to a
cam. As the lever is rotated, the cam engages or disengages the internal
activating mechanism. A part called a "bullet" is attached to the end of the
operating shaft by a set screw which holds the "bullet" in place. The
"bullet" may become loose causing it to slide down the operating shaft. This
condition would allow the handle to be rotated without the corresponding
rotation of the internal activating mechanism. Should this occur, an
operator could turn the handle to the "OFF" position without deenergizing the
controlling machinery, posing a hazard to service and maintenance workers.
Another possible hazardous condition exists if the rotary handle is the sole
means of holding the door closed. The electrical panel box door may drift
open when the rotary handle is in the "ON" position exposing workers to
energized parts.
Square D has issued a detailed product safety notice in July, 1993 to its
known customers. The product safety notice includes model/part numbers and
drawings to identify the problem rotary handle. It also includes warnings
and necessary corrective actions.
Since the rotary handles are used by maintenance and service workers, 29 CFR
1910.147, the control of hazardous energy (Lockout/Tagout) standard, applies.
The employer must establish an energy control program as specified in 29 CFR
1910.147(c). The energy control program shall provide full employee
protection as set forth in 29 CFR 1910.147(c)(3).
Please distribute this bulletin to all Area Offices, State Plan States,
Consultation Project Officers, and appropriate local labor and industry
groups.
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