Which statement about guarding fans is true?

• A. Openings in the guard no larger than 1/2 inch
• B. Blades must be guarded if 7 feet above the floor
• C. Both statements are true
• D. Neither statement is true

Answer: (C)

Protecting workers from contact with moving fan blades relies on two practical safeguards: keep the openings in the guard small enough to prevent fingers from reaching through, and ensure the blade area is guarded when it is within reach of people.

Openings are kept to a maximum of 1/2 inch so that a hand or finger cannot fit through the guard and touch the spinning blades. This size limitation is a standard measure to reduce the risk of contact.

Height also matters. If the rotating blades are within reach—roughly up to 7 feet above the floor—the guarding must be in place to prevent contact. When the blades are higher than about 7 feet, the risk of direct contact is much lower, but guarding practices typically address overhead exposure and maintenance scenarios.

Together, these rules explain why both statements are true: the guard openings are limited to 1/2 inch, and the blades must be guarded when they are within reach (about 7 feet or less).