Are there any regulations for having an oscillating fan in an office?

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 10 Apr 2019 10:47:59 -0400

Just trying to settle an argument with a guy in my unit

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 10 at 2019 11:02 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 10 Apr 2019 11:02:28 -0400

Who is the "guy" (Enlisted, NCO, officer?) what is your role in this argument?

Need more info.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 10 at 2019 11:04 AM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 10 Apr 2019 11:04:19 -0400

It's a sgt and he sais there not allowed I'm just trying to see if theres anything stating otherwise

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 10 at 2019 11:10 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 10 Apr 2019 11:10:56 -0400

Ask him to provide you some black and white proof. If they’re not allowed then said NCO needs to show you where it states that oscillating fad aren’t allowed. This quality of leadership provides professional growth for you and for said NCO.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Apr 10 at 2019 11:11 AM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Wed, 10 Apr 2019 11:11:16 -0400

That would clearly be a command or facilities policy. Argument over. Thank you for your service.

Response by CW3 Harvey K. made Apr 10 at 2019 11:16 AM

CW3 Harvey K. — Wed, 10 Apr 2019 11:16:59 -0400

The oscillator is an implied required instrument. If you don't have an oscillator, then how can the defecation strike the oscillator?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 10 at 2019 12:02 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 10 Apr 2019 12:02:58 -0400

Well...I would have to ask these questions:

Why do you have an oscillating fan in the office?
Does the fan make a large amount of noise?
Does the fan interfere with voice communications over the phone?
Has the NCO shown you where the regs state you can't have one?
Why is this an issue to where it becomes a pissing match?
Why did you bring this issue here to RP instead of taking it to your Chain?

Response by SSgt GG-15 RET Jim Lint made Apr 10 at 2019 12:10 PM

SSgt GG-15 RET Jim Lint — Wed, 10 Apr 2019 12:10:47 -0400

YES there is a regulation about fans. Senior person does not like it and tells you to take it out or point it in a new direction... then you do it. YOU get to listen. IF you are the senior, you can set the fan. This is not the most important issue in US GOV or military.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 10 at 2019 12:45 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 10 Apr 2019 12:45:02 -0400

I’d get with your safety officer, unless it’s a superior who simply has ordered you to remove it. Then... do it

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 10 at 2019 5:48 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 10 Apr 2019 17:48:21 -0400

The closest you might get is:

TR350-29: Prevention of Heat and Cold Casualties
Appendix E Methods for Controlling Risk of Heat Illness and Cold Injury
E-5. Reduce heat load
a. The practice of designating and equipping sites for deliberate cooling and rest (“cool zones”) is recommended for reducing the heat effects of Soldiers in training. Cool zones provide a break area for those who are exposed to the debilitating effects of the heat during physical activity. These break areas are specially designed to provide shade from the sun and include devices or items to aid the body in dumping heat. Such devices include camouflage cover or solar shades (see figure E-5), water trailers/tanks, coolers containing water and sports drinks, power breezers/fans and misters (see figure E-6), and the AICS.

But, this depends on establishing your office as a designated recovery area/ cooling zone, which are typically established for training environments and training exercises. And the reg says nothing about oscillating. (But you could go back and forth with that one)