Re: safe working distance from unprotected light bulb
I can say that it is not a question for which an answer can be found in the NEC. It may be addressed in an OSHA rule or in a local safety rule. It appears that the notion of ?safe working distance? would be based on (1) The fact that the bulb has nothing around it to prevent it from being struck and broken, and (2) Keeping the worker far enough from the bulb to reduce the chances that the work activity could accidentally cause the bulb to be struck. That type of concern would be strongly influenced by the nature of the work. If you are swinging a hammer, you might need 3 feet. If you are carrying a ladder, you might need 20 feet. I might be willing to wager the cost of a diet soda that there is no law or safety rule that would answer your question.