1910.212(a)(1): Types of machine guarding
One or more methods of machine guarding must protect the operator and other employees in the machine area from hazards such as the point of operation, ingoing nip points, rotating parts, and flying chips and sparks. Examples include barrier guards, two-hand tripping devices and electronic safety devices.
Key takeaways
- 1910.212(a)(1) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart O).
- OSHA cited it 4,605 times in the last 3 years, in 4,576 inspections, with $29,293,418 in current penalties.
- 32 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: OH (377), IL (302), WI (284).
- Related part: 1910.212(a) Machine guarding (6,817 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.212(a)(1) ("Types of guarding") is one requirement inside 1910.212 General requirements for all machines, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart O). The official text below is copied word for word from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). The numbers, injury cases and training on this page show how OSHA enforces it on real job sites.
Official text
(1) Types of guarding. One or more methods of machine guarding shall be provided to protect the operator and other employees in the machine area from hazards such as those created by point of operation, ingoing nip points, rotating parts, flying chips and sparks. Examples of guarding methods are—barrier guards, two-hand tripping devices, electronic safety devices, etc. 4,605 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.212.
Injuries linked to this rule
32 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.212(a)(1).
An employee was fabricating a part for an agricultural wagon using a drill presswhen it fell onto his head, causing multiple fatal injuries to the employee.
Full case list with employer, penalty, filters and download is part of OSHA Data (Purple Belt).
Unlock with Purple BeltWhere and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 284 |
| 2024 | 1,666 |
| 2025 | 1,617 |
| 2026 | 1,038 |
Top states: OH (377), IL (302), WI (284), MN (264), TX (258)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| HUBBELL POWER SYSTEMS, INC. | BOONTON TOWNSHIP, NJ | $165,514 |
| 111367 - LINDAR CORPORATION | BAXTER, MN | $165,514 |
| VIRGINIA TRANSFORMER CORP. | ROANOKE, VA | $162,849 |
| INTEPLAST GROUP CORPORATION | LOLITA, TX | $161,323 |
| THE GOODYEAR TIRE & RUBBER COMPANY | DANVILLE, VA | $158,725 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.212(a)(1), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Machine guarding and exposure to hazards from robotic laundry shuttles. (2005-07-07)
- Use of the European Norms and European Community machinery directive to comply with the 1910.212 "General [guarding] requirements for all machines." (2005-02-08)
- Use of laser guarding systems with hydraulic press brakes (2004-02-11)
- Guarding requirements and options for packaging and pelletizing machines. (1999-12-08)
- OSHA enforcement policy on vertical food mixers. (1999-02-26)
- Requirements for guarding points of operation and belts on heavy duty sewing machines (1991-07-09)
- The point of operation and rotating part hazards related to vertical food mixers in bakeries and restaurants are covered by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards. (1991-03-19)
- Machine Guarding (1991-03-04)
- Point-of-operation guards for drill presses and lathes. (1990-10-15)
- Machine guarding for drilling operations. (1990-03-21)
- The feasibility of OSHA's machine guarding requirements in their workplace. (1989-08-03)
- Acceptable guarding for continuous cycling boneless meat tenderizers. (1987-11-02)
- Riding of vertical reciprocating conveyors is prohibited. (1984-07-30)
- Oil Rig Inspection. (1980-12-15)
- Kelly Bushings on Oil Well Drilling Rigs (1980-02-21)
- Appropriate guarding of lathe chucks. (1979-01-26)
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.212(a) Machine guarding 6,817 citations
- 1910.212(a)(3) Point of operation guarding 1,830 citations
- 1910.212(a)(3)(ii) 1,645 citations
- 1910.212(a)(2) General requirements for machine guards 219 citations
- 1910.212(a)(3)(iii) 121 citations
- 1910.212(a)(5) Exposure of blades 121 citations
- 1910.212(a)(3)(iv) 39 citations
- 1910.212(a)(4) Barrels, containers, and drums 28 citations
- 1910.212(a)(3)(i) 17 citations
Get your crew competent
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Frequently asked questions
Who must the guard protect?
The operator and other employees in the machine area.
What counts as a machine guard?
The standard gives barrier guards, two-hand tripping devices and electronic safety devices as examples.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.212 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly; data as of 2026-10-20
3-year window. Federal OSHA only; state-plan rules are not counted. Plain-language text is a summary, not legal advice; the official text controls. Black Belt Safety is not part of OSHA or the Department of Labor.