1910.212(a)(3)(iv): Machines That Usually Need Point of Operation Guards
This rule lists machines that usually require point of operation guarding: guillotine cutters, shears, alligator shears, power presses, milling machines, power saws, jointers, portable power tools, and forming rolls and calenders.
Key takeaways
- 1910.212(a)(3)(iv) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart O).
- OSHA cited it 39 times in the last 3 years, in 38 inspections, with $147,776 in current penalties.
- Most citations: PA (9), FL (5), TX (5).
- 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)(3)(iv) 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
(iv) The following are some of the machines which usually require point of operation guarding: 39 citations
(a) Guillotine cutters.
(b) Shears.
(c) Alligator shears.
(d) Power presses.
(e) Milling machines.
(f) Power saws.
(g) Jointers.
(h) Portable power tools.
(i) Forming rolls and calenders.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.212.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 4 |
| 2024 | 14 |
| 2025 | 16 |
| 2026 | 5 |
Top states: PA (9), FL (5), TX (5), IL (3), VA (3)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| LAKESIDE FOODS, INC. | NEW RICHMOND, WI | $14,518 |
| LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION | OLDSMAR, FL | $13,394 |
| MAR-BAL, INC. | DUBLIN, VA | $12,300 |
| INTERAMERICA STAGE INC | SANFORD, FL | $11,916 |
| PACKAGING CORPORATION OF AMERICA | DERIDDER, LA | $10,215 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.212(a)(3)(iv), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Trip and Emergency Switches on Mills and Calenders (2021-08-31)
- Lockout/tagout requirements for servicing manually-controlled vertical/horizontal milling machine and drill press tool changes. (2005-08-24)
- Applicability of 1910.212(a)(3)(ii) to Portable Pneumatic Powered Fastener Tools (1985-03-25)
- Point of operation guarding for cutters on milling machines. (1976-02-18)
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.212(a) Machine guarding 6,817 citations
- 1910.212(a)(1) Types of guarding 4,605 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)(4) Barrels, containers, and drums 28 citations
- 1910.212(a)(3)(i) 17 citations
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
Trainers and suppliers: feature your business on this rule for $25/month.
Frequently asked questions
Which machines usually need point of operation guarding?
Guillotine cutters, shears, alligator shears, power presses, milling machines, power saws, jointers, portable power tools, and forming rolls and calenders.
Is this list complete?
No. The rule says these are some of the machines which usually require point of operation guarding.
Are portable power tools on the list?
Yes. Portable power tools are listed among the machines that usually require point of operation guarding.
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.