1910.213(b)(3): Prevent Restart After Power Failure
On woodworking machine applications where the operator could be hurt if motors restarted after a power failure, employers must provide a way to keep machines from restarting automatically when power comes back.
Key takeaways
- 1910.213(b)(3) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart O).
- OSHA cited it 22 times in the last 3 years, in 22 inspections, with $34,855 in current penalties.
- Most citations: MN (7), CT (5), AL (2).
- Related part: 1910.213(b) Machine controls and equipment (36 citations).
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In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.213(b)(3) is one requirement inside 1910.213 Woodworking machinery requirements, 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
(3) On applications where injury to the operator might result if motors were to restart after power failures, provision shall be made to prevent machines from automatically restarting upon restoration of power. 22 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.213.
Export the list: 22 inspections cited 1910.213(b)(3) in the last 3 years, with employer, location, penalty and date.
Purple Belt, $59/moWhere and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 13 |
| 2025 | 5 |
| 2026 | 4 |
Top states: MN (7), CT (5), AL (2), ME (1), NV (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| LOWE'S HOME CENTERS, LLC | PLAINFIELD, CT | $10,050 |
| CANDLELIGHT CABINETRY, LLC | LOCKPORT, NY | $5,834 |
| WADSWORTH ATHENEUM MUSEUM OF ART | HARTFORD, CT | $4,523 |
| KIT HOMEBUILDERS WEST, LLC | CALDWELL, ID | $3,526 |
| GLENWOOD KITCHEN, USA, INC. | TEMPLETON, MA | $3,227 |
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A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.213(b)(3), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.213(b)(3).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.213(b) Machine controls and equipment 36 citations
- 1910.213(b)(6) 6 citations
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Frequently asked questions
When is restart protection needed?
Where injury to the operator might result if motors were to restart after power failures.
What must the protection do?
Prevent machines from automatically restarting upon restoration of power.
Which machines does this cover?
Woodworking machinery applications under 1910.213.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.213 (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 2026-11-06
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.