1910.213(l)(2): Guards for Boring Bits
Boring bits should be provided with a guard that encloses all portions of the bit and chuck above the material being worked.
Key takeaways
- 1910.213(l)(2) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart O).
- OSHA cited it 18 times in the last 3 years, in 18 inspections, with $62,084 in current penalties.
- Most citations: NC (6), KY (2), CA (1).
- Related part: 1910.213(l) Boring and mortising machines (18 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.213(l)(2) 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
(2) Boring bits should be provided with a guard that will enclose all portions of the bit and chuck above the material being worked. 18 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.213.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 8 |
| 2025 | 7 |
| 2026 | 2 |
Top states: NC (6), KY (2), CA (1), OR (1), FL (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| 156108 - CARRIS REELS INC | STATESVILLE, NC | $10,600 |
| 66925 - COX INTERIOR INC | FINLEY, KY | $7,000 |
| KAMPS, INC. | VERSAILLES, OH | $6,500 |
| 155121 - THE CHARLES STEWART CO. | HICKORY, NC | $6,250 |
| CRC MASTERCRAFT, INC. | HOUSTON, TX | $4,966 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.213(l)(2), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.213(l)(2).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.213(l) Boring and mortising machines 18 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
What should a boring bit guard cover?
All portions of the bit and chuck above the material being worked.
Is this a must or a should?
The rule text says boring bits should be provided with a guard.
Does the guard cover the part in the material?
The rule describes enclosing the portions above the material being worked.
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 2026-10-23
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.