1910.213(s)(6): Keep Woodworking Machinery Clean
The rule stresses keeping the area around woodworking machinery clean, especially so guards work properly and to prevent fire hazards in switch enclosures, bearings and motors.
Key takeaways
- 1910.213(s)(6) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart O).
- OSHA cited it 20 times in the last 3 years, in 20 inspections, with $35,343 in current penalties.
- Most citations: CT (10), CA (2), VA (2).
- Related part: 1910.213(s) Inspection and maintenance of woodworking machinery (28 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
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In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.213(s)(6) 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
(6) Emphasis is placed upon the importance of maintaining cleanliness around woodworking machinery, particularly as regards the effective functioning of guards and the prevention of fire hazards in switch enclosures, bearings, and motors. 20 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.213.
Export the list: 20 inspections cited 1910.213(s)(6) in the last 3 years, with employer, location, penalty and date.
Purple Belt, $59/moWhere and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 6 |
| 2025 | 5 |
| 2026 | 8 |
Top states: CT (10), CA (2), VA (2), NC (2), WI (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| COLUMBIA ELEVATOR INC | BRIDGEPORT, CT | $8,296 |
| U. S. POSTAL SERVICE (USPS), PETALUMA P&DC | PETALUMA, CA | $8,227 |
| RINCON BAND OF LUISENO INDIANS | VALLEY CENTER, CA | $6,753 |
| NAUGATUCK STAIR COMPANY, INC. | NAUGATUCK, CT | $6,452 |
| MCCAIN MILLS, INC. | PLANT CITY, FL | $3,457 |
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A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.213(s)(6), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.213(s)(6).
Related parts of this rule
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Frequently asked questions
Why does cleanliness matter around woodworking machines?
It helps guards function effectively and prevents fire hazards in switch enclosures, bearings and motors.
Which parts are named as fire hazard areas?
Switch enclosures, bearings and motors.
Does buildup affect guards?
Yes. The rule ties cleanliness to the effective functioning of guards.
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.