1910.215(b)(5): Guard Exposure on Surface Grinders and Cut-Off Machines
Employers must guard cutting-off machines and surface grinders that use the wheel periphery so that no more than 150 degrees of the wheel periphery and sides is exposed. That exposure must begin at a point not less than 15 degrees below the horizontal plane of the wheel spindle.
Key takeaways
- 1910.215(b)(5) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart O).
- OSHA cited it 12 times in the last 3 years, in 12 inspections, with $16,645 in current penalties.
- Most citations: IN (3), MN (2), AZ (1).
- Related part: 1910.215(b) Guarding of abrasive wheel machinery (1,135 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.215(b)(5) ("Surface grinders and cutting-off machines") is one requirement inside 1910.215 Abrasive wheel machinery, 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
(5) Surface grinders and cutting-off machines. The maximum angular exposure of the grinding wheel periphery and sides for safety guards used on cutting-off machines and on surface grinding machines which employ the wheel periphery shall not exceed 150°. This exposure shall begin at a point not less than 15° below the horizontal plane of the wheel spindle. (See Figures O-12 and O-13) 12 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.215.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 6 |
| 2025 | 4 |
| 2026 | 2 |
Top states: IN (3), MN (2), AZ (1), VA (1), NJ (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| JACK ROBINSON WASTE DISPOSAL SERVICES, INC. | VOORHEES, NJ | $6,000 |
| SPEEDGRIP CHUCK CO. | ELKHART, IN | $2,730 |
| WALSH STEEL | PLYMOUTH, MA | $2,100 |
| ARMOR METALSTAMP | SOUTH BEND, IN | $1,800 |
| ATI PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS, INC | BALTIMORE, MD | $1,260 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.215(b)(5), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.215(b)(5).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.215(b) Guarding of abrasive wheel machinery 1,135 citations
- 1910.215(b)(9) Exposure adjustment 1,113 citations
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Frequently asked questions
How much of the wheel may be exposed on a cut-off machine?
The maximum angular exposure of the wheel periphery and sides shall not exceed 150 degrees.
Where does the exposed area begin?
At a point not less than 15 degrees below the horizontal plane of the wheel spindle.
Which machines does this cover?
Cutting-off machines and surface grinding machines that employ the wheel periphery.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.215 (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.