1910.215(d)(3): Clean, Flat Contact Surfaces on Grinding Wheels
Employers must make sure all contact surfaces of grinding wheels, blotters and flanges are flat and free of foreign matter.
Key takeaways
- 1910.215(d)(3) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart O).
- OSHA cited it 28 times in the last 3 years, in 28 inspections, with $26,522 in current penalties.
- Most citations: AK (9), OR (7), IN (4).
- Related part: 1910.215(d) Mounting (41 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.215(d)(3) ("Surface condition") 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
(3) Surface condition. All contact surfaces of wheels, blotters and flanges shall be flat and free of foreign matter. 28 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.215.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 10 |
| 2025 | 7 |
| 2026 | 10 |
Top states: AK (9), OR (7), IN (4), NV (2), HI (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| GOLDEN ALASKA SEAFOODS | DUTCH HARBOR, AK | $5,958 |
| TRIDENT SEAFOODS CORPORATION | DUTCH HARBOR, AK | $5,065 |
| GLACIER FISH COMPANY LLC | DUTCH HARBOR, AK | $5,065 |
| NORTH STAR FISHING COMPANY | DUTCH HARBOR, AK | $3,939 |
| ATI WINDOWS | LAS VEGAS, NV | $3,321 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.215(d)(3), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.215(d) Mounting 41 citations
- 1910.215(d)(1) Inspection 13 citations
Get your crew competent
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Frequently asked questions
What must contact surfaces be like?
Flat and free of foreign matter.
Which parts does this cover?
Contact surfaces of wheels, blotters and flanges.
Who must make sure the surfaces are flat and clean?
The employer, under the grinding machine rules in 1910.215.
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 2026-10-21
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.