1910.217(f): Operating Power Presses Safely
Employers must train and instruct press operators in safe work methods before they start and supervise to make sure correct procedures are followed. They must provide enough clearance between machines and room for cleaning and handling material, keep floors in good condition and free of obstructions, grease, oil and water, and run presses within the manufacturer's tonnage and attachment weight ratings.
Key takeaways
- 1910.217(f) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart O).
- OSHA cited it 19 times in the last 3 years, in 19 inspections, with $114,436 in current penalties.
- Most citations: OH (5), CT (3), WI (2).
- Related part: 1910.217(f)(2) Instruction to operators (16 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.217(f) ("Operation of power presses") is one requirement inside 1910.217 Mechanical power presses, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart O). It includes 4 sub-paragraphs. 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
(f) Operation of power presses — 19 citations
(1) [Reserved]
(2) Instruction to operators. The employer shall train and instruct the operator in the safe method of work before starting work on any operation covered by this section. The employer shall insure by adequate supervision that correct operating procedures are being followed. Open (f)(2) 16 citations
(3) Work area. The employer shall provide clearance between machines so that movement of one operator will not interfere with the work of another. Ample room for cleaning machines, handling material, work pieces, and scrap shall also be provided. All surrounding floors shall be kept in good condition and free from obstructions, grease, oil, and water. 2 citations
(4) Overloading. The employer shall operate his presses within the tonnage and attachment weight ratings specified by the manufacturer. 1 citations
Explanation of above diagram:
This diagram shows the accepted safe openings between the bottom edge of a guard and feed table at various distances from the danger line (point of operation).
The clearance line marks the distance required to prevent contact between guard and moving parts.
The minimum guarding line is the distance between the infeed side of the guard and the danger line which is one-half inch from the danger line.
The various openings are such that for average size hands an operator's fingers won't reach the point of operation.
After installation of point of operation guards and before a job is released for operation a check should be made to verify that the guard will prevent the operator's hands from reaching the point of operation.
| Distance of opening from point of operation hazard | Maximum width of opening |
|---|---|
| 1⁄2 to 11⁄2 | 1⁄4 |
| 11⁄2 to 21⁄2 | 3⁄8 |
| 21⁄2 to 31⁄2 | 1⁄2 |
| 31⁄2 to 51⁄2 | 5⁄8 |
| 51⁄2 to 61⁄2 | 3⁄4 |
| 61⁄2 to 71⁄2 | 7⁄8 |
| 71⁄2 to 121⁄2 | 11⁄4 |
| 121⁄2 to 151⁄2 | 11⁄2 |
| 151⁄2 to 171⁄2 | 17⁄8 |
| 171⁄2 to 311⁄2 | 21⁄8 |
This table shows the distances that guards shall be positioned from the danger line in accordance with the required openings.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.217.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 8 |
| 2025 | 5 |
| 2026 | 4 |
Top states: OH (5), CT (3), WI (2), IN (2), AK (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| FRAM GROUP OPERATIONS LLC | GREENVILLE, OH | $50,699 |
| WISCONSIN STAMPING & MANUFACTURING, LLC | GERMANTOWN, WI | $14,063 |
| FIRST BRANDS GROUP, LLC | GREENVILLE, OH | $10,000 |
| EDWIN B. STIMPSON COMPANY, INC. | POMPANO BEACH, FL | $8,711 |
| ARIZON COMPANIES | SAINT LOUIS, MO | $8,711 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.217(f), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.217(f).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.217(f)(2) Instruction to operators 16 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
When must press operators be trained?
Before starting work on any operation covered by the rule.
What must floors around presses be like?
In good condition and free from obstructions, grease, oil and water.
Can a press be run above its rating?
No. Presses must be operated within the manufacturer's tonnage and attachment weight ratings.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.217 (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.