1910.243(c)(1)(ii): Guards on Portable Abrasive Wheels
Employers must make sure a safety guard covers the spindle end, nut and flange projections of portable abrasive wheels, mounted to stay aligned with the wheel and with fastenings stronger than the guard. Exceptions allow exposure where the work itself protects the operator, and on portable machines designed for and used with type 6, 11, 27 and 28 wheels, cutting off wheels and tuck pointing wheels.
Key takeaways
- 1910.243(c)(1)(ii) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart P).
- OSHA cited it 17 times in the last 3 years, in 17 inspections, with $24,731 in current penalties.
- Most citations: CT (6), FL (5), NY (2).
- Related part: 1910.243(c) Portable abrasive wheels (371 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.243(c)(1)(ii) ("Exception") is one requirement inside 1910.243 Guarding of portable powered tools, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart P). 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
(ii) 17 citations
(a) A safety guard shall cover the spindle end, nut and flange projections. The safety guard shall be mounted so as to maintain proper alignment with the wheel, and the strength of the fastenings shall exceed the strength of the guard.
(b) Exception. Safety guards on all operations where the work provides a suitable measure of protection to the operator may be so constructed that the spindle end, nut and outer flange are exposed. Where the nature of the work is such as to entirely cover the side of the wheel, the side covers of the guard may be omitted.
(c) Exception. The spindle end, nut, and outer flange may be exposed on portable machines designed for, and used with, type 6, 11, 27, and 28 abrasive wheels, cutting off wheels, and tuck pointing wheels.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.243.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 9 |
| 2025 | 2 |
| 2026 | 4 |
Top states: CT (6), FL (5), NY (2), KY (1), PA (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| MILLS & NEBRASKA, LLC | ORLANDO, FL | $4,634 |
| 66736 - DESIGN FABRICATORS AND INTEGRATORS LLC | LOUISVILLE, KY | $3,920 |
| CORRECAMINOS FOOD TRUCKS AND TRAILERS LLC | ORLANDO, FL | $2,838 |
| NAV-TECH INC | HAUPPAUGE, NY | $2,580 |
| J&M WELDING, LLC | TULSA, OK | $2,532 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.243(c)(1)(ii), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.243(c)(1)(ii).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.243(c) Portable abrasive wheels 371 citations
- 1910.243(c)(3) Vertical portable grinders 168 citations
- 1910.243(c)(1) General requirements 163 citations
- 1910.243(c)(4) Other portable grinders 33 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 must the guard cover?
The spindle end, nut and flange projections.
Can the spindle end be exposed on a grinder?
Yes, on portable machines designed for and used with type 6, 11, 27 and 28 abrasive wheels, cutting off wheels and tuck pointing wheels, or where the work gives suitable protection.
How strong must the guard fastenings be?
The strength of the fastenings must exceed the strength of the guard.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.243 (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.