1910.176(a): Clear Aisles for Mechanical Equipment
Where mechanical handling equipment is used, employers must allow enough safe clearance for aisles, loading docks, doorways and turns. Aisles and passageways must be kept clear and in good repair with no hazardous obstructions, and permanent aisles and passageways must be appropriately marked.
Key takeaways
- 1910.176(a) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart N).
- OSHA cited it 190 times in the last 3 years, in 190 inspections, with $1,049,249 in current penalties.
- 6 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: PR (22), NJ (16), TX (15).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.176(a) ("Use of mechanical equipment") is one requirement inside 1910.176 Handling materials—general, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart N). 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
(a) Use of mechanical equipment. Where mechanical handling equipment is used, sufficient safe clearances shall be allowed for aisles, at loading docks, through doorways and wherever turns or passage must be made. Aisles and passageways shall be kept clear and in good repair, with no obstruction across or in aisles that could create a hazard. Permanent aisles and passageways shall be appropriately marked. 190 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.176.
Injuries linked to this rule
6 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.176(a).
At 12:00 a.m. on January 31, 2025, an employee was walking from his tractor, when he was struck by a switcher vehicle being operated by another employee. He was transported to the hospital and admitted for treatment for a broken leg and other unknown injuries.…
Full case list with employer, penalty, filters and download is part of OSHA Data (Purple Belt).
Unlock with Purple BeltWhere and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 13 |
| 2024 | 60 |
| 2025 | 81 |
| 2026 | 36 |
Top states: PR (22), NJ (16), TX (15), FL (15), OH (15)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| PCI INDUSTRIES, LLC | FORT WORTH, TX | $16,550 |
| IDX DAYTON, LLC | DAYTON, OH | $16,550 |
| HAIER US APPLIANCE SOLUTIONS, INC. | DECATUR, AL | $16,550 |
| SYSCO CORPORATION | PHILADELPHIA, PA | $16,550 |
| 159805 - LASSONDE PAPPAS AND COMPANY, INC. | HENDERSONVILLE, NC | $16,550 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.176(a), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.176(a).
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
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Frequently asked questions
Do permanent aisles need to be marked?
Yes. Permanent aisles and passageways shall be appropriately marked.
Can materials be left in an aisle?
No obstruction across or in aisles that could create a hazard is allowed.
Where is safe clearance required?
For aisles, at loading docks, through doorways and wherever turns or passage must be made.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.176 (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.