1910.213(b)(6): Guarding Woodworking Machine Treadles
Each operating treadle on woodworking machinery must be protected against unexpected or accidental tripping.
Key takeaways
- 1910.213(b)(6) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart O).
- OSHA cited it 6 times in the last 3 years, in 6 inspections, with $26,034 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Related part: 1910.213(b) Machine controls and equipment (36 citations).
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In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.213(b)(6) is one requirement inside 1910.213 Woodworking machinery requirements, 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
(6) Each operating treadle shall be protected against unexpected or accidental tripping. 6 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.213.
Export the list: 6 inspections cited 1910.213(b)(6) in the last 3 years, with employer, location, penalty and date.
Purple Belt, $59/moInjuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.213(b)(6).
On April 9, 2024, an employee was cleaning under a machine that slices veneer. The employee's elbow or torso pressed a pedal which actuated the machine, and hewas pinned between the machine and the floor. The employee was initially hospitalized after the incident on April…
Where and how often it was cited
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OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.213(b)(6).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.213(b) Machine controls and equipment 36 citations
- 1910.213(b)(3) 22 citations
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Frequently asked questions
What must be done with operating treadles?
Each must be protected against unexpected or accidental tripping.
Why guard a treadle?
So the machine is not started by accident.
Does this apply to every treadle?
Yes, each operating treadle.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.213 (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 2026-11-06
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.