1910.213(l): Boring and Mortising Machines
Employers must use safety-bit chucks with no projecting set screws, enclose the top of the cutting chain and driving mechanism, secure any counterweight so it cannot drop, fully enclose universal joints on boring machine spindles, and cover each operating treadle with an inverted U-shaped metal guard. Boring bits should have a guard enclosing the bit and chuck above the material.
Key takeaways
- 1910.213(l) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart O).
- OSHA cited it 18 times in the last 3 years, in 18 inspections, with $62,084 in current penalties.
- Most citations: NC (6), KY (2), CA (1).
- Related part: 1910.213(l)(2) (18 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.213(l) ("Boring and mortising machines") is one requirement inside 1910.213 Woodworking machinery requirements, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart O). It includes 10 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
(l) Boring and mortising machines. 18 citations
(1) Safety-bit chucks with no projecting set screws shall be used.
(2) Boring bits should be provided with a guard that will enclose all portions of the bit and chuck above the material being worked. Open (l)(2) 18 citations
(3) The top of the cutting chain and driving mechanism shall be enclosed.
(4) If there is a counterweight, one of the following or equivalent means shall be used to prevent its dropping:
(i) It shall be bolted to the bar by means of a bolt passing through both bar and counterweight;
(ii) A bolt shall be put through the extreme end of the bar;
(iii) Where the counterweight does not encircle the bar, a safety chain shall be attached to it;
(iv) Other types of counterweights shall be suspended by chain or wire rope and shall travel in a pipe or other suitable enclosure wherever they might fall and cause injury.
(5) Universal joints on spindles of boring machines shall be completely enclosed in such a way as to prevent accidental contact by the operator.
(6) Each operating treadle shall be covered by an inverted U-shaped metal guard, fastened to the floor, and of adequate size to prevent accidental tripping.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.213.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 8 |
| 2025 | 7 |
| 2026 | 2 |
Top states: NC (6), KY (2), CA (1), OR (1), FL (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| 156108 - CARRIS REELS INC | STATESVILLE, NC | $10,600 |
| 66925 - COX INTERIOR INC | FINLEY, KY | $7,000 |
| KAMPS, INC. | VERSAILLES, OH | $6,500 |
| 155121 - THE CHARLES STEWART CO. | HICKORY, NC | $6,250 |
| CRC MASTERCRAFT, INC. | HOUSTON, TX | $4,966 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.213(l), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.213(l).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.213(l)(2) 18 citations
Get your crew competent
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Frequently asked questions
What chucks are required?
Safety-bit chucks with no projecting set screws.
How must counterweights be secured?
By a bolt through bar and counterweight, a bolt through the end of the bar, a safety chain, or suspension by chain or wire rope in a pipe or enclosure, or equivalent means.
How must treadles be guarded?
Each operating treadle must be covered by an inverted U-shaped metal guard fastened to the floor and large enough to prevent accidental tripping.
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 2026-10-23
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.