1910.215(a)(1): Abrasive Wheel Machine Guarding
Employers must use abrasive wheels only on machines with safety guards as defined in this section. Exceptions are wheels used for internal work while inside the work, mounted wheels 2 inches and smaller in diameter used in portable operations, and Types 16, 17, 18, 18R and 19 cones, plugs and threaded hole pot balls where the work offers protection.
Key takeaways
- 1910.215(a)(1) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart O).
- OSHA cited it 77 times in the last 3 years, in 77 inspections, with $112,400 in current penalties.
- Most citations: OR (16), IL (10), NY (6).
- Related part: 1910.215(a) General requirements (1,234 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.215(a)(1) ("Machine guarding") is one requirement inside 1910.215 Abrasive wheel machinery, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart O). It includes 3 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
(1) Machine guarding. Abrasive wheels shall be used only on machines provided with safety guards as defined in the following paragraphs of this section, except: 77 citations
(i) Wheels used for internal work while within the work being ground;
(ii) Mounted wheels, used in portable operations, 2 inches and smaller in diameter; and
(iii) Types 16, 17, 18, 18R, and 19 cones, plugs, and threaded hole pot balls where the work offers protection.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.215.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 5 |
| 2024 | 33 |
| 2025 | 29 |
| 2026 | 10 |
Top states: OR (16), IL (10), NY (6), TX (6), PA (6)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| MARDINLY ENTERPRISES | BROOMALL, PA | $11,585 |
| 157553 - PARTON LUMBER COMPANY, INC. | RUTHERFORDTON, NC | $7,340 |
| DAMON INDUSTRIES | SPARKS, NV | $5,793 |
| BLUE MOUNTAIN MACHINE, INCORPORATED | LEHIGHTON, PA | $5,000 |
| HILL COUNTRY STEEL, L.P. | CONVERSE, TX | $4,840 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.215(a)(1), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.215(a) General requirements 1,234 citations
- 1910.215(a)(4) Work rests 1,052 citations
- 1910.215(a)(2) Guard design 105 citations
- 1910.215(a)(2)(i) 1 citations
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Frequently asked questions
Can an abrasive wheel be used without a guard?
Only in the listed exceptions; otherwise it must be on a machine with a safety guard.
Are small mounted wheels exempt?
Mounted wheels used in portable operations, 2 inches and smaller in diameter, are exempt.
What other wheels are exempt?
Wheels used for internal work within the work being ground, and Types 16, 17, 18, 18R and 19 cones, plugs and threaded hole pot balls where the work offers protection.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.215 (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.