1910.217(c)(1): Point of Operation Guards on Mechanical Power Presses
Employers must provide and make sure workers use point of operation guards or properly applied and adjusted point of operation devices on every operation performed on a mechanical power press. This does not apply when the point of operation opening is one-fourth inch or less.
Key takeaways
- 1910.217(c)(1) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart O).
- OSHA cited it 88 times in the last 3 years, in 84 inspections, with $478,329 in current penalties.
- Most citations: OH (17), PA (11), IL (8).
- Related part: 1910.217(c) Safeguarding the point of operation (182 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.217(c)(1) ("General requirements") is one requirement inside 1910.217 Mechanical power presses, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart O). It includes 2 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) General requirements. 88 citations
(i) It shall be the responsibility of the employer to provide and insure the usage of “point of operation guards” or properly applied and adjusted point of operation devices on every operation performed on a mechanical power press. See Table O-10. Open (c)(1)(i) 87 citations
(ii) The requirement of paragraph (c)(1)(i) of this section shall not apply when the point of operation opening is one-fourth inch or less. See Table O-10.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.217.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 5 |
| 2024 | 26 |
| 2025 | 39 |
| 2026 | 18 |
Top states: OH (17), PA (11), IL (8), MN (7), FL (5)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| G&S METAL PRODUCTS COMPANY, INC. | CLEVELAND, OH | $56,460 |
| 66353 - YS PRECISION STAMPING INC | GEORGETOWN, KY | $28,000 |
| AIRSTREAM, INC | JACKSON CENTER, OH | $16,000 |
| 110671 - RAHNS CUSTOM MANUFACTURING INC | MINNEAPOLIS, MN | $15,750 |
| MOHAWK INDUSTRIES, INC. | EL PASO, TX | $15,000 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.217(c)(1), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Regulations for machine shop and press room safety. (1984-09-11)
- Evaluation of hair pen point of operation guards (1980-03-05)
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.217(c) Safeguarding the point of operation 182 citations
- 1910.217(c)(1)(i) 87 citations
- 1910.217(c)(2) Point of operation guards 61 citations
- 1910.217(c)(2)(i) 60 citations
- 1910.217(c)(3) Point of operation devices 26 citations
- 1910.217(c)(3)(iii) 10 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 does an employer have to provide on a mechanical power press?
Point of operation guards or properly applied and adjusted point of operation devices on every operation.
Is there any exception?
Yes. The requirement does not apply when the point of operation opening is one-fourth inch or less.
Is it enough to just provide the guard?
No. The employer must also insure the guard or device is used.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.217 (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.