1910.217(c)(3)(iii): Presence Sensing Devices on Power Presses
Employers using a presence sensing point of operation device must interlock it into the control circuit to prevent or stop slide motion if any body part is in the sensing field during the downstroke. It may not be used on full revolution clutch machines, must signal failures and block the next stroke until fixed, must be set at the required safety distance (Ds = 63 inches/second x stopping time), and guards must cover all other areas of entry.
Key takeaways
- 1910.217(c)(3)(iii) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart O).
- OSHA cited it 10 times in the last 3 years, in 10 inspections, with $31,680 in current penalties.
- Most citations: CT (3), WI (2), TX (1).
- 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)(3)(iii) is one requirement inside 1910.217 Mechanical power presses, 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
(iii) A presence sensing point of operation device shall protect the operator as provided in paragraph (c)(3)(i)(a) of this section, and shall be interlocked into the control circuit to prevent or stop slide motion if the operator's hand or other part of his body is within the sensing field of the device during the downstroke of the press slide. 10 citations
(a) The device may not be used on machines using full revolution clutches.
(b) The device may not be used as a tripping means to initiate slide motion, except when used in total conformance with paragraph (h) of this section.
(c) The device shall be constructed so that a failure within the system does not prevent the normal stopping action from being applied to the press when required, but does prevent the initiation of a successive stroke until the failure is corrected. The failure shall be indicated by the system.
(d) Muting (bypassing of the protective function) of such device, during the upstroke of the press slide, is permitted for the purpose of parts ejection, circuit checking, and feeding.
(e) The safety distance (Ds) from the sensing field to the point of operation shall be greater than the distance determined by the following formula:
Ds = 63 inches/second × Ts
where:
Ds = minimum safety distance (inches); 63 inches/second = hand speed constant;
and
Ts = stopping time of the press measured at approximately 90° position of crankshaft rotation (seconds).
(f) Guards shall be used to protect all areas of entry to the point of operation not protected by the presence sensing device.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.217.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 5 |
| 2025 | 2 |
| 2026 | 3 |
Top states: CT (3), WI (2), TX (1), KY (1), MN (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| TEMPEL HOLDINGS, LLC DBA TEMPEL STEEL COMPANY | CHICAGO, IL | $9,000 |
| LEE SPRING COMPANY LLC | BRISTOL, CT | $7,235 |
| ALL METAL STAMPING INC. | ABBOTSFORD, WI | $4,937 |
| SEYMOUR-SHERIDAN, INC. | MONROE, CT | $3,227 |
| GLOBAL MANUFACTURING LLC | PONCE, PR | $3,185 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.217(c)(3)(iii), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.217(c) Safeguarding the point of operation 182 citations
- 1910.217(c)(1) General requirements 88 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
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Frequently asked questions
Can a presence sensing device be used on a full revolution clutch press?
No. The rule says the device may not be used on machines using full revolution clutches.
How is the safety distance figured?
The distance from the sensing field to the point of operation must be greater than Ds = 63 inches/second x Ts, where Ts is the press stopping time measured at about the 90 degree position of crankshaft rotation.
When can the device be muted?
Muting is permitted only during the upstroke of the press slide, for parts ejection, circuit checking and feeding.
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.