1910.219(b)(1): Guarding Flywheels
Flywheels with any part 7 feet or less above the floor or platform must be guarded with a metal or woven wire enclosure, or guardrails 15 to 20 inches from the rim, plus a toeboard if the flywheel extends into a pit or is within 12 inches of the floor. Flywheels through a working floor must be fully enclosed or railed, and guards over work areas must hold the flywheel's weight if it fails.
Key takeaways
- 1910.219(b)(1) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart O).
- OSHA cited it 51 times in the last 3 years, in 51 inspections, with $161,549 in current penalties.
- Most citations: IL (7), CT (6), PA (5).
- Related part: 1910.219(b) Prime-mover guards (55 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.219(b)(1) ("Flywheels") is one requirement inside 1910.219 Mechanical power-transmission apparatus, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart O). It includes 6 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) Flywheels. Flywheels located so that any part is seven (7) feet or less above floor or platform shall be guarded in accordance with the requirements of this subparagraph: 51 citations
(i) With an enclosure of sheet, perforated, or expanded metal, or woven wire; Open (b)(1)(i) 3 citations
(ii) With guard rails placed not less than fifteen (15) inches nor more than twenty (20) inches from rim. When flywheel extends into pit or is within 12 inches of floor, a standard toeboard shall also be provided;
(iii) When the upper rim of flywheel protrudes through a working floor, it shall be entirely enclosed or surrounded by a guardrail and toeboard.
(iv) For flywheels with smooth rims five (5) feet or less in diameter, where the preceding methods cannot be applied, the following may be used: A disk attached to the flywheel in such manner as to cover the spokes of the wheel on the exposed side and present a smooth surface and edge, at the same time providing means for periodic inspection. An open space, not exceeding four (4) inches in width, may be left between the outside edge of the disk and the rim of the wheel if desired, to facilitate turning the wheel over. Where a disk is used, the keys or other dangerous projections not covered by disk shall be cut off or covered. This subdivision does not apply to flywheels with solid web centers.
(v) Adjustable guard to be used for starting engine or for running adjustment may be provided at the flywheel of gas or oil engines. A slot opening for jack bar will be permitted.
(vi) Wherever flywheels are above working areas, guards shall be installed having sufficient strength to hold the weight of the flywheel in the event of a shaft or wheel mounting failure.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.219.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 4 |
| 2024 | 18 |
| 2025 | 18 |
| 2026 | 11 |
Top states: IL (7), CT (6), PA (5), OH (4), WI (4)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| THE GOODYEAR TIRE & RUBBER COMPANY | DANVILLE, VA | $13,415 |
| 156605 - PINE HALL BRICK CO., INC. (PLANT # 4) | MADISON, NC | $12,500 |
| ARTCO-BELL CORPORATION | TEMPLE, TX | $10,372 |
| WALKER MIDWEST LLC | ITASCA, IL | $10,000 |
| MAVIS TIRE SUPPLY LLC | SCHENECTADY, NY | $9,930 |
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A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.219(b)(1), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Guarding of flywheels on power presses. (1983-06-08)
- Clarification on the required strength of press flywheel guards (1975-12-18)
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.219(b) Prime-mover guards 55 citations
- 1910.219(b)(2) Cranks and connecting rods 3 citations
- 1910.219(b)(1)(i) 3 citations
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Frequently asked questions
When does a flywheel need a guard?
When any part is seven feet or less above floor or platform.
When is a toeboard needed?
When the flywheel extends into a pit or is within 12 inches of the floor.
Can a disk be used as a guard?
For smooth-rim flywheels five feet or less in diameter where other methods cannot be applied, a disk covering the spokes may be used.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.219 (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 2026-10-21
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.