1910.219(e)(1)(i): Guards for Low Horizontal Belts
Where both runs of a horizontal belt are 7 feet or less from the floor, the guard must reach at least 15 inches above the belt or to a standard height. Where both runs are 42 inches or less from the floor, the belt must be fully enclosed.
Key takeaways
- 1910.219(e)(1)(i) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart O).
- OSHA cited it 195 times in the last 3 years, in 195 inspections, with $306,430 in current penalties.
- 2 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: IA (19), MD (14), NC (13).
- Related part: 1910.219(e) Belt, rope, and chain drives (412 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.219(e)(1)(i) is one requirement inside 1910.219 Mechanical power-transmission apparatus, 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
(i) Where both runs of horizontal belts are seven (7) feet or less from the floor level, the guard shall extend to at least fifteen (15) inches above the belt or to a standard height except that where both runs of a horizontal belt are 42 inches or less from the floor, the belt shall be fully enclosed in accordance with paragraphs (m) and (o) of this section. 195 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.219.
Injuries linked to this rule
2 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.219(e)(1)(i).
At 2:30 p.m. on November 12, 2024, Employee #1, employed by a recycling company,was attempting to clear debris below a conveyor belt when the machine unexpectedly activated, causing the employee to be crushed. The employee suffered blunt trauma from the crushing incident and was later…
Full case list with employer, penalty, filters and download is part of OSHA Data (Purple Belt).
Unlock with Purple BeltWhere and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 10 |
| 2024 | 79 |
| 2025 | 72 |
| 2026 | 34 |
Top states: IA (19), MD (14), NC (13), KY (13), TN (12)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| 68657 - DURO HILEX POLY LLC | FLORENCE, KY | $28,000 |
| MENASHA PACKAGING COMPANY, LLC PHILADELPHIA DISPLAY GROUP | PHILADELPHIA, PA | $16,131 |
| 68226 - WESTERN PACIFIC STORAGE SOLUTIONS INC | PARIS, KY | $14,000 |
| SMX, LLC | SAINT PETERSBURG, FL | $11,585 |
| YOST DRILLING LLC | ENCINO, TX | $11,585 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.219(e)(1)(i), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Guards for Belt and Shaft Drives on Blow Motors (2023-05-08)
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.219(e) Belt, rope, and chain drives 412 citations
- 1910.219(e)(1) Horizontal belts and ropes 201 citations
- 1910.219(e)(3) Vertical and inclined belts 193 citations
- 1910.219(e)(3)(i) 178 citations
- 1910.219(e)(2) Overhead horizontal belts 13 citations
- 1910.219(e)(2)(i) 12 citations
- 1910.219(e)(4) Vertical belts 3 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
When does a horizontal belt need a guard under this rule?
When both runs of the belt are seven feet or less from the floor level.
How high must the guard extend?
To at least fifteen inches above the belt or to a standard height.
When must the belt be fully enclosed?
When both runs of a horizontal belt are 42 inches or less from the floor.
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 2026-10-20
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.