1910.219(f)(3): Enclosing Sprockets and Chains
Employers must enclose all sprocket wheels and chains unless they are more than 7 feet above the floor or platform. Where the drive runs over other machines or work areas, protection against falling parts must be provided, and this rule does not apply to manually operated sprockets.
Key takeaways
- 1910.219(f)(3) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart O).
- OSHA cited it 552 times in the last 3 years, in 552 inspections, with $2,636,099 in current penalties.
- 6 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: NC (37), PA (34), OH (33).
- Related part: 1910.219(f) Gears, sprockets, and chains (623 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.219(f)(3) ("Sprockets and chains") 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
(3) Sprockets and chains. All sprocket wheels and chains shall be enclosed unless they are more than seven (7) feet above the floor or platform. Where the drive extends over other machine or working areas, protection against falling shall be provided. This subparagraph does not apply to manually operated sprockets. 552 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.219.
Injuries linked to this rule
6 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.219(f)(3).
At 7:45 p.m. on September 27, 2024, Employee #1 was operating a dual-hopper log shaver when the employee made contact with the cutter heads of the machine. The employee was caught in the machine and sustained fatal injuries. The employee's body above the legs was…
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 | 35 |
| 2024 | 205 |
| 2025 | 193 |
| 2026 | 119 |
Top states: NC (37), PA (34), OH (33), IA (33), WI (32)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| AUTOMATED CONVEYOR SYSTEMS INC. | LYNCHBURG, VA | $126,980 |
| CPX2026XVM508X0078 - MADERA COMPONENT SYSTEMS, INC. | PHOENIX, AZ | $109,929 |
| 68143 - ACCU-TEC INC | LOUISVILLE, KY | $39,200 |
| KAMPS ROCKWOOD PRODUCTS OF DILLWYN VA, LLC | DILLWYN, VA | $32,575 |
| PCP GROUP, LLC | LARGO, FL | $29,790 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.219(f)(3), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.219(f)(3).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.219(f) Gears, sprockets, and chains 623 citations
- 1910.219(f)(1) Gears 70 citations
- 1910.219(f)(1)(i) 14 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 do sprockets and chains not need an enclosure?
When they are more than 7 feet above the floor or platform, or when they are manually operated sprockets.
What if the drive runs over a work area?
Protection against falling must be provided.
Do all sprocket wheels need guards?
All sprocket wheels and chains must be enclosed unless an exception applies.
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.