1910.219(h): Guarding Keys, Setscrews and Projections
Employers must remove, make flush or cover with metal guards all projecting keys, setscrews and other projections on revolving parts. This does not apply to keys or setscrews inside gear or sprocket casings or other enclosures, or to keys, setscrews or oilcups in hubs of pulleys less than 20 inches in diameter that are within the plane of the pulley rim. The rule also recommends not using projecting setscrews or oilcups on revolving parts.
Key takeaways
- 1910.219(h) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart O).
- OSHA cited it 29 times in the last 3 years, in 29 inspections, with $67,973 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: SD (12), NC (6), IA (4).
- Related part: 1910.219(h)(1) (29 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.219(h) ("Keys, setscrews, and other projections") is one requirement inside 1910.219 Mechanical power-transmission apparatus, 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
(h) Keys, setscrews, and other projections. 29 citations
(1) All projecting keys, setscrews, and other projections in revolving parts shall be removed or made flush or guarded by metal cover. This subparagraph does not apply to keys or setscrews within gear or sprocket casings or other enclosures, nor to keys, setscrews, or oilcups in hubs of pulleys less than twenty (20) inches in diameter where they are within the plane of the rim of the pulley. Open (h)(1) 29 citations
(2) It is recommended, however, that no projecting setscrews or oilcups be used in any revolving pulley or part of machinery.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.219.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.219(h).
At 9:45 a.m. on March 28, 2024, Employee #1 was moving grain and needed to open the gate on the C-1 bin conveyor, but the gate would not open, so Employee #1 began to troubleshoot the gate. When Employee #1 could not effectively troubleshoot the…
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 16 |
| 2025 | 9 |
| 2026 | 4 |
Top states: SD (12), NC (6), IA (4), AZ (3), OH (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| CASE FARMS PROCESSING, INC. | WINESBURG, OH | $16,550 |
| AGTEGRA COOPERATIVE | ROSCOE, SD | $8,000 |
| INNOVIVE, LLC | NORTH SIOUX CITY, SD | $7,269 |
| SMITHFIELD PACKAGED MEATS CORPORATION | SIOUX FALLS, SD | $6,150 |
| FERMENTATIONEXPERTS USA, LLC | SIOUX FALLS, SD | $6,000 |
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A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.219(h), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.219(h).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.219(h)(1) 29 citations
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Frequently asked questions
What must be done with projecting setscrews on revolving parts?
They must be removed, made flush or guarded by a metal cover.
Are there exceptions?
Yes, for keys or setscrews inside gear or sprocket casings or other enclosures, and for those in hubs of pulleys less than 20 inches in diameter that are within the plane of the rim.
Are projecting setscrews recommended at all?
No. The rule recommends that no projecting setscrews or oilcups be used in any revolving pulley or machine part.
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 2026-10-23
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.