1910.255(b)(4): Guarding Press Welding Machines
Press welding operations where the operator's fingers could be under the point of operation must be effectively guarded by a device such as an electronic eye safety circuit, two hand controls or protection similar to punch press rules. All chains, gears, operating bus linkage and belts must have adequate guards under 1910.219.
Key takeaways
- 1910.255(b)(4) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart Q).
- OSHA cited it 19 times in the last 3 years, in 19 inspections, with $129,824 in current penalties.
- Most citations: OH (5), WI (3), TN (3).
- Related part: 1910.255(b) Spot and seam welding machines (nonportable) (25 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.255(b)(4) ("Guarding") is one requirement inside 1910.255 Resistance welding, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart Q). 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
(4) Guarding. All press welding machine operations, where there is a possibility of the operator's fingers being under the point of operation, shall be effectively guarded by the use of a device such as an electronic eye safety circuit, two hand controls or protection similar to that prescribed for punch press operation, § 1910.217 of this part. All chains, gears, operating bus linkage, and belts shall be protected by adequate guards, in accordance with § 1910.219 of this part. 19 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.255.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 8 |
| 2025 | 7 |
| 2026 | 4 |
Top states: OH (5), WI (3), TN (3), IL (2), CT (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| TOPRE AMERICA CORPORATION | SPRINGFIELD, OH | $16,550 |
| CLARK RELIANCE LLC | STRONGSVILLE, OH | $14,518 |
| EBM-PAPST INC. | FARMINGTON, CT | $13,240 |
| LIST INDUSTRIES, INC. | DEERFIELD BEACH, FL | $12,905 |
| DEFIANCE METAL PRODUCTS | DEFIANCE, OH | $11,823 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.255(b)(4), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.255(b)(4).
Related parts of this rule
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
How must press welders be guarded?
By a device such as an electronic eye safety circuit, two hand controls or protection similar to 1910.217 for punch presses.
When is guarding required?
Where there is a possibility of the operator's fingers being under the point of operation.
What about chains and belts?
All chains, gears, operating bus linkage and belts must be protected by adequate guards in accordance with 1910.219.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.255 (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.