1926.300(b)(1): Use Guards on Power Tools
When power operated tools are designed to accommodate guards, they must be equipped with those guards when in use.
Key takeaways
- 1926.300(b)(1) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart I).
- OSHA cited it 159 times in the last 3 years, in 159 inspections, with $439,206 in current penalties.
- Most citations: NY (31), TX (25), IL (17).
- Related part: 1926.300(b) Guarding (310 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.300(b)(1) is one requirement inside 1926.300 General requirements, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart I). 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) When power operated tools are designed to accommodate guards, they shall be equipped with such guards when in use. 159 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.300.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 9 |
| 2024 | 67 |
| 2025 | 58 |
| 2026 | 25 |
Top states: NY (31), TX (25), IL (17), NC (11), VA (11)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| ALQUIST 3D, LLC | GREELEY, CO | $41,379 |
| URUS CONSTRUCTION CORPORATION | PHILADELPHIA, PA | $11,585 |
| PLATINUM CONSTRUCTION GROUP LLC | NEW ORLEANS, LA | $11,292 |
| DIRT DYNAMICS, LLC | FARGO, ND | $7,606 |
| ADENA MASONRY LLC | MEDINA, OH | $6,775 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.300(b)(1), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Whether the motor on a portable concrete mixer has to be covered; 1926.300(b)(1). (2006-05-17)
- Guarding requirements for a rotary pneumatic angle-drive hand-held tool. (2001-12-11)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.300(b) Guarding 310 citations
- 1926.300(b)(2) 92 citations
- 1926.300(b)(4) Point of operation guarding 42 citations
- 1926.300(b)(4)(ii) 35 citations
- 1926.300(b)(3) Types of guarding 12 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 must a power tool have a guard?
When it is designed to accommodate guards, it must be equipped with them when in use.
Does this apply in construction?
Yes. This rule is part of the construction tool standard 1926.300.
Can I remove a guard to make a cut easier?
No. Tools designed for guards must be equipped with them when in use.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.300 (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 2026-10-19
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.