1926.303(b)(1): Grinder Guards Meeting ANSI B7.1
Employers must equip grinding machines with safety guards that conform to American National Standards Institute B7.1-1970, Safety Code for the Use, Care and Protection of Abrasive Wheels, and paragraph (d) of this section.
Key takeaways
- 1926.303(b)(1) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart I).
- OSHA cited it 83 times in the last 3 years, in 83 inspections, with $228,678 in current penalties.
- Most citations: GU (10), TN (7), VA (7).
- Related part: 1926.303(b) Guarding (84 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.303(b)(1) is one requirement inside 1926.303 Abrasive wheels and tools, 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) Grinding machines shall be equipped with safety guards in conformance with the requirements of American National Standards Institute, B7.1-1970, Safety Code for the Use, Care and Protection of Abrasive Wheels, and paragraph (d) of this section. 83 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.303.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 5 |
| 2024 | 30 |
| 2025 | 28 |
| 2026 | 20 |
Top states: GU (10), TN (7), VA (7), TX (6), NY (5)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| PARAMOUNT BUILDERS, LIMITED | PAGO PAGO, AS | $20,427 |
| H&M GENERAL CONSTRUCTION LLC | LITTLE FALLS, NJ | $16,552 |
| TRITON CONSTRUCTION, INC. | CLENDENIN, WV | $11,000 |
| A.G. CONTRACTORS CORP. | SUNNY ISLES BEACH, FL | $7,236 |
| HONG YE RENTAL & CONSTRUCTION, LTD. | SAIPAN, MP | $6,775 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.303(b)(1), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.303(b)(1).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.303(b) Guarding 84 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
What standard must grinder guards meet?
ANSI B7.1-1970, Safety Code for the Use, Care and Protection of Abrasive Wheels, and paragraph (d) of 1926.303.
Which machines does this cover?
Grinding machines used in construction.
Is a guard optional?
No. Grinding machines shall be equipped with safety guards.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.303 (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.