1926.303(b): Grinding Machine Guards
Employers must equip grinding machines with safety guards that meet ANSI B7.1-1970 and paragraph (d). The guard must cover the spindle end, nut and flange projections, stay aligned with the wheel, and have fastenings stronger than the guard, with limited exceptions where the work protects the operator or for portable saws.
Key takeaways
- 1926.303(b) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart I).
- OSHA cited it 84 times in the last 3 years, in 84 inspections, with $230,378 in current penalties.
- Most citations: GU (10), TN (7), VA (7).
- Related part: 1926.303(b)(1) (83 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.303(b) ("Guarding") is one requirement inside 1926.303 Abrasive wheels and tools, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart I). It includes 4 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
(b) Guarding. 84 citations
(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. Open (b)(1) 83 citations
(2) Guard design. The safety guard shall cover the spindle end, nut, and flange projections. The safety guard shall be mounted so as to maintain proper alignment with the wheel, and the strength of the fastenings shall exceed the strength of the guard, except: 1 citations
(i) Safety guards on all operations where the work provides a suitable measure of protection to the operator, may be so constructed that the spindle end, nut, and outer flange are exposed; and where the nature of the work is such as to entirely cover the side of the wheel, the side covers of the guard may be omitted; and
(ii) The spindle end, nut, and outer flange may be exposed on machines designed as portable saws.
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 | 21 |
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), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.303(b).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.303(b)(1) 83 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 must a grinder safety guard cover?
The spindle end, nut, and flange projections.
How strong must the guard fastenings be?
The strength of the fastenings must exceed the strength of the guard.
When can the spindle end, nut and outer flange be exposed?
Where the work provides a suitable measure of protection to the operator, and on machines designed as portable saws.
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.