1926.303(c)(3): Guards for Portable Grinding Wheels
Cup type wheels used for external grinding must be protected by a revolving cup guard or band type guard per ANSI B7.1-1970, and all other portable abrasive wheels for external grinding need safety guards meeting paragraph (c)(5). Exceptions apply when the work location makes guarding impossible, where safety flanges must be used, and for wheels 2 inches or less in diameter securely mounted on a steel mandrel.
Key takeaways
- 1926.303(c)(3) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart I).
- OSHA cited it 16 times in the last 3 years, in 16 inspections, with $15,459 in current penalties.
- Most citations: IN (6), VA (2), MN (1).
- Related part: 1926.303(c) Use of abrasive wheels (20 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.303(c)(3) is one requirement inside 1926.303 Abrasive wheels and tools, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart I). 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
(3) Cup type wheels used for external grinding shall be protected by either a revolving cup guard or a band type guard in accordance with the provisions of the American National Standards Institute, B7.1-1970 Safety Code for the Use, Care, and Protection of Abrasive Wheels. All other portable abrasive wheels used for external grinding, shall be provided with safety guards (protection hoods) meeting the requirements of paragraph (c)(5) of this section, except as follows: 16 citations
(i) When the work location makes it impossible, a wheel equipped with safety flanges, as described in paragraph (c)(6) of this section, shall be used;
(ii) When wheels 2 inches or less in diameter which are securely mounted on the end of a steel mandrel are used.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.303.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 7 |
| 2025 | 7 |
| 2026 | 1 |
Top states: IN (6), VA (2), MN (1), IA (1), AZ (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| RFX2024XEG419X0029 - 3D EPOXY REZ, LLC | PHOENIX, AZ | $3,349 |
| HALEAKALA INVESTMENT CO LTD | HONOLULU, HI | $2,879 |
| MILO MILLER | TITUSVILLE, PA | $2,412 |
| PATRIOT'S CHOICE LLC | RED OAK, IA | $1,116 |
| 106928 - SURETY WATERPROOFING LLC | ZUMBROTA, MN | $875 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.303(c)(3), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.303(c)(3).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.303(c) Use of abrasive wheels 20 citations
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Frequently asked questions
What guard does a cup wheel need?
A revolving cup guard or a band type guard in accordance with ANSI B7.1-1970.
Can a portable grinder be used without a guard?
Only under the listed exceptions, such as wheels 2 inches or less in diameter securely mounted on the end of a steel mandrel.
What if the work location makes a guard impossible?
A wheel equipped with safety flanges, as described in paragraph (c)(6), must be used.
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.