For machine operators and maintenance staff: the 7-foot rule for guarding mechanical power-transmission apparatus, flywheels, shafting, pulleys, belts, gears, sprockets and chains, projecting keys and setscrews, guard materials, and the 60-day inspection.
Based on OSHA 29 CFR 1910.219 · about 4 min read
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The key number is 7 feet from the floor or working platform.
Flywheels with any part 7 feet or less above the floor or platform are guarded.
Exposed horizontal shafting 7 feet or less from the floor or working platform is protected by a stationary casing or trough (except runways used exclusively for oiling or running adjustments). Vertical and inclined shafting 7 feet or less from the floor or working platform (except maintenance runways) is enclosed with a stationary casing.
Projecting shaft ends are smooth and stick out no more than half the shaft diameter unless covered by nonrotating caps or sleeves. Unused keyways are filled or covered.
Pulleys with any part 7 feet or less from the floor or working platform are guarded; pulleys serving as balance wheels (for example, on punch presses) whose belt contact point is more than 6 feet 6 inches from the floor or platform may be guarded with a disk covering the spokes. Pulleys with cracks or broken rims are not used.
The section does not cover some small belts running at 250 feet per minute or less, such as flat belts 1 inch or less wide and flat belts 2 inches or less wide that are free from metal lacings or fasteners (the rule also lists small round belts and single strand V-belts).
Horizontal belts with both runs 7 feet or less from the floor have a guard extending at least 15 inches above the belt or to a standard height; if both runs are 42 inches or less from the floor, the belt is fully enclosed. Horizontal overhead belts more than 7 feet above the floor or platform are guarded for their entire length under the conditions the rule lists, for example when the belt is 8 inches or more in width.
Vertical and inclined belts are enclosed by a guard.
Gears are guarded by a complete enclosure; by a standard guard at least 7 feet high extending 6 inches above the mesh point of the gears; or by a band guard covering the face of the gear, with a disk guard or a complete enclosure to a height of 6 feet where any part of the gear train is less than 6 feet from the floor. Hand-operated gears used only to adjust machine parts, which do not keep moving after hand power is removed, are not covered, though guarding them is highly recommended.
Sprockets and chains are enclosed unless more than 7 feet above the floor or platform. Where the drive extends over other machine or working areas, protection against falling is provided. This does not apply to manually operated sprockets.
Projecting keys, setscrews and other projections in revolving parts are removed, made flush or guarded by a metal cover. This does not apply to keys or setscrews within gear or sprocket casings or other enclosures, nor to keys, setscrews or oilcups in hubs of pulleys less than 20 inches in diameter where they are within the plane of the rim of the pulley.
Clutches and couplings with projecting parts within 7 feet are enclosed by a stationary guard.
Standard guards are made of expanded metal, perforated or solid sheet metal, wire mesh on an angle iron frame, or iron pipe, securely fastened; all metal should be free from burrs and sharp edges. Wood guards may be used in the woodworking and chemical industries, where fumes or manufacturing conditions would cause rapid deterioration of metal guards, and in construction work and outdoor locations where extreme cold or extreme heat make metal guards and railings undesirable; in all other industries they shall not be used.
Where guardrails are used, they are 42 inches high with a midrail, and toeboards are at least 4 inches high.
All power-transmission equipment is inspected at intervals not exceeding 60 days and kept in good working condition. Belts, lacings and fasteners are inspected and kept in good repair; shafting, bearings and pulleys are kept aligned.
Oilers wear tight-fitting clothing, and machinery is oiled when not in motion wherever possible. Where frequent oiling is needed, openings have self-closing covers.
Fact-checked against the regulation text on October 09, 2026. This certificate records completion of awareness training based on OSHA 29 CFR 1910.219. It is not an OSHA card or license. Section 1910.219 sets guarding, inspection and care requirements for mechanical power-transmission apparatus and does not contain a training requirement, and this course covers only parts of it. Your employer must still meet that section's requirements, including inspecting all power-transmission equipment at intervals not exceeding 60 days and keeping it in good working condition at all times. This course does not cover lockout/tagout; follow your employer's procedures and instructions for servicing the equipment at your workplace.
This guide explains the rule in plain words. Always read the regulation itself and your employer's site-specific procedures.