29 CFR 1910.212: OSHA Machine Guarding

Regulatory citation: 29 CFR 1910.212, General Requirements for All Machines

What Is OSHA's Machine Guarding Standard?

29 CFR 1910.212 sets general requirements for safeguarding machines in general industry. It requires one or more methods of machine guarding to protect operators and other employees from hazards such as those created by the point of operation, ingoing nip points, rotating parts, flying chips and sparks.

Why Machine Guarding Matters

Unguarded machinery can cause amputations, crushing injuries and lacerations in an instant. Machine guarding is regularly among OSHA's most frequently cited standards, and amputations must be reported to OSHA within 24 hours.

Core Requirements

1. Guard Machine Hazards

One or more methods of machine guarding must be provided to protect people from hazards created by the point of operation, ingoing nip points, rotating parts, flying chips and sparks.

2. Point-of-Operation Guarding

The point of operation, where work is actually performed on the material, must be guarded so that the operator's body cannot be in the danger zone during the operating cycle.

3. Secure and Safe Guards

Guards must be affixed to the machine where possible, or secured elsewhere if attachment isn't possible, and must not create an accident hazard themselves.

4. Anchor Fixed Machinery

Machines designed for a fixed location must be securely anchored to prevent walking or moving.

5. Follow Specific Standards

Many machine types, such as mechanical power presses, woodworking machines and power transmission equipment, have additional specific guarding standards elsewhere in Part 1910.

Common Compliance Approaches

Machine Guarding Audits

Walk every machine and check for missing, bypassed or damaged guards, especially after maintenance.

Prefer Fixed and Interlocked Guards

Fixed guards and interlocked guards are more reliable than relying on operator behavior.

Pair Guarding With Lockout/Tagout

Guards protect during normal operation; lockout/tagout protects during servicing and maintenance.

Example: Machine Guarding in Practice

A packaging plant finds that operators on a case sealer frequently reach past a missing guard to clear jams. The plant installs an interlocked guard that stops the machine when opened, trains operators on the jam-clearing procedure, and adds guard checks to its weekly inspection. Minor jams are cleared with the machine stopped, and major servicing follows the lockout/tagout procedure.

Related regulations: OSHA Lockout/Tagout, OSHA Forklift Standard, UK PUWER 1998.

Note: This summary reflects federal OSHA requirements. States with OSHA-approved State Plans may have additional or different requirements. Always check the current regulation text and any state rules that apply to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does OSHA require machine guarding?

OSHA requires machine guarding whenever a machine part, function or process could cause injury, including the point of operation, ingoing nip points, rotating parts, and flying chips or sparks. The guarding must prevent any part of the operator's body from entering the danger zone during operation.

What are the main types of machine safeguards?

Common safeguards include fixed guards, interlocked guards, adjustable guards, self-adjusting guards, and devices such as light curtains, two-hand controls, pullbacks and presence-sensing mats. The right choice depends on the machine and task.

Is machine guarding the same as lockout/tagout?

No. Machine guarding protects workers during normal production operations. Lockout/tagout protects workers during servicing and maintenance, when guards may be removed and unexpected startup could cause injury.