OSHA 1910.219 - Mechanical Power-Transmission Apparatus

What OSHA 1910.219 covers

29 CFR 1910.219 applies to mechanical power-transmission apparatus in general industry: prime movers, flywheels, shafting, pulleys, belts, ropes, chains, gears, sprockets, clutches and couplings. Its belt requirements cover all types and shapes of power-transmission belts except small, slow belts running at 250 feet per minute or less: flat belts 1 inch wide or less, flat belts 2 inches wide or less without metal lacings or fasteners, round belts 1/2 inch in diameter or less, and single-strand V-belts 13/32 inch wide or less (1910.219(a)(1)).

The 7-foot rule

Most of the section turns on height above the floor or working platform. Flywheels, shafting, pulleys, belts and rope drives located 7 feet or less above the floor or platform must be guarded, and horizontal belts with both runs within 7 feet of the floor must be guarded. Gears must be enclosed or guarded, and sprocket wheels and chains must be enclosed unless they are more than 7 feet above the floor or platform (1910.219(b)–(f)).

Guard construction

• Guards are typically made of expanded metal, perforated or solid sheet metal, wire mesh on an angle-iron frame, or iron pipe securely fastened to the floor or machine frame (1910.219(m)(1)).
• The size of openings in a guard is limited according to the guard’s distance from the moving part, using Table O-12 of the section.
• Guards should be rigid and securely fastened so they cannot be pushed into contact with moving parts.

Inspection and maintenance

All power-transmission equipment must be inspected at intervals not exceeding 60 days and kept in good working condition at all times (1910.219(p)(1)). Clutches, cutoffs and belt shifters must be kept in good repair, and bearings must be kept in alignment and properly adjusted.

Odiz offers belt and coupling guards and other machine guarding for exposed power-transmission components.