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OSHA Guarding of Rotating Equipment and Machinery

Updated Apr 3, 2026
All rotating machinery must be guarded to prevent contact with moving parts

Rotating equipment including motors, shafts, chains, belts, and gears must be guarded to prevent workers from contacting moving parts. Guards must enclose the hazardous parts or prevent access to them. Belts and pulleys must have shields covering the areas where contact could occur. Chain drives and sprockets must be fully enclosed with solid covers. Shaft couplings must have guards preventing contact with rotating shafts. Electrical motors must have guards to prevent contact with rotating shafts. The guard design must prevent tools, hands, or clothing from being caught. Openings in guards must be small enough that tools cannot pass through. Guards must be securely attached and must not become loose during operation. Hinged guards may be used for maintenance access, but must have interlock switches that stop equipment when opened. Maintenance personnel working on rotating equipment must verify the equipment is locked out and cannot start. Failure of a lock can result in severe crushing injuries or dismemberment. Grease caps and seals must be kept in place and must not be removed during operation. Lubrication ports must be designed to allow access without removing guards. Proper maintenance including bearing lubrication and alignment extends equipment life and reduces hazards.

TAGS
oshamachinery-guardingrotating-equipmenthazard-prevention
DETAILS
applicability
All sites with rotating equipment
citation frequency
Common
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