OSHA standard 1910.219, 'Mechanical Power-Transmission Apparatus,' is a critical regulation designed to protect workers from the significant hazards associated with unguarded moving parts of machinery. This standard applies to various components that transmit power, including belts, pulleys, shafts, gears, sprockets, chains, and flywheels. The core requirement is to ensure these components are adequately guarded to prevent employees from coming into contact with them during operation.

Common violations of 1910.219 frequently involve missing or inadequate guards on power-transmission apparatus. This can include unguarded V-belts and pulleys, exposed flywheels, shafts without smooth, flush surfaces or projecting keys, and chains and sprockets that lack proper enclosure. Often, employers may overlook the need for guarding on older equipment or may remove guards for maintenance and fail to replace them. Another common issue is guards that are not securely fastened or are easily removable, thereby defeating their purpose.

The hazards associated with unguarded mechanical power-transmission apparatus are severe. Workers can suffer amputations, lacerations, crushing injuries, and even fatalities if their clothing, hair, or body parts become entangled in moving machinery. The average penalty for violations of 1910.219 is approximately $215, reflecting the high frequency of citations, though individual penalties can escalate significantly, with a maximum single penalty recorded at $133,932 for serious infractions.

To comply with 1910.219, employers must conduct thorough hazard assessments to identify all mechanical power-transmission components that require guarding. Guards must be securely mounted, durable, and designed to prevent access to the danger zone while allowing for routine maintenance and lubrication without removal, where possible. Specific requirements detail the construction and design of guards for different components, such as vertical and horizontal belts, flywheels, gears, and sprockets. Regular inspection and maintenance of guards are also essential to ensure they remain effective. Employers should also implement lockout/tagout procedures (per 1910.147) for servicing and maintenance of machinery to further enhance safety, as guarding alone may not provide complete protection during non-routine operations. Employee training on machine guarding hazards and safe work practices is also a crucial element of a comprehensive compliance program.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of equipment are covered by OSHA 1910.219?

OSHA 1910.219 covers a wide range of mechanical power-transmission apparatus, including belts (flat, V-belts), pulleys, shafts, gears, sprockets, chains, flywheels, and couplings. Essentially, any component that transmits power within a machine and presents a hazard to employees must be guarded.

What are the most common violations of 1910.219?

The most common violations involve missing or inadequate guards on belts and pulleys, exposed flywheels, unguarded shafts with projecting keys or set screws, and chains and sprockets without proper enclosures. Often, guards are removed for maintenance and not replaced, or they are not securely affixed.

How can employers ensure compliance with 1910.219?

Employers should conduct regular inspections to identify all unguarded power-transmission components. Install durable, securely mounted guards that prevent access to danger zones. Ensure guards meet specific design requirements outlined in the standard. Implement lockout/tagout procedures for maintenance, and provide comprehensive training to employees on machine guarding hazards and safe operational practices.

#	Facility	Location	Total Penalties	Citations
1	MIRACAPO PIZZA COMPANY LLC DBA LITTLE LADY FOODS	GURNEE, IL	$3,102,849.00	32
2	MAINE CONTRACT FARMING, LLC	TURNER, ME	$2,361,614.98	178
3	AK STEEL CORPORATION	MIDDLETOWN, OH	$2,325,900.00	149
4	DEBRUCE GRAIN ELEVATOR	WICHITA, KS	$2,032,000.00	53
5	LOCKHEED AERONAUTICAL SYSTEMS CO.	BURBANK, CA	$1,500,420.00	490
6	ASHLEY FURNITURE INDUSTRIES, INC.	ARCADIA, WI	$1,440,745.00	160
7	FLORENCE HARDWOODS, LLC	FLORENCE, WI	$1,351,658.00	48
8	THE GOODYEAR TIRE AND RUBBER COMPANY	DANVILLE, VA	$987,600.00	20
9	CAGLE'S, INC.	MACON, GA	$802,560.00	156
10	A. E. STALEY MANUFACTURING CO.	DECATUR, IL	$720,200.00	369
11	FOUNDATION FOOD GROUP, INC.	GAINESVILLE, GA	$690,510.60	52
12	CASE FARMS PROCESSING, INC.	WINESBURG, OH	$683,858.30	122
13	NOX US, LLC	FOSTORIA, OH	$663,906.00	30
14	ROANOKE BELT, INC.	ROANOKE, VA	$610,325.00	20
15	THE BURRUS COMPANY	BROOKNEAL, VA	$594,200.00	71
16	MONFORT, INC.	GRAND ISLAND, NE	$585,130.50	247
17	NOBLESVILLE CASTING, INC.	NOBLESVILLE, IN	$547,745.00	133
18	TRIBE MEDITERRANEAN FOODS, INCORPORATED	TAUNTON, MA	$540,000.00	18
19	TYSON MEATS, INC.	DAKOTA CITY, NE	$532,030.00	21
20	THE VALLEY FERTILIZER AND CHEMICAL COMPANY INCORPORATED	MOUNT JACKSON, VA	$516,730.00	63
21	BUTTERBALL TURKEY COMPANY	CARTHAGE, MO	$508,181.50	123
22	LIBERTY CASTING COMPANY, LLC	DELAWARE, OH	$492,055.30	134
23	THE JAMES SKINNER LLC	OMAHA, NE	$486,550.00	49
24	AMERICAN ROCKWOOL, INC.	NOLANVILLE, TX	$469,310.00	101
25	SUNFIELD, INC	HEBRON, OH	$467,887.50	121

📋 What Is 29 CFR 1910.219?

29 CFR 1910.219 (Mechanical Power Transmission) is an OSHA regulatory standard under Part 1910 (Occupational Safety and Health Standards). Covers guarding requirements for belts, pulleys, shafts, gears, and other power transmission equipment. Violations of this standard can result in penalties ranging from advisory notices to citations exceeding $150,000 for willful violations. Across the SVEP enforcement database, 143,744 facilities have been cited under this standard, accumulating $53.3M in total penalties.

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