Strength and scope of press flywheel guards

NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only.

29 CFR 1910.217(b)(1) and 29 CFR 1910.219(b)(1)(i)

Dec. 18, 1975

MEMORANDUM TO: GABRIEL GILLOTTI, Regional Administrator - OSHA
SUBJECT: 29 CFR 1910.217(b)(1) Press Flywheel Guards
ATTENTION: W. E. Stock

This memorandum is in response to your correspondence dated October 6, 1975, requesting clarification of the required strength of flywheel guards.
The requirements of 29 CFR 1910.217(b)(1) applies to flywheels on all presses regardless of their distance in height from the floor, with construction such as described in 29 CFR 1910.219(b)(1)(i). In addition, the design of the brackets is intended to be of such strength to contain the wheel if the shaft should break or the wheel come off. A widely used basis for design of these brackets is the ability to support twice the static weight of parts to be contained. There is no provision for the guard to retain fragments in the event of disintegration.
Barry J. White
Associate Assistant Secretary
for Regional Programs