Ezel / Labor Guidance / US
Back to Federal guidance

Working alone around belt-driven machinery

Summary A worker asked whether two people had to be present around belt-driven machines and motors. OSHA said it had no two-person requirement, but cited guarding requirements for belts and pulleys within seven feet of the floor or platform, depending on size and speed. OSHA archives the letter.
Document
Federal opinion letter
Agency
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Document number
1976-02-26
Date issued
February 26, 1976
Status
Archived by the agency
OSHA labels this an archive document and warns that it may no longer represent OSHA policy.
Status last verified October 10, 2026
Topics
Workplace Safety OSHA 1910 Machine Guarding Belts and Pulleys
Source
View the official document

Apply this to your situation

This page explains the general guidance. Ask about your specific situation and see what current federal labor law says, with citations.

The current status of this document is unclear
OSHA labels this an archive document and warns that it may no longer represent OSHA policy. It may no longer reflect the agency's current position. Treat this page as historical context, not current guidance, and verify current law before relying on anything here.
About this page: The full text below is the official document from Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Ezel adds the plain-English summary and tracks the document's status. The official source linked on this page is authoritative for any reliance.

NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only.

February 26, 1976
Mr. William S. McLaughlin Sr.
[Recipient address omitted]
Dear Mr. McLaughlin:
This is in response to your letter of February 2, 1976, concerning requirements when working with or around belt driven machines and motors.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) does not have a standard requiring that a minimum of two people be present at all times when working with or around belt driven machinery and motors. However, General Industry Safety and Health Regulations, Part 1910, Subpart O, (copy enclosed) contains the requirements for mechanical power-transmission apparatus. Depending on the size of the belt and the RPM, belts and pulleys, any part of which are seven feet or less from the floor or working platform shall be guarded.
I recommend that you discuss with your employer your concern of the conditions existing at your workplace and try to resolve the situation. If all efforts fail, you have a right to file an employee complaint with the nearest OSHA Area Office listed below:

[USDOL OSHA, Harrisburg Area Office
Progress Plaza
49 North Progress Avenue
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17109-3596
Phone: (717) 782-3902
Fax: (717) 782-3746]

Thank you for your concern and continuing interest in occupational safety and health.
Sincerely,
John K. Barto, Chief
[Directorate of Enforcement Programs]
Enclosure
[Corrected 10/22/2004]

Related guidance

Permanently labeled locks for electrical lockout Opinion Letter · August 17, 2026 Helmet selection for lateral head-impact hazards Opinion Letter · August 17, 2026 Asbestos precautions when restoring drywall after flood damage Opinion Letter · May 7, 2026 Enforcement policy for recording and reporting COVID-19 cases Guidance · March 31, 2026

What does federal law require in your situation?

Ezel checks current federal labor law against your facts and answers with citations.

Opens in Ezel Pro.

  • Checks the law as it stands today, not only this page
  • Cites every source it relies on, so you can verify it
  • Chat, drafting and research in one workspace