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Tension springs on power presses

Summary An OSHA region asked whether power presses could use tension springs where the rule called for compression springs. OSHA said it found no support for the specific requirement and, given the apparent lack of hazard, would treat that substitution as de minimis. OSHA archives the memo.
Document
Federal opinion letter
Agency
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Document number
1978-02-23
Date issued
February 23, 1978
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OSHA labels this an archive document and warns that it may no longer represent OSHA policy.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 Power Presses Enforcement Policy
Source
View the official document

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NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only.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 23, 1978

MEMORANDUM FOR: DAVID H. RHONE
Regional Administrator

THRU: DONALD E. MACKENZIE
Field Coordinator

FROM: RICHARD P. WILSON
Deputy Director Federal Compliance and State Programs

SUBJECT: Compression Springs Requirements, 29 CFR 1910.217(b)(3)(ii) and 29 CFR 1910.217(b)(4)(iii)

This is in response to your letter of September 28, 1977, regarding a request for comments and guidelines concerning the use of tension springs in lieu of the required compression springs on power presses. It further confirms discussions between Mr. Nunez and Mrs. Preston on this subject.

Our research reveals that the requirement originated years ago in the National Consensus Standard with the theory that compression springs are more reliable than tension springs. However, there are no documents available to support this requirement.

In view of the fact that the standard requirements for compression springs are not supported and the tension springs appear not to present a hazard, the employer has complied with the intent of the standards. Therefore, the situation would be considered a de minimis violation.

A copy of your correspondence and this response are being forwarded to the Directorate of Safety Standards Programs for information purposes.

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