PDFWAC 296-307-28030

Guarding gears, sprockets, and chains.

(1) Gears must be guarded by one of the following methods:
(a) A complete enclosure; or
(b) A standard guard according to WAC 296-307-28050 through 296-307-28060, at least 7 feet high extending 6 inches above the mesh point of the gears; or
(c) A band guard covering the face of gear. The guard must have flanges extended inward beyond the root of the teeth on the exposed side or sides. If a part of the train of gears guarded by a band guard is less than 6 feet from the floor, the gear must be guarded by a disk guard or by a complete enclosure at least 6 feet tall.
(2) Hand-operated gears used only to adjust hand-powered machine parts may be unguarded. However, we recommend guarding these gears.
(3) Unless guarded by location, all sprocket wheels and chains must be enclosed. Where the drive extends over other machine or working areas, the employer must provide protection against falling parts.
Exception:
This section does not apply to manually operated sprockets.
(4) When gears require frequent oiling, the employer must provide openings with hinged or sliding self-closing covers. All points not readily accessible must have oil feed tubes if lubricant is added while machinery is in motion.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, and 49.17.060. WSR 20-21-091, § 296-307-28030, filed 10/20/20, effective 11/20/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040. WSR 98-24-096, § 296-307-28030, filed 12/1/98, effective 3/1/99. WSR 97-09-013, recodified as § 296-307-28030, filed 4/7/97, effective 4/7/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, [49.17.]050 and [49.17.]060. WSR 96-22-048, § 296-306A-28030, filed 10/31/96, effective 12/1/96.]