SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/osha-machine-guarding-point

On a machine, what is the point of operation?

The area where work is actually performed on the material.

Start playing free

  1. Where work is actually done on the material ✔
  2. Where the power switch is
  3. Where the operator stands

Why: OSHA defines the point of operation as the area where the machine actually works on the material, like where a blade cuts. If it can hurt someone, it must be guarded.

Huh, didn't know that: Power saws, shears, power presses and jointers usually need point of operation guarding.

The dad joke
Why did the machine get a guard? It had too many moving parts to keep track of.
Like this card?
Play the game

References

Answer: Where work is actually done on the material. OSHA defines the point of operation as the area where the machine actually works on the material, like where a blade cuts. If it can hurt someone, it must be guarded.

  1. 29 CFR 1910.212 General requirements for all machines www.ecfr.gov/current/title-29/subtitle-B/chapter-XVII/part-1910/subpart-O/section-1910.212
    Point of operation is the area on a machine where work is actually performed upon the material being processed.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

Think this answer is wrong? Tap "Challenge this answer" on the card in the game and tell us why.

Test yourself in the game

Safety & First AidCan special hand tools for feeding a machine replace its point of operation guard?Safety & First AidFan blades lower than how many feet above the floor must be guarded?Safety & First AidIn general industry what height requires fall protection?

That's stuff everyone should know.