Textile industry safety requirements

The textile safety rules in 1910.262 apply to the design, installation, processes, operation, and maintenance of textile machinery, equipment, and other plant facilities in all plants engaged in manufacture and processing of textiles, except processes used exclusively to make synthetic fibers.

• See the Application in 1910.262(a)(1) for the exact scope.

The incorporation by reference in 1910.262(a)(2) means that safety standards of general application (not specific to textiles) become part of the textile rules and must be followed in textile plants.

• See the Standards incorporated by reference in 1910.262(a)(2).
• These incorporated standards must be read and applied according to the rules in 1910.5.

A belt shifter is a device that mechanically shifts a belt from one pulley to another, and a belt shifter lock is a device that positively locks the belt shifter in position while the machine is stopped and the belt is idling on the loose pulleys.

• The definition is in 1910.262(b)(1)–(2).
• In addition, 1910.262(c)(1) requires that on machines driven by belts and shafting a locking-type shifter or an equivalent positive device be used as the means of stopping the machine.

Every textile machine must have an individual mechanical or electrical means for stopping it, and machines driven by belts and shafting must use a locking-type shifter or equivalent positive device; where injury could result from a motor restarting after a power failure, employers must prevent automatic restart when power is restored.

• See the Means of stopping machines in 1910.262(c)(1).

Stopping and starting handles must be long enough so a worker's hand or fingers cannot strike any revolving part, gear guard, or other machine part during use.

• See the Handle design requirement in 1910.262(c)(2).

All guards and other safety devices, including starting and stopping devices, must be properly maintained by the employer.

• See the Inspection and maintenance requirement in 1910.262(c)(5).
• If maintenance requires temporary energizing of equipment for testing or positioning, follow controlled procedures that protect employees during re‑energization; see OSHA's guidance on temporary removal and re‑energization for testing in the Letter of Interpretation on the minor servicing exception and temporary re‑energization.

Lighting in textile plants must conform to the American National Standard A11.1—1965, which is incorporated by reference into the textile rules.

• See the Lighting requirement in 1910.262(c)(6) and the incorporation of consensus standards via 1910.6.

Identification of piping systems in textile plants must conform to the American National Standard A13.1—1956, which is incorporated by reference.

• See the Identification of piping systems in 1910.262(c)(7).

Identification of physical hazards in textile workplaces must follow the requirements of 1910.144.

• See the Identification of physical hazards in 1910.262(c)(8).

All pipes carrying steam or hot water for process or servicing machinery that are exposed to contact and located within seven feet of the floor or working platform must be covered with heat‑insulating material or otherwise properly guarded.

• See the Steam pipe protection requirement in 1910.262(c)(9).

"Exposed to contact" means the location of an object, material, nip point, or point of operation is such that a person is liable to come in contact with it in the normal course of employment; the "point of operation" is the part of the machine where cutting, shearing, squeezing, drawing, or manipulating the stock is done.

• These definitions (1910.262(b)(12) and 1910.262(b)(27)) are used to determine where guards and interlocks are required to prevent worker contact with hazards at nip points and at the point of operation.

An interlock is a device that prevents machine operation while a cover or door is open or unlocked and holds the cover or door closed and locked while the machine is in motion, protecting workers from access to dangerous moving parts.

• See the Interlock definition in 1910.262(b)(15).

"Openers and pickers" is a broad category that includes many machines used to prepare stock for further processing (for example, breaker pickers, intermediate pickers, finisher pickers, single and multiple process pickers, willow machines, card and picker waste cleaners, shredders, roving waste openers, shoddy pickers, bale breakers, feeders, vertical and horizontal openers, lattice cleaners, and similar machinery equipped with cylinders, beaters, or rolls).

• See the Openers and pickers definition in 1910.262(b)(25).
• Knowing which equipment falls in this classification helps employers apply the specific guarding and safety practices expected for those machines.

A calender is a set of heavy rollers mounted on vertical side frames used to pass cloth between them, and an embossing calender has one or more engraved rolls to produce figured effects; employers should recognize the nip points between rolls as serious contact and crushing hazards that need guarding and interlocks where appropriate.

• See the Calender and embossing calender definitions in 1910.262(b)(3)–(4).
• Use the definitions of "nip" (1910.262(b)(24)) and "point of operation" to identify where guards are needed.

An "industrial organic solvent" is any organic volatile liquid or compound used to dissolve or suspend a nonvolatile or slightly volatile substance for industrial use, and that definition also covers solvents used as detergents or cleansing agents; it does not include petroleum products used as fuel.

• See the Solvent definition in 1910.262(b)(35).

You may temporarily re-energize a machine when necessary to test or position equipment, but you must follow a written sequence that protects employees—clear tools and materials, remove employees from hazard areas, remove LOTO devices per procedures, energize only for the time needed while using effective employee protection, and then de‑energize and reapply energy control devices if servicing continues.

• The textile rule requires means to stop machines and to prevent automatic restart where injury might result (1910.262(c)(1)).
• OSHA's Letter of Interpretation on the minor servicing exception explains the required sequence and protections when temporarily removing lockout/tagout devices for testing or positioning under [1910.147(f)(1)].

A "nip" is the point of contact between two in‑running rolls; nip points are high‑risk crush and entanglement hazards and must be identified and guarded or provided with interlocks so workers cannot be caught between moving rolls.

• See the "Nip" definition in 1910.262(b)(24) and use the related guarding and maintenance duties in 1910.262(c).

If textile workers are exposed to potential head injury from falling objects or overhead hazards (for example, lifting operations above people), employers must provide and require protective helmets that meet applicable consensus standards.

• The textile standard requires identification of physical hazards (1910.262(c)(8)).
• OSHA's Letter of Interpretation on head protection for crane operators explains that when there is a potential for injury from falling objects, employers must ensure affected employees wear helmets and that helmets meet applicable ANSI standards.

Employers must provide controls or devices that prevent machines from automatically restarting when power is restored in situations where a restart could injure the operator.

• See the automatic‑restart prevention requirement in 1910.262(c)(1).
• When re‑energization for testing is necessary, follow the controlled sequence and protections described in OSHA's LOI on temporary re‑energization procedures.

Beaters on opening or picker machinery must be covered by metal guards with interlocks that stop the machine if the cover is opened and prevent the cover from being raised while the machine runs; see 1910.262(d).

• Keep the metal covers in place whenever the machine is operating.
• Use interlocks so the machine cannot be powered when the cover is open and the cover cannot be opened while the machine is powered.

Cleanout holes within reaching distance of the fan or picker beater must have covers securely fastened and must not be opened while the machine is in motion; see 1910.262(d)(2).

• If cleaning while spinning is necessary, use approved tools or follow procedures that eliminate reaching into the hazard area.

Feed rolls on opening and picking machinery must be covered by guards that prevent an operator from reaching into the nip while the machine is running; see 1910.262(d)(3).

• Guards should be designed and maintained so fingers, hands, or tools cannot contact the nip during operation.

All textile opener lines must be equipped with magnetic separators, tramp iron separators, or other effective means to remove foreign ferrous material; see 1910.262(d)(4).

• Inspect and maintain the separators regularly so metal contaminants are reliably removed before they reach moving parts.

Cylinder and lickerins on cotton cards must be completely protected and doffers should be enclosed, and enclosures or covers must be kept in place while the machine operates except for stripping or grinding; see 1910.262(e)(1) and 1910.262(e)(2).

• Only remove covers for permitted tasks (stripping/grinding) and ensure guards are reinstalled before restarting.

When flat strippings fall on the doffer cover and are removed by hand, the doffer cover must be kept closed and securely fastened to prevent opening while the machine runs; see 1910.262(f).

• If cleaning while cards are moving is necessary, use a long-handled brush or dust mop to avoid putting hands into the machine.

Garnett machines must have the lickerin enclosed, fancy rolls covered with accessible covers for removal or adjustment, and the underside guarded by a screen mesh or enclosure to prevent access; see 1910.262(f)(1), 1910.262(f)(2), and 1910.262(f)(3).

• Design covers so workers can still remove or adjust rolls without exposing them to moving parts.

Reducing valves, safety valves, and pressure gauges for cylinder dryers must conform to the ASME Pressure Vessel Code, Section VIII, Unfired Pressure Vessels, 1968, and vacuum relief valves must conform to the ASME Code for Pressure Vessels, Section VIII, 1968; see 1910.262(h)(1)(i) and 1910.262(h)(1)(iii).

• Use certified components and maintain them per the ASME requirements to prevent overpressure or vacuum collapse.

Slashers operated by pushbutton control must have stop and start buttons at each end of the machine and additional stop buttons on both sides at intervals (and for enclosed hot air dryers one start at each end and stop buttons spaced not more than 6 feet on centers); see 1910.262(h)(1)(iv) and 1910.262(h)(2)(ii).

• Ensure emergency stop locations are reachable from any point needed to safely stop the machine.

You must size nip guard openings so they do not exceed the maximum widths listed in Table R-1 based on the distance from the nip point; see 1910.262(h)(2)(iv).

• Example from the table: an opening 0 to 1½ inches from the nip must be no wider than 1/4 inch; an opening 3½ to 5½ inches away may be up to 5/8 inch.

• Measure from the nip point and select a guard with openings equal to or smaller than the table limit.

Swiveled double-bar gates on warpers running over 450 yards per minute must be interlocked so the machine won't run unless the gate is closed, and the gate's top bar must be at least 42 inches and the lower bar at least 21 inches from the floor with the gate 15 inches from the beam head vertical tangent; see 1910.262(i)(1) and 1910.262(i)(2).

• These dimensions define the "closed position" required for safe operation.

Gear housing covers on drawing frames, slubbers, roving frames, cotton combers, ring spinning frames, and twisters must be equipped with interlocks; see 1910.262(j).

• Interlocks should prevent machine operation when the gear cover is open and must be maintained in working order.

A pin guard ahead of the feed end of gill boxes must be designed to prevent a worker's fingers from being caught in the pins of the intersecting fallers; see 1910.262(k)(1).

• The guard should physically block access to the pin area while allowing the machine to function.

Employers should provide benches or working platforms about 10 inches high and 8 inches wide along the machine length for creeling, and these should have abrasive or nonslip surfaces; see 1910.262(l)(2).

• These platforms help workers reach machine creels safely and reduce slip and trip hazards.

Each centrifugal extractor must have a metal cover, an interlocking device that prevents opening the cover while the basket is moving (and prevents powering the basket with the cover open), and a mechanical or electrical brake to stop the basket quickly when power is shut off; see 1910.262(y)(1).

• Also observe the manufacturer's maximum allowable speed, which must be visibly stamped on the machine per 1910.262(y)(2).

Centrifugal extractors must be effectively secured to the floor or foundation to eliminate unnecessary vibration and must not be run faster than the manufacturer's rating, which must be stamped in letters at least one-quarter inch high showing maximum allowable rpm; see 1910.262(y)(2).

• Regularly inspect anchors and confirm the stamped speed rating before operation.

Sanforizing and palmer machines must have a safety trip rod, cable, or wire center cord across the front and back of all palmer cylinders that operates when pushed or pulled and is no more than 72 inches above the operator's standing level; see 1910.262(aa).

• The trip must be readily accessible and operable by the worker from the normal standing position.

Each valve controlling steam, injurious gases, or liquids into a J-box or kier must be equipped with a chain, lock, and key (or another effective method) so the worker inside can lock the valve and keep the key, preventing flow while they are inside; see 1910.262(p)(1) and 1910.262(q)(2).

• Alternative methods that equally prevent entry of hazardous substances while the worker is inside are acceptable.

When servicing requires temporary re-energization (for testing, positioning, or setup), employers must follow the sequence and protections in 29 CFR 1910.147(f)(1): clear tools/materials, remove employees from hazard areas, remove lockout/tagout devices as specified, energize only for the limited testing while protecting employees, then de-energize and reapply energy control devices if further servicing is needed; see the OSHA Lockout/Tagout interpretation (Oct 21, 2024) and 29 CFR 1910.147.

• Implement machine guarding or other protections during the energized test so workers are not exposed to hazardous energy.

Yes — splash guards shall be installed on all rope washers unless the machine is so designed as to prevent the water or liquid from splashing the operator, the floor, or working surface.

• If the washer’s design keeps liquid contained and prevents splash to the operator, floor, or work surface, a guard is not required.
• If there is any chance of splash that could contact people or create slippery surfaces, install splash guards and keep them maintained and in place.

Cited: 1910.262(bb).

A safety trip rod, cable, or wire center cord must be provided across the front and back of all rope washers, extend the length of the face of the washer, operate readily whether pushed or pulled, be not more than 72 inches above the level on which the operator stands, and be readily accessible (1910.262(bb)(2)).

• The trip must function both when pushed and when pulled so operators can stop the machine quickly.
• Measure the 72-inch maximum from the working platform or floor where the operator stands.
• Keep the trip device unobstructed and within easy reach during operation.

Cited: 1910.262(bb)(2).

Each drying tumbler, double cylinder shaker or clothes tumbler, and each washing machine must have an interlock that prevents power operation of the inside cylinder when the outer door or shell is open and prevents the outer door from being opened without shutting off the power (1910.262(cc)(1)).

• The interlock must stop the machine from turning when the case is open and keep the door locked while power is applied.
• Interlocks reduce the risk of entrapment and contact with moving parts, but they do not replace lockout/tagout procedures when servicing the machine.
• If servicing or maintenance requires energizing the machine for testing or positioning, follow controlled temporary re-energization steps as described in OSHA’s lockout/tagout guidance (Minor servicing exception clarification).

Cited: 1910.262(cc)(1) and OSHA interpretation: Minor servicing exception clarification.

Yes — each enclosed barrel must be equipped with adequate means for holding open the doors or covers of the inner and outer cylinders or shells while it is being loaded or unloaded (1910.262(cc)(2)).

• The holding device (catch, prop, latch, or mechanical support) must be strong and reliable so doors won’t fall and injure workers during loading/unloading.
• Regularly inspect the holding means and repair or replace it immediately if it shows wear or failure.

Cited: 1910.262(cc)(2).

Nip guards on roller-type printing machines must comply with the requirements of paragraph 1910.262(h)(2)(iv), which sets the required guarding methods and exposure limits for in-running nip points (1910.262(dd)(1)).

• In practice this means using fixed guards, interlocked guards, or other protective devices sized and placed so workers cannot reach hazardous nip points.
• Consult the exact dimensions, guarding types, and exceptions in 1910.262(h)(2)(iv) to select the correct guard for a given nip.

Cited: 1910.262(dd)(1) and 1910.262(h)(2)(iv).

The engraved roller gears and the large crown wheel must be provided with a protective disc that will enclose the nips of the in‑running gears; individual discs for each nip are acceptable (1910.262(dd)(2)).

• The disc(s) must fully cover the in‑running gear nips so fingers, clothing, or material cannot be drawn into the gears.
• Ensure discs are secured and inspected regularly; any removed guard must only be taken off for maintenance with appropriate lockout/tagout controls in place.

Cited: 1910.262(dd)(2).

The nip at the in‑running side of calender rolls must have a guard extending across the entire length of the nip, arranged to prevent workers’ fingers from being pulled between the rolls or between the guard and the rolls, and constructed so the cloth can be fed into the rolls safely (1910.262(ee)).

• Guards must fully span the roll length and eliminate pinch points while still allowing safe feeding of material.
• Use fixed or interlocked guards appropriate to the operation; maintain guards so gaps or deformation don’t create new hazards.

Cited: 1910.262(ee).

A guard must be installed that completely encloses the cutters to prevent the operator’s hands from reaching the cutting zone (1910.262(ff)).

• The enclosure should prevent access to the blades during operation; access panels should be interlocked or require lockout/tagout to open.
• Keep cutter guards intact, properly aligned, and inspected frequently to ensure continued protection.

Cited: 1910.262(ff).

An angle-iron-handle stop guard must be installed at right angles to the machine frame so it will prevent the handle from traveling beyond the vertical position if the handle slips from the operator’s hand when the pawl has been released from the teeth of the take‑up gear (1910.262(hh)).

• The stop guard must be positioned and sized to physically block over‑rotation of the handle.
• Inspect the stop guard regularly and repair or replace it if bent, cracked, or missing.

Cited: 1910.262(hh).

Floors in color‑mixing rooms must be constructed to drain easily (1910.262(kk)).

• Design drains and floor slopes so spills of dyes, solvents, or other liquids do not pool and can be removed safely.
• Combine good drainage with proper spill containment and housekeeping to reduce slip hazards and chemical exposure.

Cited: 1910.262(kk).

Boiling tanks, caustic tanks, and hot liquid containers that are located so the operator cannot see the contents from the floor or working area must have emergency shutoff valves controlled from a point not subject to danger of splash, and those valves shall conform to the ASME Pressure Vessel Code, section VIII, Unfired Pressure Vessels, 1968 (1910.262(ll)).

• Place controls where an operator can use them without being exposed to hot liquid or chemical splash.
• Use valves and components that meet the referenced ASME code for pressure integrity and safe operation.
• Train workers on the location and use of the emergency shutoff and test it periodically.

Cited: 1910.262(ll).

Acid carboys must be provided with inclinators, or the acid must be withdrawn from the carboys by means of pumping without pressure in the carboy, or by means of hand‑operated siphons (1910.262(nn)).

• Use inclinators (tilting devices), pump systems, or hand siphons to minimize manual handling and the risk of spills and splashes.
• Ensure pumps and siphons are compatible with the acid, are properly maintained, and that operators have appropriate PPE (e.g., acid‑resistant gloves and eye protection).
• Combine safe handling equipment with eyewash/flush facilities as required where acids are used (1910.262(pp)).

Cited: 1910.262(nn) and related first‑aid provision 1910.262(pp).