Belt driven machinery whose runs or horizontal belts are seven feet or less from the floor or working surfaces must have guards that are _____ inches above the belt

Belt driven machinery whose runs or horizontal belts are seven feet or less from the floor or working surfaces must have guards that are _____ inches above the belt

• A. 12
• B. 15
• C. 10
• D. 20

Answer: (B)

Guarding moving parts of belt-driven machinery is essential to prevent contact with the belt where it can cause injury. When the belt runs are seven feet or less from the floor, the guard needs to be high enough above the belt to block a worker’s hand or clothing from reaching the belt itself. Fifteen inches above the belt is the established minimum height that provides a practical barrier for most workers without making the guard unnecessarily tall. A lower height, like 12 or 10 inches, could leave a gap that increases entanglement risk, while a much higher guard, such as 20 inches, would still protect but isn’t required by this rule. So, the correct minimum height is 15 inches.

Guarding moving parts of belt-driven machinery is essential to prevent contact with the belt where it can cause injury. When the belt runs are seven feet or less from the floor, the guard needs to be high enough above the belt to block a worker’s hand or clothing from reaching the belt itself. Fifteen inches above the belt is the established minimum height that provides a practical barrier for most workers without making the guard unnecessarily tall. A lower height, like 12 or 10 inches, could leave a gap that increases entanglement risk, while a much higher guard, such as 20 inches, would still protect but isn’t required by this rule. So, the correct minimum height is 15 inches.