Point of operation
The part of a machine where work is actually done on the material.
Definition, in the source's words
29 CFR 1910.212(a)(3)(i)(opens ecfr.gov in a new tab)“Point of operation is the area on a machine where work is actually performed upon the material being processed.”
What it means
1910.212(a)(3)(ii) requires the point of operation of machines whose operation exposes an employee to injury to be guarded, so that no part of the operator's body is in the danger zone during the operating cycle.
Example
On a power press, the point of operation is where the die closes on the sheet metal. On a table saw, it's where the blade meets the wood. Belts and pulleys are power transmission hazards, not the point of operation.
Where it appears on the exam
ASP: ASP11 Domain 2, Safety Programs and Concepts
Practice: Machine Guarding
CSP: CSP11 Domain 1, Advanced Application of Safety Principles
Questions
- What's the difference between the point of operation and power transmission?
- The point of operation is where work is done on the material. Power transmission apparatus, such as belts, pulleys, gears and shafts, carries energy to it.
Related
Checked 2026-10-16. Spot a problem? Email hello@passcited.com.