Guarding belt tighteners.
(1) Suspended counterbalanced belt tighteners and all components must be substantially constructed and securely fastened. The bearings must be securely capped. The employer must provide a mechanism to prevent the tightener from falling in case the belt breaks.
(2) Unless guarded by location, suspended counterweights must be encased to prevent accident.
(3) Belt tighteners used for starting and stopping machinery, unless held by gravity in the "off" or "out of service" position, must have a mechanism that will hold the belt tightener away from the belt when not in use. The mechanism must automatically grip, latch or otherwise fasten itself to and hold the belt tightener in "off" or "out of service" position until released by hand.
[Statutory Authority: RCW
49.17.010,
49.17.040,
49.17.050, and
49.17.060. WSR 20-21-091, § 296-307-28028, filed 10/20/20, effective 11/20/20. WSR 97-09-013, recodified as § 296-307-28028, 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-28028, filed 10/31/96, effective 12/1/96.]