Are bolt-together, divided wheels covered under the Servicing Multi-Piece and Single Piece Rim Wheels standard at 29 CFR 1910.177?

Section 1910.177 defines a "multi-piece wheel" as a vehicle wheel consisting of two or more parts, one of which is a side or locking ring designed to hold the tire on the wheel by interlocking components when the tire is inflated. For multi-piece rim wheels, the standard only covers those containing a lock ring, or side ring and base. Therefore, bolt-together, divided wheels are not covered by this standard. This is further explained on page 6708 of the January 29, 1980, Federal Register.

Although this particular type of wheel is not covered by 1910.177, employers are still obligated to provide protections for their employees. Failure to do so could result in a proposed citation and penalty under the General Duty Clause (Section 5(a)(1) of the OSH Act), according to an April 2, 1991, OSHA letter of interpretation.