Do buffing wheels require guarding the same as abrasive wheels?

The OSHA machine guarding standard for abrasive wheel machinery is 1910.215 and prescribes very specific safeguarding, including tongue guard and work rest requirements. However, in that standard, OSHA specifically excludes certain types of wheels when it says: "Natural sandstone wheels and metal, wooden, cloth, or paper discs, having a layer of abrasive on the surface are not covered by this section."

So, if wheels meet the exclusion above, they would not be covered by 1910.215, and the equipment would instead be covered under 1910.212-General Requirements for All Machines (1910.212 does not address specific types of equipment and isn’t as detailed as 1910.215, but it does require adequate safeguarding for dangerous moving parts.) Some state agencies have cautioned against the use of work rests when wire wheels are used on abrasive wheel machinery. It would be best to contact the equipment manufacturer or local OSHA Area Office for guidance.