What parts of a machine need to be color-coded? ANSI states, “the outside of guards covering belts, pulleys, rims of pulleys or filler plates on band saws, etc.”

Neither 29 CFR 1910.144, nor ANSI Z535.1-1998 specifies which machine parts require color-coding. If there is a portion of a machine that creates a particular hazard and the use of color-coding will enhance employee safety,then that part or hazard shall be color-coded in compliance with 29 CFR 1910.144. The employer has the responsibility to evaluate the machine and determine if any portion needs to be color-coded. It should be made clear that the ANSI standard is a guideline. OSHA has, in 1910.144, a standard for color-coding, and this is what the Agency will enforce.