Woodworking machine construction

Under 1910.213(a)(1) the machine must be free from sensible vibration when the largest tool is mounted and run idle at full speed, so you must repair, adjust, or remove whatever is causing the vibration before normal use.

• Check arbor fit, bearings, blade/tool balance, and tool mounting and correct any runout or play.
• Do not operate production cuts until vibration is eliminated or reduced to an acceptable level.

See the requirement in 1910.213(a)(1).

Under 1910.213(a)(2) arbors and mandrels must be constructed to have firm and secure bearings and be free from play, so you should ensure bearings and the tool fit have no measurable looseness before operation.

• Inspect for axial or radial play and replace worn bearings, keys, or collars.
• Use properly sized, machined tools that match the arbor and tighten according to manufacturer specs.

See the requirement in 1910.213(a)(2).

Under 1910.213(a)(4) you may not use an automatic cutoff saw that strokes continuously without the operator being able to control each stroke.

• Use only machines that allow the operator to control each cut stroke; continuous, uncontrolled stroking is prohibited because it increases the risk of injury.

See the prohibition in 1910.213(a)(4).

Under 1910.213(a)(5) saw frames or tables must have lugs cast on the frame (or an equivalent means) to limit the size of the saw blade that can be mounted, so design features must stop larger blades from being installed.

• Verify frames or tables have the intended lugs or equivalent stops and do not allow a blade larger than the machine was designed for.

See the construction requirement in 1910.213(a)(5).

Under 1910.213(a)(6) and 1910.213(a)(7) fences must be firmly secured without changing alignment and gages must slide in accurately machined grooves so the fence or guide stays parallel and in exact alignment with the saw.

• Use robust clamps, machined tracks, and check alignment after any adjustment.
• For saws with tilting tables or arbors, ensure the fence remains parallel at all angles as required by the standard.

See 1910.213(a)(6) and 1910.213(a)(7).

Under 1910.213(a)(9) employers must ensure that all belts, pulleys, gears, shafts, and moving parts are guarded in accordance with the specific requirements of 1910.219.

• Install guards that meet the design and strength requirements in 1910.219.
• Maintain guards so they cannot be easily removed during operation and inspect them regularly.

See the guarding requirement in 1910.213(a)(9) and the related guarding standard at 1910.219.

Under 1910.213(a)(10) a disconnect switch that can be locked in the off position is recommended, but the text uses the word "recommended" rather than stating it as an absolute requirement.

• Because it’s recommended, providing a lockable disconnect switch is a best practice to improve safety and to facilitate lockout/tagout procedures.
• If you perform servicing or repairs, follow [1910.147] procedures (lockout/tagout) where applicable; see OSHA’s interpretation on temporary re-energization during servicing at https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2024-10-21.

See the recommendation in 1910.213(a)(10).

Under 1910.213(a)(11) and 1910.213(a)(12) portable electric woodworking machinery and exposed, noncurrent-carrying metal parts on portable electric machinery operated at more than 90 volts to ground must be grounded, and grounding should be provided through a separate ground wire and a polarized plug and receptacle as stated.

• Use three-conductor cords, grounded receptacles, and maintain continuity of grounding paths.
• Verify grounding before use and repair any frayed cords or broken plugs promptly.

See grounding requirements in 1910.213(a)(11) and the ground-wire provision in 1910.213(a)(12).

Under 1910.213(a)(12) you must cover the portion of the saw beneath or behind the table with an exhaust hood or, if no exhaust system is required, with a guard arranged to prevent accidental contact.

• Install an exhaust hood if dust collection is needed; otherwise fit a solid guard that blocks access to the exposed sections beneath and behind the table.
• Ensure the guard or hood is secured and cannot be easily removed during operation.

See the protective requirement in 1910.213(a)(12).

Under 1910.213(a)(14) you may not place a saw, cutter head, or tool collar on an arbor unless the tool has been accurately machined to size and shape to fit the arbor.

• Always check tool bore tolerances and machine surfaces; rework or reject any tool that does not fit precisely.
• Improper fits can cause vibration, looseness, or catastrophic failure.

See the fit requirement in 1910.213(a)(14).

Under 1910.213(a)(15) combs (featherboards) or suitable jigs must be provided at the workplace for use when a standard guard cannot be used—as in dadoing, grooving, jointing, moulding, and rabbeting.

• Use featherboards or jigs whenever standard guards are impractical for the operation; after finishing nonstandard operations such as grooving, immediately replace any removed spreader or guard.

See the provision in 1910.213(a)(15).

Under 1910.213(b)(1) a mechanical or electrical power control must be provided so the operator can cut off power without leaving his position at the point of operation.

• Place stop switches or emergency stops within easy reach of the operator’s normal working position so they do not need to reach over the cutter to shut off the machine.

See the control location requirement in 1910.213(b)(1).

Under 1910.213(b)(2) machines driven by belts and shafting must use a locking-type belt shifter or an equivalent positive device.

• Install a shifter that locks in the desired position to prevent accidental re-engagement or slippage; equivalent devices must provide the same positive control.

See the requirement in 1910.213(b)(2).

Under 1910.213(b)(3) employers must provide a means to prevent machines from automatically restarting upon restoration of power where a restart could injure the operator.

• Use restart-interlock controls, hold-open starters, or other devices that require manual restart by the operator.
• Coordinate this with your lockout/tagout program (see OSHA’s guidance on temporary re-energization and lockout/tagout at https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2024-10-21).

See the restart-prevention requirement in 1910.213(b)(3).

Under 1910.213(b)(5) positive means must be provided to render controls or devices inoperative while repairs or adjustments are being made to the machines they control, so you must lock out, tag out, or otherwise physically prevent inadvertent energization.

• Implement lockout/tagout procedures per [1910.147] practices when servicing (see OSHA’s interpretation on when temporary re-energization is allowed at https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2024-10-21).
• Use a lockable disconnect switch or other positive isolation device to protect servicing personnel.

See the servicing protection requirement in 1910.213(b)(5).

Under 1910.213(c)(1)-(3) hand-fed circular ripsaws must have a hood that completely encloses the portion of the saw above the table and above the material, a spreader that prevents the material from squeezing the saw, and non-kickback fingers or dogs to oppose the saw's tendency to throw material back.

• The hood must automatically adjust to the stock thickness and be strong enough to resist normal forces and protect from flying splinters.
• The spreader must be hard tempered steel (or equivalent), thinner than the saw kerf, rigid enough to resist side thrusts, and remain aligned when tilted.
• Nonkickback fingers must be positioned to oppose pick-up or throwback toward the operator.

See the hood, spreader, and anti-kickback requirements in 1910.213(c)(1), 1910.213(c)(2), and 1910.213(c)(3).

Under 1910.213(c)(2) the provision of a spreader is not required for grooving, dadoing, or rabbeting, but when those operations are complete the spreader must be immediately replaced.

• For these specific operations you may remove the spreader, but plan to reinstall it right after the operation ends to restore full guarding.

See the exception and reinstallation requirement in 1910.213(c)(2).

Under 1910.213(d)(1) circular crosscut table saws must have hoods meeting the ripsaw hood requirements; under 1910.213(e)(1)-(2) resaws must have a metal hood or shield above the saw to protect against flying splinters or broken teeth, and most resaws must have a spreader fastened behind the saw.

• Crosscut hoods must meet the hood criteria in [1910.213(c)(1)].
• Resaw hoods should guard against flying debris; non-self-feed resaws require a spreader slightly thinner than the saw kerf and slightly thicker than the saw disk.

See 1910.213(d)(1) and 1910.213(e)(1)–1910.213(e)(2).

Under 1910.213(f)(1)-(2) self-feed circular saws must have feed rolls and saws protected by a hood or guard that prevents hand contact with in-running rolls, with the guard's bottom coming within three-eighths inch of the feed roll plane (or up to three-fourths inch if the hood has a longer lead edge), and they must have sectional non-kickback fingers across the full width of the feed rolls located in front of the saw in continual contact with the wood.

• Ensure the hood is heavy material (preferably metal) and positioned to prevent access to nip points.
• Maintain non-kickback fingers so they remain in contact with the stock during feeding.

See the guarding distances and non-kickback requirements in 1910.213(f)(1) and 1910.213(f)(2).

Under 1910.213(g)(1)-(3) swing cutoff saws must have a hood that fully encloses the upper half of the saw (including the arbor end) in all positions, an automatic device that returns the saw to the back of the table when released (not relying on rope, cord, or spring), and limit chains or other devices to stop the saw from swinging beyond safe positions.

• The automatic return device must be reliable; if a counterweight is used its bolts must have cotter pins and the counterweight must be prevented from dropping by appropriate hardware or safety chain.
• Install limit chains or equivalent devices to prevent overtravel that would expose the blade gullet above the table top.

See 1910.213(g)(1), 1910.213(g)(2), and 1910.213(g)(3).

Under 1910.213(h)(1)-(5) radial saws must have an upper hood that completely encloses the upper portion of the blade down to the arbor end and a lower device that automatically adjusts to stock thickness and remains in contact with the stock; radial saws used for ripping must also have non-kickback fingers on both sides of the saw and must be labeled to show the direction of rotation and a permanent label reading "Danger: Do Not Rip or Plough From This End" on the rear of the guard.

• Ensure the automatic lower guard provides maximum protection for the operation and the direction of rotation is conspicuously marked on the hood.
• Affix the permanent label (minimum 1½ inches by ¾ inch) at the level of the arbor on the rear of the guard.

See 1910.213(h)(1), 1910.213(h)(2), and 1910.213(h)(5).

Under 1910.213(i)(1) all portions of the bandsaw blade must be enclosed or guarded except for the working portion between the bottom of the guide rolls and the table, and bandsaw wheels must be fully encased with the enclosure outer periphery solid and the front and back of the band wheels enclosed by solid material or wire mesh/perforated metal.

• Keep wheel enclosures intact and ensure any mesh or perforated metal used is at least 0.037 inch (U.S. Gage No.).
• Inspect wheel housings and guide roll enclosures regularly to ensure blades and wheels remain guarded.

See the bandsaw guarding requirement in 1910.213(i)(1).

Under 1910.213(b)(5) and OSHA's lockout/tagout guidance, when you must temporarily remove lockout devices to test or position a machine you must follow a specific sequence to protect employees and restore energy control afterward.

• The steps to follow are: clear the machine of tools and materials; remove employees from hazardous areas; remove lockout/tagout devices as specified; energize the machine only for the limited time needed and use effective employee protection while testing/positioning; when done, turn off the machine, isolate the energy source, and reapply lockout/tagout devices if further servicing is required (see OSHA interpretation at https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2024-10-21).
• Ensure all protections are in place during the energized interval and document the actions in the written procedure.

See 1910.213(b)(5) and OSHA's interpretation at https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2024-10-21.

Under 1910.213(f)(1) the bottom of the guard on self-feed circular saws must come down to within three-eighths inch of the plane formed by the bottom or working surfaces of the feed rolls, although that gap may be increased to three-fourths inch if the hood’s lead edge projects at least 5½ inches in front of the nip point.

• Measure and set the guard gap to three-eighths inch (or up to three-fourths inch with the extended lead edge) to prevent hand contact with in-running rolls.

See the dimensional guarding requirement in 1910.213(f)(1).

Under 1910.213(g)(2) if a counterweight is used on a swing cutoff saw, the bolts supporting the bar and counterweight must have cotter pins and the counterweight must be prevented from dropping by a bolt through the bar and counterweight, a bolt through the extreme end of the bar, or a safety chain where the counterweight does not encircle the bar.

• Verify cotter pins are in place and safety chains or bolts are installed so the counterweight cannot fall and create a hazard.

See the counterweight safety requirements in 1910.213(g)(2).

Under 1910.213(h)(5) radial saws used for ripping and ploughing must have the direction of saw rotation conspicuously marked on the hood and must have a permanent label at least 1½ inches by ¾ inch affixed to the rear of the guard reading "Danger: Do Not Rip or Plough From This End."

• Affix the label at approximately the level of the arbor on the rear of the guard and keep the marking legible.

See the labeling requirement in 1910.213(h)(5).

Under 1910.213(c)(2) the spreader must be made of hard tempered steel (or equivalent), thinner than the saw kerf, and rigid enough to resist side thrusts, and under 1910.213(c)(3) nonkickback fingers must be located to oppose the saw's tendency to pick up or throw material back toward the operator.

• Ensure the spreader’s thickness is less than the kerf but thick enough to stay rigid, and mount it so it remains in alignment when the saw or table is tilted.
• Position nonkickback fingers in front of the saw and maintain them so they stay in contact with the wood during feeding.

See the spreader and nonkickback requirements in 1910.213(c)(2) and 1910.213(c)(3).

Under 1910.213(a)(12) and 1910.213(e)(1) an exhaust hood is required for circular saw portions where there is a possibility of contact beneath or behind the table when conditions require an exhaust system; if no exhaust is required you must use a guard or shield arranged to prevent accidental contact.

• Evaluate whether dust/exhaust control is necessary; if so, install an exhaust hood that also prevents contact.
• If exhaust is not needed, fit a fixed guard or shield designed to stop accidental contact and protect against flying splinters or broken teeth.

See 1910.213(a)(12) and 1910.213(e)(1).

Under 1910.213(b)(4) and 1910.213(b)(1) power and operating controls should be located within easy reach of the operator at their regular work location so the operator does not have to reach over the cutter to make adjustments and can cut off power without leaving the point of operation.

• Design control layout so operators can stop the machine quickly and perform adjustments safely from their working stance.

See the control-location guidance in 1910.213(b)(4) and the power cutoff requirement in 1910.213(b)(1).

Each bandsaw must have a tension control device that indicates the correct tension for the saws used, to help prevent saw breakage from improper tension. This requirement is stated in 1910.213(i)(2).

• Place and maintain the tension indicator where operators can see it before starting the saw.
• Train operators to set tension according to the saw manufacturer's recommendations and the indicator's guidance.

The feed-roll guard on a band resaw must have its edge come to within three-eighths inch of the plane formed by the inside face of the feed roll in contact with the stock being cut. This is required by 1910.213(i)(3).

• The guard should be heavy material (preferably metal) and prevent any hand contact with in-running rolls.
• Inspect and adjust the guard so it stays within the three-eighths inch clearance for all stock thicknesses.

The knife projection must not exceed one-eighth inch beyond the cylindrical body of the cutting head on hand-fed planers and jointers with horizontal heads. This requirement appears in 1910.213(j)(1).

• Measure knife projection during maintenance and whenever blades are replaced.
• Keep records of adjustments and ensure knives are firmly secured as required by 1910.213(s)(2).

The table opening should be kept as small as possible, with the clearance between the rear table edge and cutter head not more than one-eighth inch, and the table throat opening not more than 2½ inches when set for zero cut; additionally, an automatic guard must cover all of the head on the working side of the fence to keep hands away from revolving knives. These provisions are in 1910.213(j)(2) and 1910.213(j)(3).

• Ensure guards automatically adjust to cover unused portions of the head and remain in contact with material as required by 1910.213(j)(4).
• Regularly inspect table throat and guard function during setup and production.

A hand-fed jointer with a horizontal cutting head must have a guard covering the section of the head back of the fence, and a wood jointer with a vertical head must have either an exhaust hood or other guard that completely encloses the revolving head except for a necessary slot. These are specified in 1910.213(j)(4) and 1910.213(j)(5).

• Guards must prevent hand contact with knives; use exhaust hoods on vertical heads to control dust while enclosing the head.
• Verify the slot in the vertical-head guard is only as wide as necessary to feed the work.

Feed chains and sprockets on double-end tenoning machines must be completely enclosed except where the chain conveys stock, rear frame sprockets must be side-guarded by projecting plates, and all cutting heads and saws must be covered by metal guards that at least cover the unused part of the cutting head periphery. These requirements are in 1910.213(k)(1), 1910.213(k)(2), and 1910.213(k)(3).

• Use metal guards of adequate strength and design them so they cannot be easily bypassed.
• Integrate guards with exhaust hoods where applicable as allowed by 1910.213(k)(4).

Sheet-metal guards on the referenced woodworking machines must be at least one-sixteenth inch thick, and if cast iron is used it must be at least three-sixteenths inch thick. This minimum thickness is specified in 1910.213(k)(4) and 1910.213(n)(1).

• Ensure replacement guards meet or exceed these thickness requirements and are secured to prevent movement during operation.

Boring and mortising machines must use safety-bit chucks with no projecting set screws, have guards enclosing bits and chucks above the material, enclose the top of cutting chains and driving mechanisms, protect counterweights from dropping by bolting or using chains/containers, enclose universal joints on spindles, and cover operating treadles with inverted U-shaped metal guards. These requirements are laid out in 1910.213(l)(1) through 1910.213(l)(6).

• Follow the specific counterweight options in 1910.213(l)(4)(i)-(iv).
• Inspect chuck and treadle guards frequently to ensure they remain secure and effective.

Wood shapers and similar non-automatically fed machines must enclose cutting heads with a cage or adjustable guard to keep hands away from the cutting edge, and all double-spindle shapers must have a starting and stopping device for each spindle. These requirements are in 1910.213(m)(1) and 1910.213(m)(3).

• Make sure guards are adjustable to the cutter size and remain in place during operation.
• Provide labeled and accessible spindle start/stop controls so operators can isolate a single spindle when needed.

Circular shaper guards must have a diameter at least as large as the greatest diameter of the cutter, and warning devices made of leather or similar materials attached to the spindle are not acceptable. This is specified in 1910.213(m)(2).

• Use rigid, sized guards that fully enclose the cutter per the standard; do not substitute soft warnings or jingles attached to the spindle.

Feed rolls must be guarded by a hood or suitable guard to prevent the operator's hands from contacting in‑running rolls at any point, and when thicknessing multiple pieces simultaneously, surfacers or planers must have sectional infeed rolls with sufficient yielding to maintain contact across stock thickness variation or provide kickback-finger devices at the infeed end. These requirements are in 1910.213(n)(3) and 1910.213(n)(4).

• Adjust guards so they stay in proper relation to the rolls for any stock thickness as required by 1910.213(n)(4).
• Inspect sectional rolls or kickback devices regularly to maintain feeding contact pressure and prevent kickback.

Profile and swing-head lathes must have all cutting heads covered by metal guards and wood-turning lathes must be covered as completely as possible by hoods or shields; rotating-knife automatic lathes must have hoods enclosing cutter blades except at contact points, long-stock lathes must have long curved guards to prevent thrown pieces, and guards serving as exhaust hoods must meet the metal thickness rule. These requirements are in 1910.213(o)(2), 1910.213(o)(3), 1910.213(o)(4), and 1910.213(o)(5).

• Ensure guards are robust metal per thickness requirements in 1910.213(o)(1).
• Use curved guards for long stock and hoods to contain and extract dust.

Feed rolls of self-feed sanding machines must have semicylindrical guards to prevent hand contact, drum and disk sanders must have exhaust hoods or guards enclosing the revolving element except the portion above the table needed for work, and belt sanding machines must have guards at each nip point to prevent fingers from contacting nip points. These requirements are in 1910.213(p)(1) through 1910.213(p)(4).

• Position guards so the bottom comes within three-eighths inch of the plane formed by the feed roll contact face as required by 1910.213(p)(1).
• Maintain exhaust hoods and ensure nip guards fully block access to the pulley/belt contact areas.

Power-driven guillotine veneer cutters (except continuous feed trimmers) must either have starting devices that require the simultaneous action of both hands and at least one hand on a control during the full stroke or have an automatic guard that removes the operator's hands from the danger zone in conjunction with a one-hand starting device requiring two motions. This is required in 1910.213(q)(5).

• For multi-operator setups, each worker must have two-hand controls so both must actuate controls simultaneously per 1910.213(q)(6).
• Provide and test the emergency device required by 1910.213(q)(7) that prevents operation if the brake fails when controls are in nonstarting position.

Drag saws must be located to give at least a 4-foot clearance for passage when the saw is at the extreme end of the stroke, or if that clearance can't be obtained the saw and its driving mechanism must be provided with a standard enclosure. This is required by 1910.213(r)(2).

• If enclosing, use a fixed enclosure that prevents worker access to the stroke area and drive components.
• Mark and keep the required clearance free of obstructions when possible.

Each point of operation on a combination or universal woodworking machine must be guarded as if it were that tool in a separate machine; in other words, apply the guarding rules that the individual machine tool would require. This requirement appears in 1910.213(r)(3).

• Identify every tool function and apply the specific guarding method set out for that tool (e.g., saw, planer, shaper).
• Maintain and inspect guards for each point of operation whenever the machine is changed over or serviced.

Employers must immediately remove dull, badly set, improperly filed, or improperly tensioned saws from service before they cause sticking, jamming, or kickback, clean saws with gum on the sides, and keep all knives and cutting heads sharp, properly adjusted, and firmly secured. These duties are in 1910.213(s)(1) and 1910.213(s)(2).

• Implement inspection before use and a maintenance log showing blade condition, cleaning, and replacement actions.
• Train operators to stop and tag out machines immediately if a saw or cutter condition creates a hazard.

Veneer slicer knives must be guarded to prevent accidental contact at both front and rear, and veneer clippers must have automatic feed or a guard that makes it impossible to place fingers under the knife while feeding or removing stock. These rules are in 1910.213(q)(1) and 1910.213(q)(2).

• Use fixed shields, interlocks, or automatic feeding systems where practical to eliminate hand access to knife edges.
• Test guards and interlocks regularly and retrain operators on safe feeding procedures.

Yes — employers must provide push sticks or push blocks in sizes and types suitable for the work so operators can keep their hands away from cutters. Under 1910.213(s)(9) the standard requires that push devices be available at the workplace for the kinds of tasks being performed.

• Use the right style and size for the operation: thin narrow stock needs a different push device than wide boards or small pieces.
• Train operators to use push sticks/blocks whenever their hands would otherwise be within the hazard zone of a blade or cutter; include examples and demonstrations in training.
• Inspect push devices regularly and replace them if worn or broken so they remain effective.

Also consider related machine safeguards and work practices in 1910.213 to reduce contact risks, and document training and provision of push devices as part of your safety program.

The knife blade of a jointer must not protrude more than one-eighth inch beyond the cylindrical body of the head. That requirement is stated in 1910.213(s)(12).

• Measure with the cutterhead stationary and use a straightedge or gauge across the head to verify no blade edge extends more than 1/8" (0.125 in) beyond the cylindrical body.
• Have any blade installation, sharpening, or adjustment done by persons of demonstrated skill, as required for saw blades and cutters in 1910.213(s)(6).
• After adjustment, run the machine empty at low speed to confirm smooth operation, then re-check blade projection and guarding before resuming production.

Keeping blades correctly set reduces kickback and excessive vibration and is a straightforward compliance step under 1910.213.

Under 1910.213(s)(3), any head that uses two or more knives must be properly balanced to prevent hazardous vibration and unsafe operation. Proper balancing reduces the risk of cutterhead vibration that can damage bearings and cause loss of control.

• Keep bearings free from lost motion and well lubricated as required in 1910.213(s)(4), because worn or poorly lubricated bearings worsen imbalance hazards.
• Inspect cutterheads regularly for nicks, cracks, or loose knives; remove cracked saws or damaged cutters from service immediately (1910.213(s)(8)).
• Use qualified personnel to sharpen, tension, or replace cutters per 1910.213(s)(6), and follow manufacturer procedures when balancing after changes.

Regular maintenance, correct balancing, and following these specific provisions of 1910.213 together keep cutterheads running safely and reduce mechanical failure risks.