Woodworking machinery and equipment

Scope

OSHA’s guarding requirements for woodworking machinery apply to all employers in General Industry who have workers using the equipment.

Regulatory citations

• 29 CFR 1910.213 — Woodworking equipment (OSHA’s 1910.212 and 1910.219 requirements can also be applicable)

Key definitions

• Block: A short block of wood, provided with a handle similar to that of a plane and a shoulder at the rear end, which is used for pushing short stock over revolving cutters.
• Point of operation: That point at which cutting, shaping, boring, or forming is accomplished upon the stock.
• Push stick: A narrow strip of wood or other soft material with a notch cut into one end and which is used to push short pieces of material through saws.

Summary of requirements

Employers must:

• Ensure employees use appropriate equipment for the job.
• Ensure employees use machines only for work within the rated capacity specified by the machine manufacturer.
• Use the correct tools on a given machine. For example, when using a circular saw, use the correct blade for the required cutting action. Similarly, you must only mount blades, cutter heads, or collars on machine arbors that have been accurately sized and shaped to fit these parts.
• Train workers on machine use and allow only trained and authorized workers to operate and maintain the equipment.
• Frequently inspect equipment and guards.
• Ensure workers use equipment only when guards are in place and in working order.
• Provide workers with push sticks or other hand tools so that their hands are away from the point of operation when they work on small pieces of stock.
• Ensure workers use a brush or stick to clean sawdust and scrap from a machine.
• Provide regular preventive maintenance.
• Instruct workers to never leave a machine unattended in the “on” position.
• Maintain proper housekeeping.
• Do not allow workers to wear loose clothing or long hair.
• Prohibit workers from sawing freehand. Workers should always hold the stock against a gauge or fence.
• Select and ensure workers use appropriate PPE.
• Perform servicing and maintenance under an energy control program in accordance with the Control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout), 29 CFR 1910.147, standard.