Woodworking Machinery

Understanding This Standard

OSHA standard 1910.213, 'Woodworking machinery requirements,' sets forth critical safety provisions for various types of woodworking equipment used in general industry. This standard aims to prevent injuries such as amputations, lacerations, and crushing injuries that can occur from unguarded machinery, unexpected startups, or improper operational procedures.

The standard covers a wide range of machines, including circular saws, band saws, jointers, planers, shapers, and sanders, detailing specific guarding requirements for each. For instance, circular hand-fed ripsaws must have an automatically adjusting hood that covers the part of the saw above the table and a spreader and anti-kickback fingers. Crosscut saws require guards that cover the entire blade when in the idle position. Band saws need guards for all portions of the blade except the working portion between the guide and the table. Jointers must have an automatic guard covering the unused portion of the knife head. Planers and shapers also have specific guarding and operational requirements to prevent contact with cutting heads and to ensure material is securely held.

Common violations of 1910.213 frequently involve absent or inadequate machine guarding, which is a leading cause of severe injuries. Other violations include failure to maintain guards in proper working order, not providing appropriate anti-kickback devices, and operating machinery without necessary safety features like spreaders on saws. Lack of proper lockout/tagout procedures for maintenance or blade changes, though primarily covered under 1910.147, can also be a contributing factor to incidents involving woodworking machinery if safeguards are bypassed. The average penalty of $240 indicates that while many violations might be considered less severe, the potential for high penalties, as shown by the max single penalty of $134,937, highlights that serious, willful, or repeat violations involving significant hazards are met with substantial fines.

To comply with 1910.213, employers must ensure all woodworking machinery is equipped with the specified guards and safety devices as outlined in the standard. This includes maintaining these guards, ensuring they are correctly used, and replacing any damaged or missing components immediately. Employers should also implement a regular inspection and maintenance program for all woodworking machinery, provide comprehensive training to employees on safe operating procedures, machine-specific hazards, and the proper use of guards. Furthermore, ensuring that only authorized and trained personnel operate this equipment is crucial for preventing accidents and maintaining a safe working environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of woodworking machinery are covered by OSHA 1910.213?

OSHA 1910.213 covers a broad range of woodworking machinery, including various types of circular saws (ripsaws, crosscut saws), band saws, jointers, shapers, planers, tenoning machines, boring and mortising machines, and sanding machines. Each type has specific guarding and operational requirements detailed within the standard.

What are the most common violations of 1910.213?

The most common violations typically involve absent or inadequate machine guarding, such as missing blade guards on saws, lack of anti-kickback devices, or improperly maintained guards. Other frequent issues include failure to provide or ensure the use of spreaders on ripsaws and not properly guarding the unused portion of jointer knife heads.

How can employers ensure compliance with OSHA 1910.213?

Employers can ensure compliance by regularly inspecting all woodworking machinery to verify that guards and safety devices are in place and functional. They must provide and maintain appropriate guards for all equipment as specified by the standard, train employees on safe operating procedures and the proper use of guards, and ensure that only authorized and trained personnel operate the machinery. Implementing a preventative maintenance schedule is also key to keeping equipment in safe working order.