1
MIOSHA-STD-1125 (02/18)
16 Pages
For further information
Ph: 517-284-7740
www.michigan.gov/mioshastandards
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY
GENERAL INDUSTRY STANDARD
Filed with the Secretary of State on November 1, 1971 (as amended July 5, 1974) (as amended August 31, 1976)
(as amended April 2, 1979) (as amended December 8, 1980) (as amended May 17, 1983)
(as amended February 18, 1997) (as amended April 5, 2013) (as amended February 13, 2018)
These rules become effective immediately upon filing with the Secretary of State
unless adopted under section 33, 44, or 45a(6) of 1969 PA 306.
Rules adopted under those sections become effective 7 days after filing with the Secretary of State.
(By authority conferred on the director of the department of licensing and regulatory affairs
by sections 16 and 21 of 1974 PA 154, MCL 408.1016 and 408.1021,
and Executive Reorganization Order Nos. 1996-2, 2003-1, 2008-4, and 2011-4,
MCL 445.2001, 445.2011, 445.2025, and 445.2030)
R 408.12701, R 408.12702, R 408.12711, R 408.12712, R 408.12714, R 408.12717, R 408.12718, R 408.12719,
R 408.12724, R 408.12726, R 408.12727, R 408.12728, R 408.12730, R 408.12733, R 408.12736, R 408.12739,
R 408.12741, R 408.12755, R 408.12759, R 408.12761, R 408.12767, R 408.12773, R 408.12781, R 408.12784,
R 408.12791, R 408.12792, R 408.12793, and R 408.12798 of the Michigan Administrative Code are amended,
as follows:
PART 27, WOODWORKING MACHINERY
Table of Contents:
GENERAL PROVISIONS ............................................ 2
R 408.12701 Scope. .................................................... 2
R 408.12702 Referenced MIOSHA standards. ............ 2
R 408.12705 Definitions A to C. .................................. 2
R 408.12706 Definitions D to J. ................................... 2
R 408.12707 Definitions M to P. .................................. 2
R 408.12708 Definitions R to T. ................................... 3
R 408.12709 Definitions V, W. ..................................... 3
PLANT LAYOUT ......................................................... 3
R 408.12711 Plant layout; machinery .......................... 3
R 408.12712 Plant layout; floors and aisles. ............... 3
MACHINES AND EQUIPMENT................................... 3
R 408.12714 Machines and equipment; construction. 3
R 408.12716 Machines and equipment; controls. ....... 3
R 408.12717 Machines and equipment; self feed. ...... 3
SAWS .......................................................................... 4
R 408.12718 Saws generally. ...................................... 4
R 408.12719 Saws; speeds. ........................................ 4
R 408.12720 Cracked blades. ..................................... 4
R 408.12721 Saws; circular. ........................................ 4
R 408.12722 Circular saw guards. .............................. 4
R 408.12723 Circular saw spreaders. ......................... 4
R 408.12724 Non-kickback fingers or dogs. ................ 4
R 408.12725 Multiple arbor saw guards. ..................... 4
R 408.12726 Circular re-saw guards. .......................... 4
R 408.12727 Self-fed circular saw hoods. .................. 5
R 408.12728 Swing and sliding cut-off saws. ............. 5
R 408.12729 Inverted swing cut-off, jump saws,
underslung saws. .................................................. 7
R 408.12730 Radial saws. .......................................... 8
R 408.12731 Portable circular saws.......................... 10
R 408.12732 Band saws. .......................................... 10
R 408.12733 Band re-saw; feed rolls. ....................... 10
JOINTERS AND PLANERS ..................................... 10
R 408.12736 Jointers and planers; general. ............. 10
R 408.12737 Jointers; guards. .................................. 10
R 408.12739 Tenoning machines and automatic
edge banders. ..................................................... 10
R 408.12740 Double and tenoner drives. ................. 11
R 408.12741 Hold downs. ......................................... 11
R 408.12742 Hand fed tenoners. .............................. 11
R 408.12744 Boring and mortising machines. .......... 11
R 408.12751 Wood shapers. ..................................... 12
R 408.12752 Double spindle shapers. ...................... 12
R 408.12755 Planing, molding, sticking, and
matching machines. ............................................ 12
R 408.12756 Feed rolls. ............................................ 12
R 408.12759 Lathes. ................................................. 12
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SANDING MACHINES .............................................. 12
R 408.12761 Sanding machines. ............................... 12
R 408.12762 Drum sanding machines. ..................... 12
R 408.12763 Disk sanding machines. ....................... 12
R 408.12764 Belt sanding machines. ........................ 13
WOODWORKING MACHINES ................................. 13
R 408.12767 Combination or universal woodworking
machines. ............................................................ 13
R 408.12768 Routers. ................................................ 13
R 408.12769 Roll type glue spreaders. ..................... 13
R 408.12770 Other machines not excluded. ............. 13
R 408.12773 Veneer steaming and soaking vats. ..... 13
R 408.12774 Vat loading and unloading. ................... 13
R 408.12776 Ventilation. ............................................ 13
R 408.12781 Drag saws. ........................................... 13
VENEER MACHINES................................................ 13
R 408.12784 Veneer cutters. .................................... 13
R 408.12785 Veneer clippers. ................................... 14
R 408.12786 Veneer splicer. ..................................... 14
R 408.12787 Veneer jointers. .................................... 14
OPERATING RULES ................................................ 14
R 408.12791 Operating rules; inspection and
maintenance. ...................................................... 14
R 408.12792 Operating rules; selection of machines.14
R 408.12793 Operating rules; saw. ........................... 14
R 408.12795 Operating rules; jointers....................... 15
R 408.12796 Operating rules; lathes......................... 15
R 408.12797 Guard substitutes. ................................ 15
R 408.12798 Clothing. ............................................... 15
GENERAL PROVISIONS
R 408.12701 Scope.
Rule 2701. This standard establishes standards for
the safe installation, operation and maintenance of
woodworking machinery and equipment, including the
making of veneer. This standard applies to point of
operation hazards on woodworking machinery.
R 408.12702 Referenced MIOSHA standards.
Rule 2702. The following Michigan Occupational
Safety and Health Administrative (MIOSHA) standards
are referenced in these rules. Up to 5 copies of these
standards may be obtained at no charge from the
Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory
Affairs, MIOSHA Regulatory Services Section, 530
West Allegan Street, P.O. Box 30643, Lansing,
Michigan, 48909-8143 or via the internet at website:
www.michigan.gov/mioshastandards. For quantities
greater than 5, the cost, at the time of adoption of these
rules, is 4 cents per page.
(a) General Industry Safety and Health Standard
Part 2 “Walking-Working Surfaces,” R 408.10201 to
R 408.10241.
(b) General Industry Safety Standard Part 7
‘Guards for Power Transmission,’ R 408.10701 to
R 408.10765.
R 408.12705 Definitions A to C.
Rule 2705. (1) “Aisle” means a path of travel for
vehicles and employees.
(2) “Band saw” means a machine equipped with
a lower and an upper wheel on which a continuous
blade rides and past which the material is pushed.
(3) “Block” means a short block of wood, provided
with a handle similar to that of a plane and a shoulder at
the rear end and used for pushing stock over revolving
cutters.
(4) “Circular saw” means a machine with a table
to support the material and with a circular blade and
used for ripping, cross-cutting, dadoing and rabbeting.
(5) “Combination or universal machine” means a
machine combining several operations, including but
not limited to sawing, jointing and drilling.
(6) “Cutter head” means a powered holder for a
cutting blade.
R 408.12706 Definitions D to J.
Rule 2706. (1) “Drag Saw” means a chain saw on
which an end of the chain arm is held at a fixed point
with the opposite end moving in an arc downward
through a log.
(2) “Guillotine veneer cutter” means a machine
with a blade which cuts veneer by moving downward
through the material, similar to a metal shear.
(3) “Interlocked barrier” means a guard attached
to a machine and interlocked so that if the guard is not
in place the machine will not start or, if running, the
power will be cut off.
(4) “Inverted cut-off, jump saw” or “underslung
saw” means a machine similar to a circular saw except
the blade moves through stationary material.
(5) “Jointer” means a machine with a revolving
cutter head set into an adjustable table over which the
material is moved over the cutter head.
R 408.12707 Definitions M to P.
Rule 2707. (1) “Molding or sticker machine” means a
machine equipped with revolving cutter heads and used
to cut irregular contours on straight strips of wood.
(2) “Mortiser” means a boring machine used to
cut square or rectangular holes.
(3) “Planer” means a machine with a revolving
cutter head set above an adjustable table on which
material is passed under the cutter head by powered
rollers.
(4) “Point of operation” means the area of a
machine where material is actually worked.
(5) “Profile or swing head lathe” means a machine
with multiple fixed knives suspended from a carriage
over revolving stock which shapes the stock to a
predetermined design.
(6) “Push stick” means a narrow strip of wood or
other soft material with a notch or sharp point on 1 end
which is used to push material through a point of
operation.
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R 408.12708 Definitions R to T.
Rule 2708. (1) “Radial saw” means a machine with a
circular blade suspended from a horizontal arm which is
pulled through the material.
(2) “Revolving tool lathe” means a lathe where
revolving multiple cutters shape cut revolving stock held
between 2 points.
(3) “Router” means a machine with a revolving
vertical cutter and a motor suspended over a table and
used to cut to a predetermined design.
(4) “Run” means the distance from pulley to
pulley.
(5) “Swing saw” means a machine suspended
above a table and equipped with a circular blade which
swings forward from an overhead pivot point.
(6) “Tenoner” means a machine equipped with
horizontal and vertical circular blades to cut tenon and
perform trimming operations.
R 408.12709 Definitions V, W.
Rule 2709. (1) “Veneer clipper” means a machine
which cuts multiple layers of veneer to predetermined
sizes.
(2) “Veneer jointer” means a machine which
machines the edges of veneer.
(3) “Veneer rotary lathe” means a machine which
peels thin pieces of veneer from a log as it revolves past
a blade.
(4) “Veneer slicer” means a machine which cuts
the pieces of veneer from a log by moving a vertical
blade against the log.
(5) “Veneer splicer” means a machine which
glues veneer along the edges to make a larger piece.
(6) “Walkway” means a path of travel for foot
traffic only.
PLANT LAYOUT
R 408.12711 Plant layout; machinery
Rule 2711. (1) A machine shall be located to allow
space in which to handle material without interference
from or to employees or machines. A machine shall not
be so placed to require the operator to stand in an aisle
unless protection is provided.
(2) A machine shall be secured to a floor,
foundation, bench, table or stand of sufficient strength
and design to prevent overturning or unintentional
movement. This subrule does not apply to portable hand
tools.
(3) A machine shall be located so that light of 50
foot-candle power minimum intensity from both natural
and artificial light falls on the work. Supplementary
illumination at the point of operation shall be provided
where necessary.
R 408.12712 Plant layout; floors and aisles.
Rule 2712. (1) An aisle for powered traffic moving in 1
direction at a time shall be not less than the width of the
widest vehicle or load plus 3 feet.
(2) An aisle for powered traffic moving in 2
directions at a time shall be not less than twice the width
of the widest vehicle or load plus 3 feet.
(3) Lines shall be painted on the floor, or a similar
method may be used to mark an aisle.
(4) This rule applies to an aisle in a new layout
after November 15, 1971.
(5) An existing aisle shall comply with this rule by
January 1, 1973.
MACHINES AND EQUIPMENT
R 408.12714 Machines and equipment;
construction.
Rule 2714. (1) The height of the table or working
surface of a machine, auxiliary table, and supports shall
be designed to provide for safety of the operator. An
auxiliary table or supports shall be provided so that large
or unwieldy pieces can be handled safely.
(2) The vibration of a machine shall not create a
hazard to the operator.
(3) An arbor and mandrel shall have a firm and
secure bearing.
(4) The frames and all exposed metal parts of
electric woodworking machinery shall be grounded. A
portable motor driving an electric tool shall be grounded
unless it has approved double insulation.
R 408.12716 Machines and equipment; controls.
Rule 2716. (1) A machine shall have a mechanical or
electrical power control to permit the operator to cut off
the power from the machine without leaving his or her
position at the work station.
(2) A woodworking machine shall not automatically
restart upon restoration of power after a power failure. A
machine wired to a 110 volt line before November 15,
1971, is excepted from this rule.
(3) Operating controls shall be located within reach
of the operator while the operator is at his or her regular
work station, making it unnecessary to reach over the
cutters. The controls shall be installed to eliminate the
danger of accidental activation. This subrule does not
apply to a constant pressure control used only for setup
purposes.
R 408.12717 Machines and equipment; self-feed.
Rule 2717. Automatic feeding devices on a machine
should be installed where the nature of the work will
permit. The feed rolls or other moving parts on a feeder
attachment shall be covered or guarded to protect the
operator from in-running nip points.
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SAWS
R 408.12718 Saws generally.
Rule 2718. (1) A cut-off saw that strokes automatically
without the operator's control of each stroke shall have
a guard to keep the operator's hands from coming in
contact with a blade.
(2) An automatic cut-off saw that strokes
continuously without the operator being able to control
each stroke shall not be used.
(3) To avoid overspeed caused by mounting a
saw larger than intended, lugs shall be cast on saw
frame or tables or another means shall be provided to
limit the saw blade size that can be mounted.
(4) A circular saw fence shall be firmly secured to
the table or table assembly without changing its
alignment with the saw. For a saw with a tilting table or
tilting arbor, the fence shall remain in alignment with the
saw, regardless of the angle of the saw with the table.
(5) To insure exact alignment with the saw for all
positions of the gauge, a circular saw gauge shall slide
in grooves or tracks which are accurately machined.
(6) A hinged saw table in use shall be firmly
secured in position and in true alignment with the saw.
R 408.12719 Saws; speeds.
Rule 2719. (1) The operating speed as designated by
the manufacturer shall be etched or otherwise
permanently marked on a circular saw blade more than
20 inches in diameter. A saw blade shall not be operated
at a higher speed than shown on the blade.
(2) When a marked saw blade is re-tensioned for
a different speed, the marking shall be corrected to
show the new speed.
R 408.12720 Cracked blades.
Rule 2720. A cracked curricular saw blade shall not be
repaired or used.
R 408.12721 Saws; circular.
Rule 2721. The exposed part of the saw blade either
beneath or behind a table shall be covered with an
exhaust hood. If an exhaust system is not required, the
exposed part shall be covered with a guard arranged to
prevent accidental contact with the saw.
R 408.12722 Circular saw guards.
Rule 2722. (1) A circular saw shall have a hood type
guard covering the blade at all times when not in use.
(2) When in use, the hood type guard shall
enclose that part of the blade above the table and that
part of the blade above the material by adjusting
automatically to the thickness of the material being cut,
or it may be a fixed or manually adjusted hood type
guard if the hood remains in contact with the material.
(3) A hood type guard shall be made of 14 gauge
metal or thicker. Plastic may be used if it can resist
blows and strains incidental to reasonable operation,
adjusting and handling and is designed to protect the
operator from flying splinters and broken saw teeth.
(4) The guard shall be made of material soft
enough so that it will be unlikely to cause tooth
breakage.
(5) The hood shall be mounted so that its
operation will be positive, reliable and in true alignment
with the saw. The mounting shall be of sufficient
strength to resist any reasonable side thrust or other
force tending to throw it out of line.
(6) Where a hood type guard cannot be used
because of unusual shapes or cuts, a jig or fixture
providing equal safety of the operator shall be used. On
the completion of these operations, the guard shall be
replaced immediately.
(7) A push stick shall be used in cutting short or
narrow stock.
R 408.12723 Circular saw spreaders.
Rule 2723. A hand fed circular rip saw shall have a
spreader to prevent material from squeezing the saw or
being thrown back at the operator. The spreader shall
be made of steel, or its equivalent, and shall be thinner
than the saw kerf and slightly thicker than the saw disk.
It shall be at least 1 inch wide at the table to provide
adequate stiffness or rigidity to resist any reasonable
side thrust or blow tending to bend or throw it out of
position. The spreader shall be attached so it will remain
in true alignment with the saw even when either the saw
or table is tilted. It should be placed so there is not more
than 1/2 inch space between the spreader and the back
of the saw when the largest saw is mounted in the
machine. If a blade smaller than maximum permissible
size is used, the spreader shall be moved to within 1/2
inch of the blade. A spreader need not be used in
connection with grooving, dadoing or rabbeting. On the
completion of such operations, the spreader shall be
replaced immediately.
R 408.12724 Non-kickback fingers or dogs.
Rule 2724. A hand fed circular rip saw shall have
non-kickback fingers or dogs located to oppose the
thrust or tendency of the saw to pick up the material or
to throw it back at the operator. Non-kickback fingers or
dogs shall be designed to provide holding power for all
the thicknesses of material being cut.
R 408.12725 Multiple arbor saw guards.
Rule 2725. Revolving multiple arbor saws shall be fully
guarded in accordance with R 408.12722.
R 408.12726 Circular re-saw guards.
Rule 2726. (1) A circular re-saw shall be guarded by a
hood type guard or shield of metal above the saw. This
guard or shield shall comply with R 408.12722.
(2) Each circular re-saw, except self-feed saws
with a roller or wheel at back of the saw, shall have a
spreader fastened securely behind the saw. The
spreader shall be thinner than the saw kerf and slightly
thicker than the saw disk.
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R 408.12727 Self-fed circular saw hoods.
Rule 2727. (1) In addition to guards over blades, as
specified in R 408.12722, feed rolls on a self-feed
circular saw shall be protected by a hood or guard to
prevent the hands of the operator from coming in
contact with the in-running rolls at any point. The guard
shall be constructed of not less than 14-gauge sheet
metal or the equivalent, and the bottom of the guard
shall come down to within 3/8-inch of the plane formed
by the bottom of working surfaces or the feed rolls. This
distance may be increased to 3/4-inch if the lead edge
of the hood is extended to not less than 5
1/2-inches in front of the nip point between the front roll
and the work.
(2) A self-feed circular rip saw shall have
sectional non-kickback fingers along the full width of the
feed rolls. They shall be located in front of the saw and
arranged to be in continual contact with the wood being
fed.
R 408.12728 Swing and sliding cut-off saws.
Rule 2728. (1) Swing and sliding cut-off saws or any
other saw mounted above the table, except radial saws,
shall have a hood-type guard designed so the upper half
of the blade, arbor, and nut will be covered at all times.
A hood-type guard or a device shall cover the lower half
of the blade. It shall automatically adjust to the thickness
of the stock. It shall remain in contact with the stock or
table as it moves forward to cut or returns to the back of
the table. It shall be constructed of not less than 14
gauge sheet metal or equivalent material and designed
to protect the operator from flying splinters and broken
saw teeth.
(2) Where the saw is used by employees for
production-type repetitive cuts and the upper portion of
the blade, including the saw arbor, is completely
enclosed, in lieu of the self-adjusting lower blade guard
required by subrule (1) of this rule, a swing saw shall be
guarded by 1 of the following methods:
(a) A box-type guard as prescribed in Figure 1.
(b) A fixed or adjustable barrier guard which
protects the operator from inadvertently coming in
contact with the saw teeth of the bottom portion, from
the front or sides, of the blade.
(c) A self-adjusting guard as prescribed in Figure
1A or 1B that will prevent employee exposure to the
front of the saw blade by dropping onto the work piece
before the blade starts the cut and remains in contact
with the work piece until the saw is returned to the back
of the table.
(3) A swing cut-off saw shall have an effective
device to return the saw automatically to the back of the
table when released at any point in its travel. The device
shall not depend upon any rope, cord, or spring for its
proper functioning. A device shall be installed which
prevents a rebound of the saw blade. If there is a
counterweight, bolts supporting the bar and
counterweight shall have cotter pins and the
counterweight shall be prevented from dropping by a
bolt passing through both the bar and counterweight or
a bolt put through the extreme end of the bar, or where
the counterweight does not encircle the bar, a safety
chain attached to it. If the counterweight is exposed to
contact, it shall be enclosed by a guard to the floor area
guard that will hold twice the weight of the
counterweight.
(4) A swing cut-off saw shall have limit chains or
other equally effective devices to prevent the saw from
swinging beyond the front or back edges of the table, or
beyond a forward position where the gullets of the
lowest saw teeth will rise above the table top.
(5) A sliding cut-off saw may have the lower half
of the blade guarded as prescribed in Figure 1C in a
manner that will restrict employee exposure to the front
of the teeth by the guard dropping onto the work piece
before the teeth start the cut and remaining in contact
with the work piece until the saw is returned to the back
of the table or is adjusted to remain within 3/8 inch of the
work piece at all times.
(6) Instead of the self-adjusting lower blade guard
required by subrule (5) of this rule, the saw may be
stroked by use of constant pressure controls located so
that the operator cannot reach the saw blade. When the
saw blade has been returned to its rearmost position, a
lower enclosure or guard shall be provided to restrict
inadvertent contact.
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(7) Figures 1, 1A, 1B, and 1C read as follows:
FIGURES 1, 1A, 1B, 1C - SWING SAW GUARDING
FIGURE 1 - FOR SWING SAW ONLY
A = Must be twice the ‘C’ dimensions, min. 6”
B = 3/8” max.
C = Open, depends on stock thickness
D = 3/8” max.
E = 1/4" max. on each side of black
FIGURE 1A - SWING SAW HOOD
7
FIGURE 1B
FIGURE 1C - SLIDE CUT OFF SAW GUARDING
R 408.12729 Inverted swing cut-off, jump saws,
underslung saws.
Rule 2729. A hood type guard shall be securely
fastened to the table that will cover the blade when
running idle. The hood or guard shall extend not less
than 2 inches in front of the saw teeth when the blade is
in back position. A traveling guard shall move with the
blade over the material and cover the exposed part of
the blade above the material. The width of the hood shall
be limited to provide not more than 1/4-inch clearance
on each side of the blade.
8
R 408.12730 Radial saws.
Rule 2730. (1) The upper hood shall completely
enclose the upper portion of the blade down to a point
that will include the end of the saw arbor. The upper
hood shall be constructed of not less than 14 gauge
minimum sheet metal or equivalent material that will
protect the operator from flying splinters and broken saw
teeth and will deflect sawdust away from the operator.
The teeth of the lower exposed portion of the blade shall
be guarded to the full diameter of the blade by a device
that will automatically adjust itself to the thickness of the
stock and remain in contact with the stock being cut to
give maximum protection possible for the operation
being performed.
(2) In place of the requirements in subrule (1) of
this rule, which require that the sides of the lower
exposed portion of the blade be guarded by a device
that will automatically adjust itself to the thickness of the
stock being cut to give maximum protection possible for
the operation being performed, both of the following
apply:
(a) The employer is not required to provide an
automatically adjusting guard on that side of the lower
exposed portion of the blade where the distance
between the stock and the upper hood guard is less than
3/8 of an inch (lower side) for angle, bevel, or compound
level cuts.
(b) The employer may provide a specifically
designed jig or fixture to protect the lower exposed
portion of the blade in all cases where the distance
between the stock and the upper hood guard exceed 3/8
of an inch (lower side) for angle, bevel, or compound
bevel cuts. This specially designed jig or fixture shall
provide protection for the operator which is equal to or
greater than the protection required by subrule (1) of this
rule.
(3) A box-type guard as prescribed in Figure 2 or
a permanently mounted guard as prescribed in Figure 3
or other fixed or adjustable barrier guard that restricts
employee exposure to the saw teeth may be used to
protect the operator from inadvertently coming in
contact with the teeth of the bottom portion, from the
front or sides, of the blade in lieu of the self-adjusting
lower blade guard if the upper portion of the blade,
including the saw arbor, is completely enclosed.
(4) When radial saws are used for ripping, a
spreader should be provided to comply with
R 408.12723.
(5) Non-kickback fingers or dogs shall be located
on both sides of each radial saw used for ripping to
oppose the thrust or tendency of the saw to pick up the
material or throw it back toward the operator. They shall
be designed to provide adequate holding power for all
the thickness of material being cut.
(6) An adjustable stop shall be provided to
prevent the forward travel of the blade beyond the
position necessary to complete the cut in repetitive
operations. A limit chain or other equally effective device
shall be provided to prevent the saw blade from sliding
beyond the edge of the table or the table at that place
shall be extended to eliminate overrun. The front end of
the unit shall be slightly higher than the rear or shall
meet the requirements of R 408.12728(3), so as to
cause the cutting head to return gently to the starting
position when released by the operator. The slope shall
not be enough to cause rebound.
(7) Ripping and ploughing shall be against the
direction in which the saw turns. The direction of the saw
rotation shall be conspicuously marked on the hood. In
addition, a permanent label colored standard danger red
that is not less than 1-1/2 inches by 3/4 of an inch shall
be affixed to the rear of the guard at approximately the
level of the arbor. The label shall read as follows:
DANGER:
Do Not Rip or Plough From This End
9
(8) Figures 2 and 3 read as follows:
FIGURE 2
Dotted line in the bottom of guard shows possible relief
if teeth are not exposed.
FIGURE 3
Dim.
Description
Requirements
A
Width of guard between each side or front of blade to
outside edge of guard.
6 inches or twice “C”,
whichever is greater.
Note: This dimension should
be based on the greatest
anticipated “C” distance.
B
Distance between upper hood guard and box guard
(Fig.2) or bottom of mounted guard and stock (Fig. 3).
3/8-inch maximum.
C
Distance between top of work surface and bottom of
guard.
D
Distance between upper hood guard and fence.
3/8-inch maximum.
E
Distance allowed for saw blade travel in guard.
1/4-inch maximum on each
side of blade.
10
R 408.12731 Portable circular saws.
Rule 2731. A portable, power driven saw shall have
guards above and below the base plate or shoe. The
upper guard shall cover the saw to the depth of the
teeth, except for the minimum arc required to permit the
base to be tilted for bevel cuts. The lower guard shall
cover the saw to the depth of the teeth, except for the
minimum arc required to allow proper retraction and
contact with the work. When the tool is withdrawn from
the work, the lower guard shall automatically and
instantly return to the covering position.
R 408.12732 Band saws.
Rule 2732. (1) All portions of the band saw blade shall
be enclosed or guarded except for the working portion
of the blade between the bottom of the guide and the
table.
(2) A band saw wheel shall be fully encased. The
outside periphery of the enclosure shall be solid. The
front and back of the band wheels shall be enclosed by
either solid material, wire mesh, or perforated metal.
Mesh or perforated metal shall be not less than
0.037-inch (U.S. Gauge No. 20) and the openings shall
be not more than 3/8-inch. Solid material used for this
purpose shall be of an equivalent strength and firmness.
The upper wheel guard shall be made to conform to the
travel of the saw on the wheel. The top member of the
guard should have at least a 2-inch clearance outside
the saw and be lined with smooth material.
(3) A guard for the portion of the blade between
the sliding guide and the upper saw wheel guard shall
protect the saw blade at the front and outer side. The
guard shall be self-adjusting to raise and lower with the
guide.
(4) The sliding blade guide shall be kept to within
1/4-inch of the work piece.
R 408.12733 Band re-saw; feed rolls.
Rule 2733. Feed rolls of band re-saws shall be
protected with a suitable guard to prevent the hands of
the operator from coming in contact with the in-running
rolls at any point. The guard shall be constructed of 11
gauge sheet metal or stronger material, preferably
metal. The edge of the guard shall come to within 3/8
inch of the plane formed by the inside face of the feed
roll in contact with the stock being cut or the work table.
JOINTERS AND PLANERS
R 408.12736 Jointers and planers; general.
Rule 2736. (1) Each hand fed planer and jointer with a
horizontal or vertical head shall have a cylindrical cutting
head, the knife projection of which shall not extend more
than 1/8-inch beyond the cylindrical body of the head.
(2) Square cutting heads shall not be used on
jointers and planers.
(3) The opening in the jointer table shall be kept
as small as possible. The clearance between the edge
of the rear table and the cutter head shall be not more
than 1/8-inch. The table throat opening shall be not
more than 2 1/2 inches when tables are set or aligned
for zero cut.
(4) A proper push block shall be used when
jointing short or narrow stock.
R 408.12737 Jointers; guards.
Rule 2737. (1) A hand-fed jointer with a horizontal or
vertical cutting head shall have an automatic guard
covering all the sections of the cutting head on the
working side of the fence or gauge. The guard shall
effectively keep the operator’s hand from coming in
contact with the revolving knives. The guard shall adjust
itself automatically to cover the unused portion of the
head, and shall remain in contact with the material at all
times.
(2) A hand fed jointer with a horizontal cutting
head shall have a guard covering the section of the head
back of the gauge or fence.
(3) Each wood jointer with vertical head shall
have either an exhaust hood or other guard so arranged
as to enclose completely the revolving head, except for
a slot of such width as may be necessary and
convenient for the application of the material to be
jointed.
R 408.12739 Tenoning machines and automatic
edge banders.
Rule 2739. (1) A tenoning machine and an automatic
edge bander shall have all cutting heads and saws
covered by guards. The guards shall cover at least the
unused part of the periphery of the cutting head. If a
guard is constructed of sheet metal, the material used
shall be not less than 14 gauge in thickness. If cast iron
is used, it shall be not less than 3/16 inch in thickness.
Other materials of equivalent strength may be used. If
interlocked barriers are used at load and unload ends
the enclosure guards specified in this subrule need not
be used. It is not required that the above hoods retain a
thrown or broken knife.
(2) If an exhaust system is used on a tenoner or
edge bander, the guard shall form part or all of the
exhaust hood. It shall be constructed of material of a
thickness not less than that specified in subrule (1) of
this rule.
11
R 408.12740 Double and tenoner drives.
Rule 2740. (1) Feed chains and sprockets of double
end tenoning machines shall be completely enclosed,
as prescribed in General Industry Safety Standard, Part
7 “Guards for Power Transmission,” as referenced in
R 408.12702, except for that portion of chain used for
conveying the stock.
(2) At the rear ends of frames over which feed
conveyors run, sprockets and chains shall be guarded
at the sides by plates projecting beyond the periphery of
sprockets and the ends of lugs.
(3) The unloading end of the frame over which the
feed conveyors run shall be extended so the material,
as it leaves the machine, will be guided to a point where
the operator cannot reach the point of operation.
R 408.12741 Hold downs.
Rule 2741. Hold downs shall be guarded with an
enclosure to within 1/4 inch of the work piece or in
accordance with Table 1.
TABLE 1
Distance of Opening From
Point of Operation Hazard
Maximum Width of Opening
1/2" to 1 1/2"
1/4"
1 1/2" to 2 1/2"
3/8"
2 1/2" to 3 1/2"
1/2"
3 1/2" to 5 1/2"
5/8"
5 1/2" to 6 1/2"
3/4"
6 1/2" to 7 1/2"
7/8"
7 1/2" to 12 1/2"
1 1/4"
12 1/2" to 15 1/2"
1 1/2"
15 1/2" to 17 1/2"
1 7/8"
17 1/2" to 31 1/2"
2 1/8"
This table shows the distances that guards shall be positioned
from the danger line in accordance with the required feed openings.
R 408.12742 Hand fed tenoners.
Rule 2742. Hand fed tenoning machines shall have a
clamping or hold down device on the fixture to help the
operator hold the material being cut.
R 408.12744 Boring and mortising machines.
Rule 2744. (1) A safety bit chuck without projecting set
screws shall be used on a boring or mortising machine.
(2) Boring bits should have a guard enclosing all
portions of the bit and chuck above the material being
worked.
(3) The top of the cutting chain and driving
mechanism on a chain mortiser shall be enclosed.
(4) If there is a counterweight, it shall be guarded
as prescribed in R 408.12728(2).
(5) Universal joints and spindles of boring
machines shall be guarded to prevent accidental contact
by the operator.
12
R 408.12751 Wood shapers.
Rule 2751. (1) The cutting heads of a wood shaper,
hand fed panel raiser or a similar machine not
automatically fed shall be enclosed with a cage or
adjustable guard designed to prevent contact with cutter
blades by the operator’s hands. The diameter of circular
shaper guards shall be not less than the greatest
diameter of the cutter. A warning device of leather or
other material shall not be attached to the spindle.
Prototype operations, involving a single item, where an
usual configuration precludes the use of a guard, is
exempt from this rule.
(2) Templates, jigs, and fixtures that remove the
operator’s hands from the point of operation shall be
used when the nature of the work permits such use.
R 408.12752 Double spindle shapers.
Rule 2752. Double spindle shapers shall be provided
with a spindle starting and stopping the device for each
spindle.
R 408.12755 Planing, molding, sticking, and
matching machines.
Rule 2755. (1) Each planing, molding, sticking, and
matching machine shall have all cutting heads and saws
covered by a metal guard. If the guard is constructed of
sheet metal, the material used shall be not less than 14
gauge in thickness or the equivalent. If cast iron is used,
it shall be not less than 3/16 inch in thickness. It is not
required that the hoods retain a thrown or broken knife.
(2) If an exhaust system is used, the guards shall
form part or all of the exhaust hood and shall be
constructed of metal of a thickness not less than that
specified in subrule (1) of this rule.
R 408.12756 Feed rolls.
Rule 2756. (1) A feed roll on a planing, molding,
sticking or matching machine shall be guarded by a
hood or suitable guard to prevent the hands of the
operator from coming in contact with the in-running rolls
at any point. The guard shall be fastened to the frame
carrying the rolls so as to remain in adjustment for any
thickness of stock.
(2) Surfacers or planers used in thicknessing
multiple pieces of material simultaneously shall have
sectional infeed rolls with sufficient yield in the
construction of the sections to provide feeding contact
pressure on the stock over the permissible range of
variation in stock thickness specified or for which the
machine is designed. In lieu of the yielding sectional
rolls, suitable section kickback finger devices shall be
provided at the infeed end.
R 408.12759 Lathes.
Rule 2759. (1) A profile or swing-head lathe shall have
all cutting heads covered by a metal guard. If the guard
is constructed of sheet metal, the material used shall be
not less than 14 gauge in thickness or equivalent. If cast
iron is used, it shall be not less than 3/16 inch in
thickness. It is not required that the hoods retain a
thrown or broken knife.
(2) Cutting heads on wood-turning lathes,
whether rotating or not, shall be covered as completely
as possible by hoods or shields, which should be hinged
to the machines so they can be moved back for making
adjustments.
(3) Shoe-last and spoke lathes, doweling
machines, wood-heel turning machines, and other
automatic wood-turning lathes of the rotating knife type
shall be equipped with hoods enclosing the cutter
blades completely, except at the contact points, while
the stock is being cut.
(4) A revolving tool lathe used for turning stock
held between the 2 centers shall be equipped with
guards extending over the tops of the tool in order to
prevent the work pieces from being thrown out of the
machines if they become loose.
(5) A revolving tool lathe shall be equipped with a
suction hood properly connected to an exhaust system.
The hood shall be formed over the revolving tools to
serve as a guard. They shall be constructed of metal of
a thickness not less than that specified in subrule (1) of
this rule.
SANDING MACHINES
R 408.12761 Sanding machines.
Rule 2761. Feed rolls of self-feed sanding machines
shall be protected with a semi-cylindrical guard to
prevent the hands of the operator from coming in
contact with the in-running rolls at any point. The guard
shall be constructed of not less than 18 gauge sheet
metal or stronger material, preferably metal, and shall
be firmly secured to the frame carrying the rolls to
remain in adjustment for any thickness of stock. The
bottom of the guard should come down to within 3/8
inch of a plane formed by the bottom or contact face of
the feed roll where it touches the stock.
R 408.12762 Drum sanding machines.
Rule 2762. A drum sanding machine shall have an
exhaust hood, or other guard if an exhaust system is not
required, arranged to enclose the revolving drum,
except for that portion of the drum above the table.
R 408.12763 Disk sanding machines.
Rule 2763. A disk sanding machine shall have the
exhaust hood, or other guard if an exhaust system is not
required, arranged to enclose the revolving disk, except
for that portion of the disk above the table. The distance
between the disk and the table edge shall be not more
than 1/4-inch.
13
R 408.12764 Belt sanding machines.
Rule 2764. (1) Belt sanders shall have all pulleys
enclosed including sides and periphery except the
working end of an edge sander. An exhaust hood may
be part of the guard.
(2) The edges of the unused run of the belt shall
be guarded.
(3) These guards shall effectively prevent the
hands or fingers of the operator from coming in contact
with the nip points.
WOODWORKING MACHINES
R 408.12767 Combination or universal
woodworking machines.
Rule 2767. On combination or universal woodworking
machines, each point of operation shall be guarded as
specified in the rules of this standard for each separate
machine. The machines shall have a separate stopping
and starting device for each point of operation.
R 408.12768 Routers.
Rule 2768. The pulleys, spindles and cutting tools on
routers shall be guarded. Turn plates, jigs and fixtures
requiring the operator’s hands to be removed from the
point of operation may be used as a point of operation
guard.
R 408.12769 Roll type glue spreaders.
Rule 2769. (1) The feed rolls on a roll type glue
spreader shall be guarded at all nip points. The bottom
of the guard at the feed side shall come to within
3/8-inch of a plane formed by bottom or contact face of
the feed roll where it touches the stock.
(2) A reversing bar or switch or a kick plate may
be used in addition to the nip guard.
(3) The rolls shall be fully opened when they are
being cleaned.
(4) A long- handled brush or swab shall be used
to clean them.
R 408.12770 Other machines not excluded.
Rule 2770. The mention of specific machines in
R 408.12721 to R 408.12769 does not exclude other
woodworking machines from the requirement that
suitable guards and exhaust hoods be provided to
reduce to a minimum the hazard due to the point of
operation of these machines.
R 408.12773 Veneer steaming and soaking vats.
Rule 2773. If the size of the stock handled permits, the
size of the vat sections should be 9 feet or less.
R 408.12774 Vat loading and unloading.
Rule 2774. Either or both of the following means shall
be used in loading and unloading veneer steam and
soaking vats:
(a) Mechanical handling or conveying equipment
shall be provided and designed so the logs are removed
without the assistance of an employee at the edge of the
veneer steam and soaking vat.
(b) The floor surface at the sides of the vats being
used shall be anti-slip.
R 408.12776 Ventilation.
Rule 2776. (1) Veneer steam and soaking vats should
be located in buildings or in special sheds heated in cold
weather to keep the amount of steam at a minimum.
(2) Means shall be provided to ventilate buildings
in which steam and soaking vats are located. High
ceilings with roof ventilators or louvers are desirable.
Where ceilings or roofs are under 15 feet, exhaust fans
shall be provided.
R 408.12781 Drag saws.
Rule 2781. A drag saw shall be located at allow at
least a 4-foot clearance for passage where the saw is at
the extreme end of the stroke. If such clearance is not
obtainable, the saw and its driving mechanism shall be
provided with a guardrail system as prescribed in
General Industry Safety and Health Standard Part 2
“Walking-Working Surfaces,” as referenced in
R 408.12702.
VENEER MACHINES
R 408.12784 Veneer cutters.
Rule 2784. (1) Slicer knives shall be guarded at both
front and rear to prevent accidental contact with the
knife edge.
(2) Veneer slicers and rotary veneer cutting
lathes shall be shut off when logs are inserted or
adjustments are made.
(3) Operators shall not ride the carriage of a
veneer slicer.
(4) Power driven guillotine veneer cutters shall
have 1 or both of the following:
(a) Starting devices that require the simultaneous
action of both hands to start the cutting motion and of at
least 1 hand on a control during the complete stroke of
the knife.
(b) An automatic guard that will remove the hands
of the operator from the danger zone at every descent
of the blade, used in conjunction with 1 hand starting
devices that require 2 distinct movements of the device
to start the cutting motion and designed to return
positively to the non-starting position after each
complete cycle of the knife.
14
(5) Where 2 or more employees are engaged at
the same time on the same power driven guillotine
veneer cutter, the veneer machine shall have 2 hand
controls for each employee and the device shall be
arranged so each employee is required to use both
hands simultaneously on the controls to start the cutting
motion and at least 1 hand of each employee on a
control to complete the cut.
(6) Power driven guillotine veneer cutters, other
than continuous trimmers, shall be provided with an
emergency device to prevent the machine from
operating in the event of failure of the brake when the
starting mechanism is in the non-starting position, in
addition to the brake or other stopping mechanism.
(7) Where practicable, hand and foot-power
guillotine veneer cutters shall be provided with rods or
plates, or other satisfactory means, so arranged on the
feeding side that the hands cannot reach the cutting
edge of the knife while feeding or holding the stock in
place.
(8) If veneer slicers or rotary veneer-cutting
machines are shut down for the purpose of inserting
logs or making adjustments, operators shall ensure that
the machine is clear and other workmen are not in a
hazardous position before starting the machine.
R 408.12785 Veneer clippers.
Rule 2785. (1) A veneer clipper shall have a guard to
keep the fingers from the point of operation while
feeding or removing the stock.
(2) The sprockets on a chain or slat belt conveyor
of a veneer clipper shall be enclosed. It is recommended
that conveyors or traveling tables be installed to remove
material from clippers.
(3) Where 2 or more operators work on a veneer
clipper, each shall have a control button which must be
pressed simultaneously to activate the machine.
R 408.12786 Veneer splicer.
Rule 2786. A veneer splicer shall have a barrier at the
feed end to keep fingers from the in-running pinch point.
R 408.12787 Veneer jointers.
Rule 2787. Saw blades and vertical heads on a veneer
jointer shall be enclosed and 2 hand controls shall be
provided for each operator and shall be held down until
the cut is complete. Pinch points formed by a movable
bed shall be guarded.
OPERATING RULES
R 408.12791 Operating rules; inspection and
maintenance.
Rule 2791. (1) A supervisor or employee shall not
remove or make inoperable any safety device or guard
specified in this standard.
(2) Dull, badly set, improperly filed, or improperly
tensioned saws shall be immediately removed from
service before they begin to cause the material to stick,
jam, or kickback when it is fed to the saw at a normal
speed. Saws to which gum has adhered on the sides
shall be immediately cleaned.
(3) Knives and cutting heads of woodworking
machines shall be kept sharp, properly adjusted, and
firmly secured. If 2 or more knives are used in 1 head,
they shall be properly balanced.
(4) Bearings shall be kept free of lost motion and
shall be well lubricated.
(5) Arbors of circular saws shall be free from play.
(6) The sharpening or tensioning of saw blades or
cutters shall be done only by persons of demonstrated
skill.
(7) A saw blade, cutter head, or tool collar shall
not be placed or mounted on a machine arbor unless the
tool has been machined as to size and shape to fit the
arbor.
R 408.12792 Operating rules; selection of machines.
Rule 2792. (1) Machines shall not be used for
operations of such variety as to necessitate the removal
of safeguards suitable for the usual service.
(2) The specific operations involving special
hazards shall be assigned to machines suitable for such
work.
R 408.12793 Operating rules; saw.
Rule 2793. (1) The practice of inserting wedges
between the saw disk and the collar to form what is
commonly known as a wobble saw is prohibited.
(2) Tension on a band saw and re-saw should be
released from the blade when not in use.
(3) The back thrust shall be adjusted carefully to
the normal position of the band saw blade.
(4) A band saw shall not be stopped quickly by
thrusting a piece of wood against the cutting edge of
teeth when the power is off.
(5) To detect cracks or other defects, each band
saw blade shall be carefully examined as it is put on and
taken off the band wheel. Cracked saws or saws that
indicate the probability of breakage shall be promptly
removed to avoid injury to the saw and to the operator.
15
R 408.12795 Operating rules; jointers.
Rule 2795. The minimum length of the piece jointed
shall be not less than 4 times the distance between the
2 tables. Neither half of the jointer table should be
adjusted horizontally so that the clearance between the
edge of the table and revolving knives is more than
1/4-inch.
R 408.12796 Operating rules; lathes.
Rule 2796. Material in a lathe shall be fastened
securely to faceplates or between centers.
R 408.12797 Guard substitutes.
Rule 2797. Combs, featherboards, or suitable jigs
shall be provided at the work place for use when a
standard guard cannot be used as in dadoing, grooving,
jointing, moulding, and rabbeting as prescribed in
R 408.12722(6).
R 408.12798 Clothing.
Rule 2798. (1) Anti-kickback aprons shall be provided
to the employee at no expense to the employee and
shall be used where material can be kicked back.
(2) Operators of machines shall not wear
loose-flowing garments, sleeves, and neckties.
(3) Operators of machines should not wear
gloves while operating machines.
16
Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration
PO Box 30643
Lansing, Michigan 48909-8143
For technical questions of this standard – Ph: 517-284-7750 (GISHD) or 517-284-7720 (CETD)
To order copies of this standard – Ph: 517-284-7740
The Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity will not
discriminate against any individual or group because of race,
sex, religion, age, national origin, color, marital status,
disability, or political beliefs. Auxiliary aids, services and other
reasonable accommodations are available upon request to
individuals with disabilities.
