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Woodworking Machinery
General Requirements
Self Inspection Checklist


Guidelines: This checklist covers regulations issued by the U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) under the general industry standard 29 CFR 1910.213 and the construction standard 29 CFR 1926.304. It applies to all wood working machinery. This checklist must be used in conjunction with the Machines--General Requirements checklist. The regulations cited apply only to private employers and their employees, unless adopted by a State agency and applied to other groups such as public employees. A yes answer to a question indicates that this portion of the inspection complies with the OSHA, and EPA standard, or with a nonregulatory recommendation. Definitions of terms in bold type are provide at the end of the checklist.

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General Machine Construction

  1. Is each machine constructed and installed so it is
    free from sensible vibration when the largest tool is
    mounted and run at full speed?
    [29 CFR 1910.213(a)(1)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. Are arbors and mandrels constructed to have firm and
    secure bearing and be free from play?
    [29 CFR 1910.213(a)(2)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. Are saw frames on tables constructed with lugs cast
    on the frame or with equivalent means to limit the
    size of the saw blade that can be mounted?
    [29 CFR 1910.213(a)(5)]

    Note: This is done to avoid overspeed caused by
    mounting a saw larger than intended.
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. Are circular saw fences constructed so they can be
    firmly secured to the table without changing their
    alignment with the saw?
    [29 CFR 1910.213(a)(6)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. Are circular saw gauges constructed so they slide in
    grooves or tracts that are securely machined, to ensure
    exact alignment with the saw for all positions on the guide?
    [29 CFR 1910.213(a)(7)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. Are hinged table saws constructed so that the table can
    be firmly secured in any position and in true alignment
    with the saw?
    [29 CFR 1910.213(a)(8)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. Are all belts, pulleys, gears, shafts, and moving parts guarded?
    [29 CFR 1910.213(a)(9)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. Is each woodworking machine provided with a
    disconnect switch that can be locked in the
    off position?
    [29 CFR 1910.213(a)(10) and 1926.304(a)]

    Note: The construction standard 1926.304 permits a
    disconnect switch that can be tagged in the off position.
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. Are the frames of all exposed noncurrent-carrying
    metal parts grounded?
    [29 CFR 1910.213(a)(11)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. If the possibility exists of contacting part of a circular
    saw either beneath or behind the table, is that part
    covered with either an exhaust hood or guard?
    [29 CFR 1910.213(a)(12)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. Are revolving double arbor saws fully guarded?
    [29 CFR 1910.213(a)(13)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. Is the placement and mounting of saws, cutter heads,
    or tool collars on machine arbors accomplished when
    the tool has been accurately machined to size and
    shape to fit the arbor?
    [29 CFR 1910.213 (a)(14)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. Are combs (featherboards) or suitable jigs provided at
    the shop or lab for use when a standard guard cannot be
    used, as in dadoing, grooving, joining, moulding,
    and rabbetting?
    [29 CFR 1910.213(a)(15)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. Is the operating speed etched or otherwise permanently
    marked on all circular saws over 20 inches in diameter
    and operating at over 10,000 peripheral feet per minute?
    [29 CFR 1926.304(b)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. Do woodworking tools and machinery meet the
    American National Standards Institute (ANSI) codes
    for safety?
    [29 CFR 1926.304(f)]

    Note: A label on the equipment or manufacturer's
    literature might indicate that it meets ANSI's standards.
    In case of doubt, the manufacturer of the equipment
    should be contacted.
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 


Machine Controls and Equipment

  1. Are mechanical or electrical power controls provided
    on each machine to make it possible for the operator to
    cut off the power without leaving his or her
    operating position?
    [29 CFR 1910.213(b)(1)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. On machines driven by belts and shaftings, is a
    locking-type belt shifter or equivalent positive
    device used?
    [29 CFR 1910.213(b)(2)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. Is each operating treadle protected against
    unexpected tripping?
    [29 CFR 1910.213(b)(6)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. Are automatic feeding devices installed on machines
    whenever the nature of the work permits?
    [29 CFR 1926.304(c)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. Do feeder attachments have the feed rolls or other
    moving parts covered or guarded to protect the
    operator from hazardous points?
    [29 CFR 1910.213(b)(7) and 1926.304(c)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 


Inspection and Maintenance of Woodworking Machinery

  1. Are dull, badly set, improperly filed, or improperly
    tensioned saws immediately removed from service before
    they cause the material to stick, jam, or kickback when
    it is fed to the saw at normal speed?
    [29 CFR 1910.213(s)(1)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. Are saws with adhered gum cleaned immediately?
    [29 CFR 1910.213(s)(1)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. Are all knives and cutting heads of woodworking
    machines kept sharp, properly adjusted, and firmly secured?
    [29 CFR 1910.213(s)(2)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. Are all bearings well lubricated and kept free from lost
    motion?
    [29 CFR 1910.213(s)(3)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. Are arbors of circular saws free from play?
    [29 CFR 1910.213(s)(4)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. Is sharpening or tensioning of saw blades or cutters
    done only by people with demonstrated skill in this
    kind of work?
    [29 CFR 1910.213(s)(5)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. Is cleanliness maintained around woodworking machinery
    so guards function properly and fire hazards are prevented
    in switch enclosures, bearings, and motors?
    [29 CFR 1910.213(s)(6)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. Are all cracked saws immediately removed from service?
    [29 CFR 1910.213(s)(7)]

    Note: Dispose of cracked saws in a manner that will
    prevent injury to anyone handling the discarded saws.
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. Is inserting wedges between the saw disk and the collar
    to form what is commonly known as a wobble saw
    prohibited?
    [29 CFR 1910.213(s)(8)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

  1. Are push sticks or blocks provided at workplaces in
    several sizes and types suitable for the work to be done?
    [29 CFR 1910.213(s)(9)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 




Definitions:

Dadoing: cutting a rectangular groove across the width of a board or plank.

Grooving: cutting a hollow channel into a piece of wood.

Joining: cutting a piece of wood or plank to have it join exactly with another piece of wood or plank.

Moulding: cutting or working a piece of wood on its side or edge to a uniform cross section. other than rectangular, to give it an ornamental effect.

Rabbetting: cutting a rectangular, longitudinal groove in the corner edge of a board or plank in order to have it join with another board or plank.



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National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health