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Production > Handheld Belt Sanders
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 Handheld sanders finish stock by using a coated abrasive surface to remove material. A handheld belt sander uses a system of pulleys to move the abrasive material across the stock. The wood is fed manually or automatically into the machine or the sanding belt is pressed toward the wood, which is located on a working table.
Sanders produce a considerable quantity of fine
wood dust. All sanders should be
ventilated carefully.
The primary safety hazard of handheld belt sanders is that workers may catch their hands, clothing, or
jewelry in the in-running rolls. Also, contact with an abrasive surface
can cause abrasions and lacerations.
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Potential Hazard:
Possible Solutions:
Engineering Controls
- Use safety bit chucks with no projecting screws [1910.213(l)(1)].
- Enclose boring bits with a guard that encloses the
bit and chuck above the material being worked [1910.213(l)(2)].
- Enclose the top of the cutting chain and driving
mechanism [1910.213(l)(3)].
- Cover operating treadles with inverted U-shaped
guard to prevent accidental tripping [1910.213(l)(6)].
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Potential Hazard:
- In-running nip points - Clothing, hands, or hair may get caught by
and pulled into the in-running rolls on automatic sanders or
sanding belts.
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Possible Solutions:
Engineering Controls
- Guard the unused run of the sanding belt against accidental contact.
These guards must prevent the operator's hands or fingers from
coming in contact with nip points [1910.219].
Work Practices
- Sand on the downward-moving side of the disk or belt.
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Potential Hazard:
- Flying chips - Wood splinters and chips may be thrown from the
sanding action.
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Possible Solutions:
Engineering Controls
- Enclose sanders with guards. The guard can consist of a protective cover at the rear side of the wheel and a hinged cover around the wheel
periphery [1910.213(p)(2)] and
[1910.213(p)(3)].
Work Practices
- Replace torn, frayed, or excessively worn belts. A worn-out belt can cause massive heat buildup, which can
cause it to tear or break and pelt the surrounding area with projected bits.
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