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• Record Type: Instruction
• Directive Number: STD 01-12-015
• Old Directive Number: STD 1-12.15
• Title: 29 CFR 1910.213(a)(4), Woodworking Machinery Requirements
• Information Date: 10/30/1978
• Standard Number: 1910.213(a)(4)

OSHA Instruction STD 1-12.15 October 30, 1978

OSHA PROGRAM DIRECTIVE #100-71

TO: REGIONAL ADMINISTRATORS/OSHA

THRU: DONALD E. MACKENZIE Field Coordinator

SUBJECT: 29 CFR 1910.213(a)(4), Woodworking Machinery Requirements

1. Purpose

The purpose of this directive is to provide guidance to the field on the applicability of 29 CFR 1910.213 (a)(4) in protecting employees from automatic cut-off saws that stroke continuously without the operator being able to control each stroke.

2. Documentation Affected

None.

3. Background

a. The word "automatic" used to describe cut-off machine in the original ANSI Standard (1954, revised 1961) was a misnomer. The machine was commonly identified in industry as being power stroked. For a machine of this type, each foot pedal or push button activation resulted in a complete cycle or stroke consisting of a forward cut-off motion and a motion returning the head to its starting position. It was a machine intended for use where the operator's manual handling and/or positioning of the workpiece was required with each combination forward and return motion of the head (e.g., load, clamp, cut-off, unload, etc.).

OSHA Instruction STD 1-12.15 October 30, 1978

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b. 29 CFR 1910.213(a)(4) was not intended to restrict automation when the hazardous elements of operation involvement are eliminated and effective methods of guarding the point of operation are used.

4. Action

a. In work situations where employees are not exposed to any hazards involving automatic cut-off saws, such saws that stroke continuously without the operator being able to control each stroke may be used without violation of 29 CFR 1910.213(a)(4).
b. In work situations where employees are exposed to any hazards involving automatic cut-off saw, (e.g., load, clamp, cut-off, unload, etc.) such saws that stroke continuously without the operator being able to control each stroke are in violation of 29 CFR 1910.213(a)(4) and shall be cited.

5. Effective Date

This directive is effective upon receipt and will remain in effect until canceled or superseded.

Richard P. Wilson Deputy Director, Federal Compliance and State Programs

DISTRIBUTION: A-1 E-1 B-2 HEW-1 C-1 NIOSH Regional Program Directors-1 D-4 & 5 NACOSH-1 Training Institute-4

(Originator:OCCS)

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