Woodworking eTool
Rough Mill Equipment » Planers/Moulders
Planers, also called surfacers, are woodworking machines used to dress and size rough-sawed lumber on one or more sides - planing boards to an even thickness. Planers are similar to jointers except that the cutter head is above or above and below, the stock. Stock passes under or between cylindrical cutter heads with multiple knives. An operator's hands can come in contact with the point of operation while adjusting the blades. Operators' hands also may be pinched between the stock and in-running rolls if the feed system is not properly guarded.
Operator Involvement
The operator adjusts the planer for the cut and then feeds stock into the in-feed side of the machine. The operator retrieves the surface board from the out-running end.
Potential Hazard
- Point of operation - Contact with the cutter head may occur during blade adjustment or other maintenance activities.
Possible Solution
Engineering Controls
- Completely enclose belts and pulleys of line shaft with sheet metal or heavy mesh guards; guards must be used regardless of the location of the line shaft [29 CFR 1910.219(a)(1)].
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Cover cutting heads with a metal guard or cage. The exhaust system may be integrated with the guard [29 CFR 1910.213(n)(1)].
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Provide barriers at the loading and unloading ends to keep hands out of point of operation.
Potential Hazard
- In-running rolls - Clothing, hair, or hands may be caught by and pulled into the automatic feed mechanism.
Possible Solution
Engineering Controls
- Guard feed rolls with a wide metal strip or bar that will allow boards to pass but that will keep the operators' fingers out [29 CFR 1910.213(n)(3)].
Potential Hazard
- Kickbacks - Stock may be thrown back at the operator after being caught by the cutter head.
Possible Solutions
Engineering Controls
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Install anti-kickback fingers on the in-feed side across the width of the machine.
Work Practices
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Stand back after putting the boards through to avoid injuries from kickback and flying splinters.
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Do not feed boards of different thickness. Thinner boards will be kicked back.
Potential Hazard
- Flying objects - The work piece as well as wood chips and splinters may be thrown by the cutting action.
Possible Solution
Engineering Controls
- Use a barrier or guardrail when the machine is running.
