1910.213(a): Woodworking Machine Construction
Woodworking machines must be free of noticeable vibration at full idle speed with the largest tool, have firm arbors, and limit blade size to avoid overspeed. Continuous-stroke automatic cutoff saws the operator cannot control must not be used, fences, gages and tables must hold alignment, moving parts must be guarded, and portable machines over 90 volts must be grounded.
Key takeaways
- 1910.213(a) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart O).
- OSHA cited it 46 times in the last 3 years, in 42 inspections, with $170,345 in current penalties.
- Most citations: IN (4), AL (3), OH (3).
- Related part: 1910.213(a)(9) (31 citations).
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In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.213(a) ("Machine construction general") is one requirement inside 1910.213 Woodworking machinery requirements, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart O). It includes 15 sub-paragraphs. The official text below is copied word for word from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). The numbers, injury cases and training on this page show how OSHA enforces it on real job sites.
Official text
(a) Machine construction general. 46 citations
(1) Each machine shall be so constructed as to be free from sensible vibration when the largest size tool is mounted and run idle at full speed.
(2) Arbors and mandrels shall be constructed so as to have firm and secure bearing and be free from play.
(3) [Reserved]
(4) Any automatic cutoff saw that strokes continuously without the operator being able to control each stroke shall not be used. 1 citations
(5) Saw frames or tables shall be constructed with lugs cast on the frame or with an equivalent means to limit the size of the saw blade that can be mounted, so as to avoid overspeed caused by mounting a saw larger than intended.
(6) Circular saw fences shall be so constructed that they can be firmly secured to the table or table assembly without changing their alignment with the saw. For saws with tilting tables or tilting arbors the fence shall be so constructed that it will remain in a line parallel with the saw, regardless of the angle of the saw with the table.
(7) Circular saw gages shall be so constructed as to slide in grooves or tracks that are accurately machined, to insure exact alignment with the saw for all positions of the guide.
(8) Hinged saw tables shall be so constructed that the table can be firmly secured in any position and in true alignment with the saw.
(9) All belts, pulleys, gears, shafts, and moving parts shall be guarded in accordance with the specific requirements of § 1910.219. Open (a)(9) 31 citations
(10) It is recommended that each power-driven woodworking machine be provided with a disconnect switch that can be locked in the off position.
(11) The frames and all exposed, noncurrent-carrying metal parts of portable electric woodworking machinery operated at more than 90 volts to ground shall be grounded and other portable motors driving electric tools which are held in the hand while being operated shall be grounded if they operate at more than 90 volts to ground. The ground shall be provided through use of a separate ground wire and polarized plug and receptacle.
(12) For all circular saws where conditions are such that there is a possibility of contact with the portion of the saw either beneath or behind the table, that portion of the saw shall be covered with an exhaust hood, or, if no exhaust system is required, with a guard that shall be so arranged as to prevent accidental contact with the saw. 7 citations
(13) Revolving double arbor saws shall be fully guarded in accordance with all the requirements for circular crosscut saws or with all the requirements for circular ripsaws, according to the kind of saws mounted on the arbors.
(14) No saw, cutter head, or tool collar shall be placed or mounted on a machine arbor unless the tool has been accurately machined to size and shape to fit the arbor.
(15) Combs (featherboards) or suitable jigs shall be provided at the workplace for use when a standard guard cannot be used, as in dadoing, grooving, jointing, moulding, and rabbeting. 7 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.213.
Export the list: 42 inspections cited 1910.213(a) in the last 3 years, with employer, location, penalty and date.
Purple Belt, $59/moWhere and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 20 |
| 2025 | 15 |
| 2026 | 9 |
Top states: IN (4), AL (3), OH (3), PA (3), TX (3)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| 317740762 - A & E PALLETS LLC | PORTLAND, OR | $20,860 |
| BUILDERS FIRSTSOURCE, INC. | EL PASO, TX | $18,207 |
| ROBERT BERENDZEN | DENNARD, AR | $14,196 |
| 84 LUMBER COMPANY, LIMITED PARTNERSHIP | MOUNTAIN HOME, ID | $10,403 |
| CPX2026XTN246X0073 - LATIUM USA TRADING LLC DBA FOUR SEASON BUILDING PRODUCTS | PHOENIX, AZ | $9,931 |
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OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.213(a).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.213(a)(9) 31 citations
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Frequently asked questions
Can an automatic cutoff saw that strokes continuously be used?
No, not if the operator cannot control each stroke.
Why must saw frames limit blade size?
To avoid overspeed caused by mounting a saw larger than intended.
Must woodworking machines have lockable disconnects?
The rule recommends a disconnect switch that can be locked in the off position.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.213 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly; data as of 2026-11-01
3-year window. Federal OSHA only; state-plan rules are not counted. Plain-language text is a summary, not legal advice; the official text controls. Black Belt Safety is not part of OSHA or the Department of Labor.