1910.213(g): Guards and Controls for Swing Cutoff Saws
Employers must equip swing cutoff saws, and sliding cutoff saws mounted above the table, with a hood that encloses the upper half of the saw, the arbor end and the point of operation and that automatically covers the lower blade. The saw must also have a device that returns it to the back of the table automatically, and limit chains or similar devices to keep it from swinging too far.
Key takeaways
- 1910.213(g) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart O).
- OSHA cited it 13 times in the last 3 years, in 12 inspections, with $56,354 in current penalties.
- Most citations: FL (3), IN (2), IL (2).
- Related part: 1910.213(g)(1) (10 citations).
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In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.213(g) ("Swing cutoff saws") is one requirement inside 1910.213 Woodworking machinery requirements, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart O). It includes 4 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
(g) Swing cutoff saws. The requirements of this paragraph are also applicable to sliding cutoff saws mounted above the table. 13 citations
(1) Each swing cutoff saw shall be provided with a hood that will completely enclose the upper half of the saw, the arbor end, and the point of operation at all positions of the saw. The hood shall be constructed in such a manner and of such material that it will protect the operator from flying splinters and broken saw teeth. Its hood shall be so designed that it will automatically cover the lower portion of the blade, so that when the saw is returned to the back of the table the hood will rise on top of the fence, and when the saw is moved forward the hood will drop on top of and remain in contact with the table or material being cut. Open (g)(1) 10 citations
(2) Each swing cutoff saw shall be provided with an effective device to return the saw automatically to the back of the table when released at any point of its travel. Such a device shall not depend for its proper functioning upon any rope, cord, or spring. If there is a counterweight, the bolts supporting the bar and counterweight shall be provided with cotter pins; and the counterweight shall be prevented from dropping by either a bolt passing through both the bar and counterweight, or a bolt put through the extreme end of the bar, or, where the counterweight does not encircle the bar, a safety chain attached to it. 3 citations
(3) Limit chains or other equally effective devices shall be provided to prevent the saw from swinging beyond the front or back edges of the table, or beyond a forward position where the gullets of the lowest saw teeth will rise above the table top.
(4) Inverted swing cutoff saws shall be provided with a hood that will cover the part of the saw that protrudes above the top of the table or above the material being cut. It shall automatically adjust itself to the thickness of and remain in contact with the material being cut.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.213.
Export the list: 12 inspections cited 1910.213(g) in the last 3 years, with employer, location, penalty and date.
Purple Belt, $59/moWhere and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 8 |
| 2025 | 1 |
| 2026 | 4 |
Top states: FL (3), IN (2), IL (2), AL (2), WI (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| STRONG INDUSTRIES, INC. | NORTHUMBERLAND, PA | $11,500 |
| WD FLOORING LLC | LAONA, WI | $8,694 |
| BEST CUTTING DIE COMPANY, INC. | SKOKIE, IL | $7,000 |
| NATION'S BEST - ILLINOIS, LLC DBA CRAFTY BEAVER HOME CENTER HOLDINGS LLC | CHICAGO, IL | $6,500 |
| PRECISION MOLD & TOOL INC | KISSIMMEE, FL | $4,610 |
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A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.213(g), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.213(g).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.213(g)(1) 10 citations
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Frequently asked questions
Do these rules apply to sliding cutoff saws?
Yes, they also apply to sliding cutoff saws mounted above the table.
Can a spring or rope be used to return the saw to the back of the table?
No. The automatic return device must not depend on any rope, cord or spring to work.
What does the hood have to protect the operator from?
Flying splinters and broken saw teeth.
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.