1910.213(h)(1): Radial Saw Upper Hood and Lower Guard
Employers must make sure the upper hood of a radial saw completely encloses the upper blade down to the end of the saw arbor, protects the operator from flying splinters and broken teeth, and deflects sawdust. The lower exposed blade sides must be guarded to full diameter by a self-adjusting device that stays in contact with the stock.
Key takeaways
- 1910.213(h)(1) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart O).
- OSHA cited it 63 times in the last 3 years, in 63 inspections, with $214,216 in current penalties.
- Most citations: MN (11), WI (6), NY (6).
- Related part: 1910.213(h) Radial saws (85 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.213(h)(1) is one requirement inside 1910.213 Woodworking machinery requirements, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart O). 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
(1) The upper hood shall completely enclose the upper portion of the blade down to a point that will include the end of the saw arbor. The upper hood shall be constructed in such a manner and of such material that it will protect the operator from flying splinters, broken saw teeth, etc., and will deflect sawdust away from the operator. The sides of the lower exposed portion of the blade shall be guarded to the full diameter of the blade by a device that will automatically adjust itself to the thickness of the stock and remain in contact with stock being cut to give maximum protection possible for the operation being performed. 63 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.213.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 25 |
| 2025 | 22 |
| 2026 | 15 |
Top states: MN (11), WI (6), NY (6), NC (5), PA (4)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| PROGRESSIVE CONVERTING, INC. | APPLETON, WI | $16,550 |
| BFS OPERATIONS LLC | QUEENSBURY, NY | $16,550 |
| MONMOUTH BUILDING CENTER | SHREWSBURY, NJ | $11,585 |
| ANNANDALE MILLWORK AND ALLIED SYSTEMS CORPORATION | WINCHESTER, VA | $11,113 |
| MENZNER HARDWOODS CO. | MARATHON, WI | $10,000 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.213(h)(1), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Specification for Lower Blade Guards for Radial Arm Saws (1990-03-13)
- Guarding requirements for the "Speed Cut" radial saw. (1987-07-13)
- Guarding requirements for radial saws. (1977-06-30)
- Guarding requirements for radial saws. (1975-02-12)
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.213(h) Radial saws 85 citations
- 1910.213(h)(4) 18 citations
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
Trainers and suppliers: feature your business on this rule for $25/month.
Frequently asked questions
How much of the blade must the upper hood cover?
The upper portion of the blade down to a point that includes the end of the saw arbor.
What must the upper hood protect against?
Flying splinters, broken saw teeth and similar hazards, and it must deflect sawdust away from the operator.
How is the lower blade guarded?
To the full diameter of the blade by a device that automatically adjusts to stock thickness and stays in contact with the stock.
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 2026-10-20
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.