1910.213(h)(4): Self-Returning Radial Saw Installation
Employers must install the radial saw so the front end is slightly higher than the rear, which makes the cutting head return gently to the starting position when the operator releases it.
Key takeaways
- 1910.213(h)(4) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart O).
- OSHA cited it 18 times in the last 3 years, in 18 inspections, with $21,258 in current penalties.
- Most citations: MN (3), PA (2), NY (2).
- 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)(4) 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
(4) Installation shall be in such a manner that the front end of the unit will be slightly higher than the rear, so as to cause the cutting head to return gently to the starting position when released by the operator. 18 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 | 2 |
| 2024 | 3 |
| 2025 | 9 |
| 2026 | 4 |
Top states: MN (3), PA (2), NY (2), CT (2), MD (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| MEAD HOLDING COMPANY, INC. | AMES, IA | $6,803 |
| SGL CARBON, LLC - SAINT MARYS | SAINT MARYS, PA | $4,000 |
| TIMBERHAVEN LOG & TIMBER HOMES, LLC. | MIDDLEBURG, PA | $3,800 |
| STANLEY WOOD PRODUCTS, INC. | OVERLAND PARK, KS | $3,215 |
| 110542 - TAFCO EQUIPMENT CO | BLUE EARTH, MN | $2,000 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.213(h)(4), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.213(h)(4).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.213(h) Radial saws 85 citations
- 1910.213(h)(1) 63 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 must a radial saw be installed?
With the front end slightly higher than the rear.
Why tilt the saw?
So the cutting head returns gently to the starting position when released by the operator.
Does the rule give an exact angle?
No. It says the front end must be slightly higher than the rear.
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.