1910.213(m): Guards for Wood Shapers
Employers must enclose the cutting heads of each wood shaper, hand-fed panel raiser or similar machine that is not automatically fed with a cage or adjustable guard that keeps the operator's hand away from the cutting edge. Round shaper guards must be at least as wide across as the largest cutter, a leather or similar warning device on the spindle is never acceptable, and double-spindle shapers need a start and stop device for each spindle.
Key takeaways
- 1910.213(m) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart O).
- OSHA cited it 30 times in the last 3 years, in 29 inspections, with $73,660 in current penalties.
- Most citations: NC (6), PA (3), OH (2).
- Related part: 1910.213(m)(1) (30 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.213(m) ("Wood shapers and similar equipment") is one requirement inside 1910.213 Woodworking machinery requirements, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart O). It includes 3 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
(m) Wood shapers and similar equipment. 30 citations
(1) The cutting heads of each wood shaper, hand-fed panel raiser, or other similar machine not automatically fed, shall be enclosed with a cage or adjustable guard so designed as to keep the operator's hand away from the cutting edge. The diameter of circular shaper guards shall be not less than the greatest diameter of the cutter. In no case shall a warning device of leather or other material attached to the spindle be acceptable. Open (m)(1) 30 citations
(2) [Reserved]
(3) All double-spindle shapers shall be provided with a spindle starting and stopping device for each spindle.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.213.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 12 |
| 2025 | 8 |
| 2026 | 10 |
Top states: NC (6), PA (3), OH (2), CO (2), WI (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| TRUSTILE DOORS, LLC | DENVER, CO | $11,585 |
| VT INDUSTRIES, INC. - EGGERS DIVISION | TWO RIVERS, WI | $11,584 |
| MULLET CABINET | MILLERSBURG, OH | $9,582 |
| BOISE CASCADE | HOMEDALE, ID | $5,627 |
| R.E. SWEENEY CO. INC | FORT WORTH, TX | $4,221 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.213(m), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.213(m).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.213(m)(1) 30 citations
Get your crew competent
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Frequently asked questions
What guard is required on a wood shaper?
A cage or adjustable guard that keeps the operator's hand away from the cutting edge.
How big must a circular shaper guard be?
Its diameter must be not less than the greatest diameter of the cutter.
What do double-spindle shapers need?
A spindle starting and stopping device for each spindle.
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 2026-10-24
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.