1910.213(n)(1): Metal Guards on Planing and Molding Machines
Employers must cover all cutting heads, and saws if used, on each planing, molding, sticking and matching machine with a metal guard. Sheet metal guards must be not less than 1/16 inch thick, and cast iron guards not less than three-sixteenths inch thick.
Key takeaways
- 1910.213(n)(1) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart O).
- OSHA cited it 12 times in the last 3 years, in 12 inspections, with $25,085 in current penalties.
- Most citations: OR (2), SC (2), SD (1).
- Related part: 1910.213(n) Planing, molding, sticking, and matching machines (20 citations).
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In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.213(n)(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) Each planing, molding, sticking, and matching machine shall have all cutting heads, and saws if used, covered by a metal guard. If such guard is constructed of sheet metal, the material used shall be not less than 1⁄16 inch in thickness, and if cast iron is used, it shall be not less than three-sixteenths inch in thickness. 12 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.213.
Export the list: 12 inspections cited 1910.213(n)(1) in the last 3 years, with employer, location, penalty and date.
Purple Belt, $59/moWhere and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 6 |
| 2025 | 5 |
Top states: OR (2), SC (2), SD (1), WI (1), IN (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| TIMBER TECHNOLOGIES, LLC | COLFAX, WI | $6,775 |
| TEWA LLC | VINTON, TX | $4,500 |
| CEDAR CREEK SAWMILL LLC | GRABILL, IN | $4,200 |
| 109670 - FERCHE MILLWORK INC | RICE, MN | $4,000 |
| MORETOWN MILLING LLC | MORETOWN, VT | $3,360 |
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OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.213(n)(1).
Related parts of this rule
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Frequently asked questions
What machines does this rule cover?
Planing, molding, sticking and matching machines.
What must be guarded?
All cutting heads, and saws if used, must be covered by a metal guard.
How thick must the guard be?
Sheet metal guards must be not less than 1/16 inch thick; cast iron guards not less than three-sixteenths inch thick.
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 2026-11-06
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.