1910.213(n): Guarding Planers and Molders
Each planing, molding, sticking and matching machine must have all cutting heads, and saws if used, covered by a metal guard: sheet metal not less than 1/16 inch thick or cast iron not less than 3/16 inch thick. Feed rolls must be guarded so the operator's hands cannot touch the in-running rolls, and multi-piece surfacers need sectional infeed rolls or kickback finger devices.
Key takeaways
- 1910.213(n) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart O).
- OSHA cited it 20 times in the last 3 years, in 16 inspections, with $40,615 in current penalties.
- Most citations: WI (4), OR (3), IN (2).
- Related part: 1910.213(n)(1) (12 citations).
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In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.213(n) ("Planing, molding, sticking, and matching machines") 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
(n) Planing, molding, sticking, and matching machines. 20 citations
(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. Open (n)(1) 12 citations
(2) Where an exhaust system is used, the guards shall form part or all of the exhaust hood and shall be constructed of metal of a thickness not less than that specified in paragraph (h)(1) of this section.
(3) Feed rolls shall be guarded by a hood or suitable guard to prevent the hands of the operator from coming in contact with the in-running rolls at any point. The guard shall be fastened to the frame carrying the rolls so as to remain in adjustment for any thickness of stock. 7 citations
(4) Surfacers or planers used in thicknessing multiple pieces of material simultaneously shall be provided with sectional infeed rolls having sufficient yield in the construction of the sections to provide feeding contact pressure on the stock, over the permissible range of variation in stock thickness specified or for which the machine is designed. In lieu of such yielding sectional rolls, suitable section kickback finger devices shall be provided at the infeed end. 1 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.213.
Export the list: 16 inspections cited 1910.213(n) in the last 3 years, with employer, location, penalty and date.
Purple Belt, $59/moWhere and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 13 |
| 2025 | 5 |
Top states: WI (4), OR (3), IN (2), MN (2), SC (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| STARK TRUSS COMPANY, INC. | BEACH CITY, OH | $7,000 |
| TIMBER TECHNOLOGIES, LLC | COLFAX, WI | $6,775 |
| KOETTER WOODWORKING | BORDEN, IN | $4,550 |
| TEWA LLC | VINTON, TX | $4,500 |
| CEDAR CREEK SAWMILL LLC | GRABILL, IN | $4,200 |
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A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.213(n), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.213(n).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.213(n)(1) 12 citations
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Frequently asked questions
What guard is required on cutting heads?
A metal guard covering all cutting heads, and saws if used, of sheet metal not less than 1/16 inch thick or cast iron not less than 3/16 inch thick.
How must feed rolls be guarded?
By a hood or suitable guard fastened to the frame so the operator's hands cannot contact the in-running rolls at any point, for any thickness of stock.
What about planers feeding several pieces at once?
They need sectional infeed rolls with enough yield to keep feeding pressure, or suitable section kickback finger devices at the infeed end.
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.