1910.213(h): Radial Saw Guarding and Setup
Employers must guard radial saws with an upper hood that encloses the blade down to the arbor end and a self-adjusting lower guard, and add nonkickback fingers or dogs for ripping. Saws also need an adjustable stop for repetitive cuts, a front-high installation so the head returns gently, and marked rotation with a warning label.
Key takeaways
- 1910.213(h) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart O).
- OSHA cited it 85 times in the last 3 years, in 72 inspections, with $240,355 in current penalties.
- Most citations: MN (16), NY (8), WI (7).
- Related part: 1910.213(h)(1) (63 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.213(h) ("Radial saws") is one requirement inside 1910.213 Woodworking machinery requirements, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart O). It includes 5 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
(h) Radial saws. 85 citations
(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. Open (h)(1) 63 citations
(2) Each radial saw used for ripping shall be provided with nonkickback fingers or dogs located on both sides of the saw so as to oppose the thrust or tendency of the saw to pick up the material or to throw it back toward the operator. They shall be designed to provide adequate holding power for all the thicknesses of material being cut. 2 citations
(3) An adjustable stop shall be provided to prevent the forward travel of the blade beyond the position necessary to complete the cut in repetitive operations. 2 citations
(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. Open (h)(4) 18 citations
(5) Ripping and ploughing shall be against the direction in which the saw turns. The direction of the saw rotation shall be conspicuously marked on the hood. In addition, a permanent label not less than 11⁄2 inches by 3⁄4 inch shall be affixed to the rear of the guard at approximately the level of the arbor, reading as follows: “Danger: Do Not Rip or Plough From This End”.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.213.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 4 |
| 2024 | 30 |
| 2025 | 32 |
| 2026 | 19 |
Top states: MN (16), NY (8), WI (7), CT (6), PA (6)
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), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Litigation relative to the severance of a hand by a high school student while using a radial arm saw. (1990-11-09)
- 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)(1) 63 citations
- 1910.213(h)(4) 18 citations
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Frequently asked questions
What must the upper hood on a radial saw do?
Completely enclose the upper portion of the blade down to the end of the saw arbor, protect the operator from splinters and broken teeth, and deflect sawdust away.
What is required for ripping on a radial saw?
Nonkickback fingers or dogs on both sides of the saw, and ripping and ploughing must be against the direction the saw turns.
Why must the front of the saw sit slightly higher than the rear?
So the cutting head returns gently to the starting position when the operator releases it.
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.