1910.213(m)(1): Cutting Head Guard on 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 designed to keep the operator's hand away from the cutting edge. Round shaper guards must be at least as wide across as the largest cutter, and a warning device of leather or other material on the spindle is never acceptable.
Key takeaways
- 1910.213(m)(1) 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) Wood shapers and similar equipment (30 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.213(m)(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) 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. 30 citations
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)(1), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.213(m)(1).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.213(m) Wood shapers and similar equipment 30 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
Which machines need a cutting head guard?
Each wood shaper, hand-fed panel raiser or other similar machine that is not automatically fed.
Is a leather warning device on the spindle enough?
No. In no case is a warning device of leather or other material attached to the spindle acceptable.
What size must a circular guard be?
Not less than the greatest diameter of the cutter.
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.