1910.213(r): Guarding Other Woodworking Machines
Employers must guard glue spreader feed rolls with a semicylindrical guard, give drag saws at least a 4-foot clearance at the end of the stroke or a standard enclosure, and guard each tool on combination woodworking machines as if it were a separate machine. Other woodworking machines also need suitable guards and exhaust hoods.
Key takeaways
- 1910.213(r) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart O).
- OSHA cited it 70 times in the last 3 years, in 67 inspections, with $260,027 in current penalties.
- Most citations: WI (13), IN (8), OH (8).
- Related part: 1910.213(r)(4) (54 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.213(r) ("Miscellaneous woodworking 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
(r) Miscellaneous woodworking machines. 70 citations
(1) The feed rolls of roll type glue spreaders shall be guarded by a semicylindrical guard. The bottom of the guard shall come to within three-eighths inch of a plane formed by bottom or contact face of the feed roll where it touches the stock. 8 citations
(2) Drag saws shall be so located as to give at least a 4-foot clearance for passage when the saw is at the extreme end of the stroke; or if such clearance is not obtainable, the saw and its driving mechanism shall be provided with a standard enclosure.
(3) For combination or universal woodworking machines each point of operation of any tool shall be guarded as required for such a tool in a separate machine. 8 citations
(4) The mention of specific machines in paragraphs (a) thru (q) and this paragraph (r) of this section, inclusive, is not intended to exclude other woodworking machines from the requirement that suitable guards and exhaust hoods be provided to reduce to a minimum the hazard due to the point of operation of such machines. Open (r)(4) 54 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.213.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 3 |
| 2024 | 18 |
| 2025 | 19 |
| 2026 | 30 |
Top states: WI (13), IN (8), OH (8), NC (7), SD (5)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| APPALACHIAN WOOD FLOORS, INC. | PORTSMOUTH, OH | $19,163 |
| ARTCO-BELL CORPORATION | TEMPLE, TX | $14,518 |
| CARPENTER CONTRACTORS OF AMERICA, INC | WINTER HAVEN, FL | $11,524 |
| MT. EATON PALLET, LTD | MILLERSBURG, OH | $10,648 |
| GUARDIAN PREFAB | WAYNESBORO, PA | $10,641 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.213(r), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.213(r)(4) 54 citations
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Frequently asked questions
How must glue spreader feed rolls be guarded?
With a semicylindrical guard whose bottom comes within three-eighths inch of the plane formed by the feed roll contact face.
What clearance do drag saws need?
At least a 4-foot clearance for passage at the extreme end of the stroke, or else a standard enclosure for the saw and its driving mechanism.
Do woodworking machines not listed in the rule need guards?
Yes. Other woodworking machines still need suitable guards and exhaust hoods to reduce point of operation hazards to a minimum.
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.