Woodworking Machine Inspection Checklist

Guidelines: This checklist covers regulations issued by the U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) under the general industry standard 29 CFR 1910.213 and the construction standard 29 CFR 1926.304. It applies to all woodworking machinery.

A yes answer to a question indicates that this portion of the inspection complies with the OSHA, or with a non-regulatory recommendation. Definitions of terms in bold type are provided at the end of the checklist.

General Machine Construction

  1. Is each machine constructed and installed so it is free from sensible vibration when the largest tool is mounted and run at full speed? Y N N/A
  2. Are arbors and mandrels constructed to have firm and secure bearing and be free from play? Y N N/A
  3. Are saw frames on tables constructed with lugs cast on the frame or with equivalent means to limit the size of the saw blade that can be mounted? Note: This is done to avoid over speed caused by mounting a saw larger than intended. Y N N/A
  4. Are circular saw fences constructed so they can be firmly secured to the table without changing their alignment with the saw? Y N N/A
  5. Are circular saw gauges constructed so they slide in grooves or tracts that are securely machined, to ensure exact alignment with the saw for all positions on the guide? Y N N/A
  6. Are hinged table saws constructed so that the table can be firmly secured in any position and in true alignment with the saw? Y N N/A
  7. Are all belts, pulleys, gears, shafts, and moving parts guarded? Y N N/A
  8. Is each woodworking machine provided with a disconnect switch that can be locked in the off position? Note: The construction standard 1926.304 permits a disconnect switch that can be tagged in the off position.   Y N N/A
  1. Are the frames of all exposed non-current-carrying metal parts grounded? Y N N/A
  2. If the possibility exists of contacting part of a circular saw either beneath or behind the table, is that part covered with either an exhaust hood or guard? Y N N/A
  3. Are revolving double arbor saws fully guarded? Y N N/A
  4. Is the placement and mounting of saws, cutter heads, or tool collars on machine arbors accomplished when the tool has been accurately machined to size and shape to fit the arbor? Y N N/A
  1. Are combs (featherboards) or suitable jigs provided at the shop or lab for use when a standard guard cannot be used, as in dadoing, grooving, joining, moulding, and rabbetting? Y N N/A
  1. Is the operating speed etched or otherwise permanently marked on all circular saws over 20 inches in diameter and operating at over 10,000 peripheral feet per minute? Y N N/A
  2. Do woodworking tools and machinery meet the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) codes for safety? Note: A label on the equipment or manufacturer’s literature might indicate that it meets ANSI’s standards. In case of doubt, the manufacturer of the equipment should be contacted. Y N N/A

Machine Controls and Equipment

  1. Are mechanical or electrical power controls provided on each machine to make it possible for the operator to cut off the power without leaving his or her operating position? Y N N/A
  2. On machines driven by belts and shafting, is a locking-type belt shifter or equivalent positive device used? Y N N/A
  3. Is each operating treadle protected against unexpected tripping? Y N N/A
  4. Are automatic feeding devices installed on machines whenever the nature of the work permits? Y N N/A
  5. Do feeder attachments have the feed rolls or other moving parts covered or guarded to protect the operator from hazardous points? Y N N/A

Inspection and Maintenance of Woodworking Machinery

  1. Are dull, badly set, improperly filed, or improperly tensioned saws immediately removed from service before they cause the material to stick, jam, or kickback when it is fed to the saw at normal speed? Y N N/A
  2. Are saws with adhered gum cleaned immediately? Y N N/A
  3. Are all knives and cutting heads of woodworking machines kept sharp, properly adjusted, and firmly secured? Y N N/A
  4. Are all bearings well lubricated and kept free from lost motion? Y N N/A
  5. Are arbors of circular saws free from play? Y N N/A
  6. Is sharpening or tensioning of saw blades or cutters done only by people with demonstrated skill in this kind of work? Y N N/A
  7. Is cleanliness maintained around woodworking machinery so guards function properly and fire hazards are prevented in switch enclosures, bearings, and motors? Y N N/A
  8. Are all cracked saws immediately removed from service? Note: Dispose of cracked saws in a manner that will prevent injury to anyone handling the discarded saws. Y N N/A
  9. Is inserting wedges between the saw disk and the collar to form what is commonly known as a wobble saw prohibited? Y N N/A
  10. Are push sticks or blocks provided at workplaces in several sizes and types suitable for the work to be done? Y N N/A

Comments/Corrective action:

Definitions:

  • Dadoing: cutting a rectangular groove across the width of a board or plank.
  • Grooving: cutting a hollow channel into a piece of wood.
  • Joining: cutting a piece of wood or plank to have it join exactly with another piece of wood or plank.
  • Moulding: cutting or working a piece of wood on its side or edge to a uniform cross section other than rectangular, to give it an ornamental effect.
  • Rabbeting: cutting a rectangular, longitudinal groove in the corner edge of a board or plank in order to have it join with another board or plank.