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Tool Guards

Jun 17, 2024

Regulations: Tool Guard Responsibilities

OSHA Standard Subpart I 1926.303(c)(3) Cup type wheels used for external grinding shall be protected by either a revolving cup guard or a band type guard in accordance with the provisions of the American National Standards Institute, B7.1-1970 Safety Code for the Use, Care, and Protection of Abrasive Wheels. All other portable abrasive wheels used for external grinding, shall be provided with safety guards (protection hoods) meeting the requirements of paragraph (c)(5) of this section.

OSHA Standard Subpart I 1926.303(c)(4) Portable abrasive wheels used for internal grinding shall be provided with safety flanges (protection flanges) meeting the requirements of paragraph (c)(6) of this section.

OSHA Standard Subpart I 1926.303(c)(5) When safety guards are required, they shall be so mounted as to maintain proper alignment with the wheel, and the guard and its fastenings shall be of sufficient strength to retain fragments of the wheel in case of accidental breakage. The maximum angular exposure of the grinding wheel periphery and sides shall not exceed 180°.

OSHA Standard Subpart I 1926.303(c)(6) When safety flanges are required, they shall be used only with wheels designed to fit the flanges. Only safety flanges, of a type and design and properly assembled so as to ensure that the pieces of the wheel will be retained in case of accidental breakage, shall be used.

OSHA Standard Subpart I 1926.303(c)(7) All abrasive wheels shall be thoroughly inspected and ring-tested before mounting to ensure that they are free from cracks or defects.

OSHA Standard Subpart I 1926.303(c)(9) All employees using abrasive wheels shall be protected by eye protection equipment in accordance with the requirements of subpart E of the OSHA standard.

OSHA Standard Subpart I 1926.304(h)(1) Each circular crosscut table saw shall be guarded by a hood which shall meet all the requirements of paragraph (i)(1) of this section for hoods for circular ripsaws and meet all manufacturer requirements.

Tool Guarding Responsibilities and Facts

According to OSHA, overall poor tool and machine guarding leads to about 1,800 amputations, lacerations, abrasions, and over 80 deaths every single year for construction workers. Most concerning is the fact that from 2021 to 2022 all serious construction injuries and fatalities related to tools and guarding have risen 33%. In fact, fatalities have increased from 80 in 2021 to 101 in 2022.

PURPOSE: Recognize The Potential Serious Risk Of Not Using Tools &Tool Guards Correctly.

What You Need to Know:

1. Portable abrasive wheels and grinding or cutting devices need guarding along with the utilization of safety glasses and a face shield when using.

2. All guards must align with the wheel, blade, or shank and its fastenings shall be of sufficient strength to retain fragments of the wheel, blade or piece of equipment in case of accidental breakage.

3. The maximum exposure of the cutting or chipping edge periphery and sides shall not exceed 180°.

4. All abrasive and grinding wheels shall be thoroughly inspected and ring-tested before use to ensure that they are free from cracks or defects.

5. All employees using cutting or chipping tools shall be protected by eye protection equipment in accordance with the requirements of OSHA Subpart E. This includes safety glasses and face shields.

6. Each circular crosscut table saw, or chop saw shall be guarded by a hood which shall meet all the requirements of the manufacturer and OSHA’s subpart I.

7. Never modify or alter the guard of any tool.

8. Hand and power tool safety includes choosing the right clothing. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry that can get caught in a tool’s moving parts. Stay safe by wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), like leather gloves, safety goggles, or face shields.

9. Verify that all parts of the tool are fastened securely before each use. Do a test cut before performing production.

10. If you are not trained to use a specific tool STOP WORK immediately and seek training in the proper use of the specific tool or equipment you are being asked to use.

11. Use the right tool for the job.

12. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

“1926.303 – Abrasive wheels and tools.” Occupational Safety and Health Administration, www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulationsstandardnumber/1926/1926.303. Accessed 26 June 2024.

“1926.304 – Woodworking tools.” Occupational Safety and Health Administration, www.osha.govlaws-regs regulations/standardnumber/1926/1926.304. Accessed 26 June 2024.

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