OSHA Instruction STD 1-12.9 October 30, 1978

OSHA PROGRAM DIRECTIVE #100-41

TO: ASSISTANT REGIONAL DIRECT0RS/OSH

Subject 29 CFR 1910.212, General Requirement for all Machines

1. Purpose

To clarify the intent of 29 CFR 1910.212 as applied to chain saws, particularly blade guards for chain saws.

2. Documentation Affected

None.

3. Background

Inquiries have been made as to the application of 29 CFR 1910.212 to chain saws. The source standard for 1910.212 is Federal standard 41 CFR 50-204.5. The intent is that Part 50-204.5, machine guarding shall apply to all machines. This is specifically brought out in 50-204.5(c)(4) which lists some of the machines, including portable power tools, that usually require point of operation guarding. Since no OSHA standard other than 1910.212 applies to the guarding of chain saws, the general industry standard 29 CFR 1910.212 shall apply according to 29 CFR 1910.5.

4. Action

a. When the use of a chain saw blade guard would prevent an employee from performing the particular work function assigned or would offer a more serious hazard than that associated with an unguarded chain saw blade, a chain saw blade guard would not be required.. The omission of a chain saw blade guard under these conditions would not be a violation of 29 CFR 1910.212(a)(3)(ii).

b. In intended uses when it would be feasible to have the chain saw blade guarded (a one direction movement of the saw with no other obstructions to the guard), a chain saw blade guard would be required.

OSHA Instruction STD 1-12.9 October 30, 1978

c. This interpretation does not exempt the use of personal protective equipment or the application of other relevant standards

Barry J. White Associate Assistant Secretary for Regional Programs

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