Woodworking eTool
Specific Finishing Equipment » Handheld Belt Sanders
Handheld sanders finish stock by using a coated abrasive surface to remove material. A handheld belt sander uses a system of pulleys to move the abrasive material across the stock. The wood is fed manually or automatically into the machine or the sanding belt is pressed toward the wood, which is located on a working table.
Sanders produce a considerable quantity of fine wood dust. All sanders should be ventilated carefully. The primary safety hazard of handheld belt sanders is that workers may catch their hands, clothing, or jewelry in the in-running rolls. Also, contact with an abrasive surface can cause abrasions and lacerations.
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Point of operation - Contact with the boring bit or mortising chain may occur.
Possible Solutions
Engineering Controls
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Use safety bit chucks with no projecting screws [29 CFR 1910.213(l)(1)].
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Enclose boring bits with a guard that encloses the bit and chuck above the material being worked [29 CFR 1910.213(l)(2)].
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Enclose the top of the cutting chain and driving mechanism [29 CFR 1910.213(l)(3)].
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Cover operating treadles with inverted U-shaped guard to prevent accidental tripping [29 CFR 1910.213(l)(6)].
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In-running nip points - Clothing, hands, or hair may get caught by and pulled into the in-running rolls on automatic sanders or sanding belts.
Possible Solutions
Engineering Controls
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Guard the unused run of the sanding belt against accidental contact. These guards must prevent the operator's hands or fingers from coming in contact with nip points [29 CFR 1910.219].
Work Practices
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Sand on the downward-moving side of the disk or belt.
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Flying chips - Wood splinters and chips may be thrown from the sanding action.
Possible Solutions
Engineering Controls
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Enclose sanders with guards. The guard can consist of a protective cover at the rear side of the wheel and a hinged cover around the wheel periphery [29 CFR 1910.213(p)(2)] and [29 CFR 1910.213(p)(3)].
Work Practices
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Replace torn, frayed, or excessively worn belts. A worn-out belt can cause massive heat buildup, which can cause it to tear or break and pelt the surrounding area with projected bits.