Specific Finishing Equipment » Wide Belt Sanders

Wide belt sanders finish stock by using a coated abrasive surface to remove material on one or more sides.

Automatic feeding mechanisms make this equipment less hazardous. Operators' hands however, may be pulled into the sanding area and can come in contact with the point of operation while adjusting the machine. Operators' hands also may be pinched between the stock and in-running rolls, if the feed system is not properly guarded.

Operator Involvement

The operator adjusts the sander and then feeds stock into the in-feed side of the machine. The surface board is retrieved from the out-running end.

Wide belt sander

Potential Hazard

Wide belt sander

  • Point of operation - Contact with the abrasive surface may occur during operation, adjustment, or other maintenance activities.

Possible Solutions

Engineering Controls

  • Guard feed rolls with a semi-cylindrical guard to prevent the operator's hands from coming in contact with the in-running rolls. The guard design must allow for adjustment to any thickness of stock [29 CFR 1910.213(p)(1)].

  • Enclose power transmission pulleys with a fixed guard [29 CFR 1910.219].

  • Provide barriers at the loading and unloading ends to keep hands out of point of operation.

Work Practices

  • Keep hands away from abrasive surfaces.

Potential Hazard

Wide belt sander

  • In-running rolls - Clothing, hair, or hands may be caught by and pulled into the automatic feed mechanism.

Possible Solutions

Engineering Controls

  • Guard feed rolls with a wide metal strip or bar that will allow boards to pass but that will keep the operators' fingers out [29 CFR 1910.213(n)(3)].