R 408.15241 Head band saws and band resaws.

Rule 5241. (1) A head band saw and band resaw shall not be operated at a speed in excess of the manufacturer's rating. The rating shall be permanently marked on the wheel. (2) A band saw blade shall not be used if it has a crack greater than 1/10 of the blade width. (3) A head band saw and band resaw shall be inspected monthly for defects which would affect their safe operation. A head band saw and band resaw shall not be used if a wheel has a loose hub, loose spokes, or a cracked rim. A head band saw and band resaw shall have both wheels enclosed, except for that portion where the blade leaves and returns to the wheel. Materials used to enclose the wheels shall be not less than 14-gauge sheet metal or material of equivalent or greater strength. (4) A head band saw shall be provided with a saw catcher constructed to catch a runaway blade. (5) An operator work station for a head band saw shall have an enclosure on not less than 3 sides, not including the back, to protect the operator from flying debris. Above this enclosure there shall be a piece of 3/8-inch plexiglass or material of equivalent or greater strength and of such height between the sawyer and the saw blade to protect the sawyer from flying objects.