R 408.41954 Radial arm saws; guards, spreaders, and stops.

Rule 1954. (1) The upper hood of a radial arm saw shall completely enclose the upper portion of the blade down to a point that includes the end of the saw arbor. The upper hood shall be constructed in a manner and of not less than 14-gauge sheet metal or equivalent material that protects the operator from flying splinters and broken saw teeth and deflects sawdust away from the operator. The sides of the lower exposed portion of the blade shall be guarded to the full diameter of the blade by a device that automatically adjusts itself to the thickness of the stock and remains in contact with the stock being cut to give the maximum protection possible for the operation being performed. (2) Non-kickback fingers or dogs shall be located on both sides of each radial arm saw blade used for ripping to oppose the thrust or tendency of the saw to pick up the material or to throw it back toward the operator. Non-kickback fingers or dogs shall be designed to provide adequate holding power for all thicknesses of material being cut. (3) An adjustable stop shall be provided to prevent the forward travel of the blade beyond the position necessary to complete the cut in repetitive operations. A limit chain or other equally effective device shall be provided to prevent the saw blade from sliding beyond the edge of table or the table at that place shall be extended to eliminate overrun. (4) The cutting head of a radial arm saw shall return gently, without rebound, to the starting position when released by either of the following means: (a) Sloping the unit. (b) A counterweight system. This system shall not use fiber and synthetic rope or springs.