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Additional References User Guide Definitions Credits Log Handling, Sorting and Storing Log Breakdown, Related Machinery and Facilities Dry Kilns and Facilities Lumber Storage Plant-Wide Hazards   >> Log Breakdown, Related Machinery and Facilities   Planers Planers, also called surfacers, are woodworking machines used to dress and size rough-sawed lumber on one or more sides, planing boards to an even thickness. Operator Involvement The operator adjusts the planer for the cut and then feeds stock into the in-feed side of the machine. The surface board is retrieved from the out-running end. Point of Operation In-Running Rolls Kickbacks Flying Objects Vibration and Noise   > Log Carriages/Carriage Runways > Saws >> Planers > Chippers Point of Operation Hazard/Solutions: Contact may occur with the cutter head, belts and pulleys, or other machinery. All cutting heads must be guarded. 1910.265(e)(6)(i)(a) Provide barriers at the loading and unloading ends to keep hands out of point of operation. Infeed to planer feed roll is inadequately guarded. A worker manually adjusts tolerances of cutting heads with the machine running. Manually adjusting cutting tolerances of planer Pressure feed rolls and "pineapples" must be guarded. 1910.265(e)(6)(i)(c) Completely enclose belts and pulleys of line shaft with sheet metal or heavy mesh guards; guards must be used regardless of the location of the line shaft. [29 CFR 1910.219(a)(1)]. Infeed to planer. Note the unguarded pineapple roll and infeed roll. Board is fed into planer by pineapple and cylindrical infeed rolls. Cover cutting heads with a metal guard or cage. The exhaust system may be integrated with the guard. [29 CFR 1910.213(n)(1)]. Exhaust hoods to remove planer shavings from point of operation Side head hoods must be of sufficient height to safeguard the head setscrew. 1910.265(e)(6)(i)(b) Guard levers or controls to reduce the possibility of accidental operation. 1910.265(e)(6)(i)(d) Interlocked guards on cutting heads on planer In-Running Rolls Hazard/Solution: Clothing, hair, or hands may be caught by and pulled into, the automatic feed mechanism. 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)]. Planer with labeled parts Kickbacks Hazard/Solution: Stock may be thrown back at the operator after being caught by the cutter head. Install anti-kickback fingers on the in-feed side across the width of the machine. Stand back once the boards have been put through to avoid injuries from kickback and flying splinters. Do not feed boards of different thickness. Thinner boards will be kicked back. Flying Objects Hazard/Solution: Work pieces, wood chips, and/or splinters may be thrown by the cutting action. Use a barrier or guardrail when the machine is running. Vibration and Noise Hazard/Solution: Vibration and noise produced from the machinery may be harmful to the workers. Use an appropriate noise enclosure for the planer. Ensure that the machinery is anchored to, and insulated from, a solid foundation. Use Personal Protective Equipment. Noise enclosure for planer | Home | Log Handling | Log Breakdown | Dry Kilns | Lumber Storage | | Plant-Wide Hazards | Definitions | Additional References | User Guide | Credits |

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