OSHA 1926.304(d): guards on portable circular saws
Under 29 CFR 1926.304(d), every portable power-driven circular saw must have guards above and below the base plate. The lower guard must cover the teeth except for the arc needed to retract, and return automatically and instantly to cover the blade when the saw is withdrawn from the work.
Official text
(d) Guarding. All portable, power-driven circular saws shall be equipped with guards above and below the base plate or shoe. The upper guard shall cover the saw to the depth of the teeth, except for the minimum arc required to permit the base to be tilted for bevel cuts. The lower guard shall cover the saw to the depth of the teeth, except for the minimum arc required to allow proper retraction and contact with the work. When the tool is withdrawn from the work, the lower guard shall automatically and instantly return to the covering position.Read the full section on eCFR
What it requires, in plain English
- The upper guard covers the saw to the depth of the teeth, except for the minimum arc needed to tilt the base for bevel cuts.
- The lower guard covers the saw to the depth of the teeth, except for the minimum arc needed for proper retraction and contact with the work.
- When the saw is withdrawn from the work, the lower guard automatically and instantly returns to the covering position.
Where it shows up on site
- A lower guard wedged or tied back to speed up cuts
- A sticky lower guard that no longer snaps closed
- Saws set down with the blade still coasting and exposed
Verify on site before you call it
A photo rarely shows every fact a standard depends on. Confirm these in person before treating the condition as a violation:
- Is the saw de-energized and the blade stopped at the time of the photo?
- Is the lower guard present, functional, and does it automatically return to the covering position?
- What task was being performed and by whom?
- Is the saw employer-provided or employee-owned?
Typical corrective actions
- Verify by a competent person whether the lower guard is present, functional, and self-returning; remove the saw from service until confirmed.
- If the guard is missing or non-functional, repair or replace it per manufacturer instructions before further use.
- Ensure the blade is fully stopped and the tool is de-energized before handling or repositioning.
Related standards
This guide summarizes federal OSHA construction standards for general information. It is not legal advice. States with their own OSHA-approved plans may set different or additional requirements; see federal and state coverage.