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Guarding hand-operated paper cutters

Summary An OSHA region asked about hand-operated paper cutters. OSHA said both the safe-tool rule and point-of-operation guarding rule applied, and described spring-loaded blades, barriers, and latches used to reduce injury risks. OSHA archives the memo.
Document
Federal opinion letter
Agency
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Document number
1976-06-30-0
Date issued
June 30, 1976
Status
Archived by the agency
OSHA labels this an archive document and warns that it may no longer represent OSHA policy.
Status last verified October 10, 2026
Topics
Workplace Safety OSHA 1910 Machine Guarding Hand Tools
Source
View the official document

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OSHA labels this an archive document and warns that it may no longer represent OSHA policy. It may no longer reflect the agency's current position. Treat this page as historical context, not current guidance, and verify current law before relying on anything here.
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NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only.

June 30, 1976

MEMORANDUM FOR: Vernon A. Strahm, Regional Administrator, Region VII
Attention: B. D. Olson

This is in response to your memorandum dated April 29, 1976 concerning the application of 29 CFR 1910.242(a) to hand-operated paper cutters (trimming boards).
It is the consensus of the Division of Safety Programming and the Office of Standards Development that in addition to 29 CFR 1910.242 being applicable to the safe condition of hand-operated paper cutters, that 29 CFR 1910.212(a)(3)(ii) is also applicable to point of operation hazards.
As you know, the two most probable injuries occur from an operator dropping the blade unintentionally while the fingers are in the point of operation and the slipping of the hand holding the paper during the intentional downstroke of the blade. As a standard deterrent to injuries from these hazards, most manufacturers have included a spring load at the hinged section of the blade and a single rod barrier or shield attached to the board, the length of the blade. In addition, a latch is provided to lock the blade in a closed position when not in use so that the sharp edge will not be exposed. Photographs of typical paper cutters with guards are enclosed.
If we can serve you in the future, we shall be glad to do so.
Barry J. White
Associate Assistant Secretary
for Regional Programs

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