ISO 19085-16:2021

Overview - ISO 19085-16:2021 (Table band saws and band re-saws)

ISO 19085-16:2021 is the international safety standard for table band saws and band re-saws used in woodworking and continuous production. It sets out safety requirements and protective measures for machines that cut solid wood and similar materials, covering normal operation, adjustment, maintenance and reasonably foreseeable misuse. The standard also addresses safety during transport, assembly, dismantling, disabling and scrapping. Machines with table-tilt or saw-unit-tilt devices are included; several machine types (combustion/PTO-driven, log band saws, horizontal band saws, firewood cross-cutters, machines for explosive atmospheres or manufactured before publication) are excluded.

Key technical topics and requirements

ISO 19085-16:2021 focuses on practical, testable safety elements and includes:

• Control system safety: start/stop modes, safe stops, emergency stop, mode selection, standstill detection and failure handling.
• Braking and run-down: requirements and normative tests for tool braking performance and maximum run-down times.
• Protection against mechanical hazards: fixed and interlocking guards, guard impact tests, prevention of access to cutting and drive parts, clamping devices and anti-ejection measures.
• Safeguarding methods: hold-to-run, two‑hand controls, enabling devices, electro-sensitive (ESPE) and pressure-sensitive protective equipment (PSPE).
• Workpiece handling: table and guide requirements for band saws and band resaws, supports, feeds and tilting devices.
• Other hazards: noise reduction and measurement, dust and chip emission, fire, electrical, pneumatics/hydraulics, ergonomics and lighting.
• Information and marking: warning devices, machine markings and requirements for the instruction handbook.
• Conformity and test annexes: stability, braking, guard impact, noise test code, rigidity tests and performance level guidance (Annexes A–G).

Practical applications and users

This standard is primarily used by:

• Manufacturers and machine designers to design compliant table band saws and band resaws and to select protective systems.
• Safety engineers and compliance officers for risk assessment, machine certification and procurement specifications.
• Testing laboratories and notified bodies for performing the normative stability, braking, impact and noise tests referenced in annexes.
• Plant managers, maintenance teams and operators to understand required safeguards, maintenance procedures and operator information for safe use.

Adopting ISO 19085-16 helps reduce mechanical and non‑mechanical hazards (noise, dust, fire), improve workplace safety, and simplify regulatory compliance for woodworking machinery.

Related standards

• ISO 19085 series (other parts covering different woodworking machines) - consult the series for machine-specific requirements.
• EN 1807-2:2013 - referenced for log band sawing machines (excluded from ISO 19085-16).