Businesses would face safety limits for selling plug-in table saws

Businesses would be barred from importing, making, selling, or offering covered saws they know or have reason to know fail the safety test. The rule covers business organizations authorized to operate in Minnesota and woodworking table saws powered from wall outlets. State and local government units are excluded. A business would not violate the rule if it cannot obtain a required patent license on fair, reasonable terms that do not discriminate. The powered-on saw could cut a test device no deeper than 3.5 millimeters. The device would contact the spinning blade at its maximum height, moving one meter per second with its center axis parallel to and 13 to 17 millimeters above the tabletop. The safety requirement would take effect January 1, 2027, if enacted.

Businesses that violate the table saw rule would face penalties and claims for damages. Enforcement would apply to business organizations that violate the table saw safety requirement. Penalties and remedies would follow Minnesota Statutes section 8.31, including a right to bring a private lawsuit for damages. A business would not violate the rule if it cannot obtain a required patent license on fair, reasonable terms that do not discriminate. The enforcement provision would take effect January 1, 2027, if enacted.