Section R. 408.12722 - Circular saw guardsRule 2722.
(1) A circular saw shall have a hood-type guard covering the blade at all times when not in use.(2) When in use, the hood type guard shall enclose that part of the blade above the table and that part of the blade above the material by adjusting automatically to the thickness of the material being cut, or it may be a fixed or manually adjusted hood type guard if the hood remains in contact with the material.(3) A hood type guard shall be made of 14 gauge metal or thicker. Plastic may be used if it can resist blows and strains incidental to reasonable operation, adjusting and handling and is designed to protect the operator from flying splinters and broken saw teeth.
(4) The guard shall be made of material soft enough so that it will be unlikely to cause tooth breakage.(5) The hood shall be mounted so that its operation will be positive, reliable and in true alignment with the saw. The mounting shall be of sufficient strength to resist any reasonable side thrust or other force tending to throw it out of line.(6) Where a hood type guard cannot be used because of unusual shapes or cuts, a jig or fixture providing equal safety of the operator shall be used. On the completion of these operations, the guard shall be replaced immediately.(7) A push stick shall be used in cutting short or narrow stock.Mich. Admin. Code R. 408.12722