22 Mar Electric Hand Saw Safety

Electric Hand Saw Safety

Electric hand saws, particularly portable circular saws, are common construction tools that can cause severe cuts, amputations, eye injuries, electrical shock, and injuries from kickback if they are improperly maintained or operated. Inspect the saw before each use and follow the manufacturer’s operating instructions.

Before Using the Saw

Before beginning work:

• Inspect the saw, blade, power cord, plug, guards, and controls for damage.
• Use only tools that are properly grounded or double-insulated.
• Use extension cords that are suitable for construction use, properly rated for the tool, and free from damage.
• Use required ground-fault circuit-interrupter (GFCI) protection.
• Keep electrical connections and equipment away from water and wet conditions.
• Verify that the blade is appropriate for the material being cut.
• Make sure the blade is sharp, properly installed, and securely tightened.
• Remove damaged or defective saws from service until repaired.

Blade Guards

The blade guard is one of the saw’s most important safety features.

• Make sure the upper and lower guards are in place and operating properly before each use.
• Verify that the lower guard moves freely and automatically returns to cover the blade.
• Never tie, wedge, clamp, or otherwise block the lower guard in the open position.
• Never operate a saw with a missing, damaged, or malfunctioning guard.
• Before setting the saw down, make sure the blade has stopped and the lower guard has returned to its protective position.
• Do not modify or defeat any manufacturer-installed safety device.

Safe Cutting Practices

When operating an electric hand saw:

• Wear appropriate eye protection.
• Use hearing protection when required.
• Keep both hands away from the blade and cutting path.
• Maintain stable footing and good balance.
• Secure the workpiece so it cannot move unexpectedly.
• Support the material so the blade will not become pinched during the cut.
• Keep the power cord clear of the blade and cutting path.
• Never reach underneath the material while the blade is moving.
• Never use your leg, knee, foot, or another part of your body as a sawhorse or work support.
• Do not force the saw through the material. Allow the blade to cut at the appropriate rate.
• Never carry the saw with your finger on the trigger.
• Stay focused on the cut and avoid distractions.

Preventing Kickback

Kickback can occur when the blade becomes pinched, bound, misaligned, or otherwise suddenly stopped, causing the saw to move rapidly toward the operator.

To reduce the risk:

• Keep blades sharp and properly maintained.
• Use the correct blade for the material.
• Properly support large panels and long materials to prevent the cut from closing on the blade.
• Maintain firm control of the saw.
• Keep your body positioned to the side of the blade rather than directly behind it.
• Do not twist or force the saw during a cut.
• If the blade binds or the cut must be interrupted, release the trigger and hold the saw still until the blade completely stops.
• Determine and correct the cause of binding before restarting the cut.

Blade Changes and Adjustments

Before changing blades, adjusting the saw, clearing material, or performing maintenance:

• Disconnect the saw from its power source.
• For cordless saws, remove the battery or otherwise prevent unintended activation according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Wait until the blade has completely stopped.
• Use the proper tools to remove and install blades.
• Install the blade in the correct direction.
• Make sure the blade is securely tightened before reconnecting power.

Never attempt to adjust, clean, or service a saw while it can accidentally start.

Work Area Safety

A safe work area is essential when operating a power saw.

• Keep the cutting area clean and adequately lighted.
• Remove unnecessary personnel from the immediate cutting area.
• Keep cords, hoses, scraps, and other tripping hazards out of the work zone.
• Check the material for nails, screws, electrical wiring, or other objects that could contact the blade.
• Use appropriate sawhorses, workbenches, or other stable supports.
• Be aware of where the cut-off piece will fall.
• Never leave a saw unattended until the blade has completely stopped.

Personal Protective Equipment

Depending on the work and hazard assessment, PPE may include:

• Safety glasses with side shields or goggles.
• Face protection where significant flying debris is generated.
• Hearing protection.
• Safety footwear.
• Respiratory protection when cutting materials that generate hazardous airborne dust.

When cutting materials containing crystalline silica, such as certain masonry or fiber-cement products, follow the company’s silica exposure-control procedures and use required engineering controls and respiratory protection.

Remember

An electric hand saw can cause a life-changing injury in a fraction of a second. Inspect the saw, keep guards functional, secure the workpiece, keep your body out of the cutting path, control kickback hazards, and disconnect power before making adjustments or changing blades.