16 Feb Masonry and Concrete Saw Safety

Masonry and Concrete Saw Safety

Masonry and concrete saw safety is essential because these powerful cutting tools expose workers to rotating blades, kickback, flying debris, noise, and respirable crystalline silica. Proper training, equipment inspection, dust controls, and safe operating practices can prevent serious injuries and occupational illness.

Masonry saws are commonly used to cut brick, tile, stone, concrete block, and similar materials. Concrete saws may be used to cut concrete slabs, walls, pavement, and other structures. Saws may be handheld, stationary, or walk-behind and powered by electricity, compressed air, hydraulic power, batteries, or fuel.

Before Using a Saw

Only trained and authorized employees should operate masonry or concrete saws. Before beginning work:

• Inspect the saw, blade, guards, controls, and other components for damage or defects.
• Select a blade designed for the material being cut and compatible with the saw.
• Verify that the blade is properly installed and secured.
• Never exceed the blade manufacturer’s maximum rated speed.
• Ensure required guards are installed, properly adjusted, and functional.
• Check the work area for electrical, gas, water, or other utilities that could be struck during cutting.
• Secure or support the material being cut to prevent movement, collapse, or blade pinching.
• Establish controls to protect nearby workers from dust, debris, sparks, and saw operations.
• Use the manufacturer’s required dust-control system.

Never operate a damaged saw or use a cracked, damaged, excessively worn, or incompatible blade.

Kickback, Push-Back, and Pull-In

A blade that becomes pinched, bound, or jammed can cause sudden and violent movement of the saw.

Kickback can force the saw upward and toward the operator. Push-back can force the saw directly backward, while pull-in can suddenly draw the saw and operator toward the material.

To reduce these hazards:

• Keep cuts straight and properly aligned.
• Do not twist, force, or excessively pressure the blade.
• Allow the blade to reach operating speed before beginning the cut.
• Maintain a firm grip and stable body position.
• Keep your body out of the anticipated path of the saw and blade.
• Support the work so the cut does not close and pinch the blade.
• Stop the saw if the blade begins binding or the cut becomes unstable.

Never attempt to free a jammed blade while the saw is energized.

Handheld Saw Safety

Handheld saws require additional precautions because sudden movement can cause the operator to lose control.

• Maintain secure footing and control of the saw with both hands when designed for two-handed operation.
• Never use a handheld saw from a ladder or stepladder.
• Do not perform handheld cutting above shoulder height.
• Never position yourself directly in line with the cutting blade.
• Keep other workers outside the immediate cutting area.
• Allow the blade to stop completely before setting the saw down.

Where elevated cutting is necessary, use an appropriate work platform and equipment designed for the task.

Stationary and Walk-Behind Saws

Stationary saws must be placed on stable, level surfaces. Keep hands away from the blade and use provided guides, backstops, clamps, or other devices to control the material.

Keep tables and conveyor surfaces clear of debris that could cause material to shift or bind. Support long or awkward materials adequately.

When operating walk-behind saws:

• Follow the manufacturer’s operating procedures.
• Guide the saw along the intended cutting line.
• Make multiple passes when required rather than forcing a deep cut.
• Maintain control without excessive pushing or pressure.
• Keep feet and other body parts away from the blade.

Silica Dust

Cutting concrete, brick, block, stone, and other silica-containing materials can generate respirable crystalline silica. Breathing this dust can cause serious occupational diseases, including silicosis, lung cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Use the required engineering and work-practice controls, such as:

• Integrated water-delivery systems that continuously feed water to the blade or cutting surface; or
• Local exhaust ventilation and dust collection systems appropriate for the equipment and task.

Never use compressed air or dry sweeping to clean accumulated silica-containing dust when those methods could increase employee exposure and safer alternatives are feasible.

Respiratory protection may be required depending on the task, equipment, duration of exposure, and effectiveness of engineering controls. Employees required to wear respirators must comply with the company’s Respiratory Protection Program.

Personal Protective Equipment

Required PPE will depend on the saw and task and may include:

• Safety glasses or goggles.
• Face protection where flying particles or debris present a hazard.
• Hearing protection.
• Appropriate gloves for material handling and equipment operation.
• Safety footwear.
• Hard hats where head hazards exist.
• High-visibility clothing where employees are exposed to mobile equipment or traffic.
• Respiratory protection when required.

PPE does not replace required machine guarding, dust controls, or safe operating procedures.

Remember

Never defeat a guard, force a blade through a cut, or continue operating when the blade begins to bind. Inspect the equipment, identify hidden utilities, control silica dust, secure the material, and keep yourself and others clear of the blade and cutting zone.