18 Apr Table Saw Safety

Table Saw Safety

Table saw safety requires constant attention and respect for the equipment. Table saws are highly productive tools, but contact with the blade or a sudden kickback can cause severe injuries, including amputations. Familiarity with a saw should never lead to complacency or shortcuts.

Guide for Discussion

Before Using a Table Saw

Before beginning work:

• Operate a table saw only if you are trained and authorized to do so.
• Inspect the saw, blade, guards, fence, and other components before use.
• Make sure the blade is sharp, properly installed, and appropriate for the material.
• Verify that required guards and anti-kickback devices are installed and functioning.
• Keep the work area well-lighted and free of scrap, sawdust, cords, and other hazards.
• Inspect lumber for nails, screws, excessive warping, or other conditions that could cause binding or kickback.
• Wear appropriate eye and hearing protection.
• Do not wear loose clothing, jewelry, or anything that could become caught in the saw. Secure long hair.

Blade Guards and Safety Devices

Never operate a table saw with required guards removed or defeated simply for convenience.

• Keep the blade guard in place and properly adjusted whenever the operation permits its use.
• Use the riving knife or spreader and anti-kickback devices as designed.
• Never disable or bypass safety devices.
• Do not use damaged or improperly adjusted guards.
• If a guard must be removed for an operation that cannot be performed with it in place, follow the manufacturer’s procedures and reinstall it immediately afterward.

Preventing Kickback

Kickback occurs when material is caught or pinched by the blade and is suddenly thrown toward the operator.

To reduce the risk:

• Stand to the side of the blade rather than directly in the potential kickback path.
• Keep other employees out of the kickback zone.
• Use the rip fence for ripping operations.
• Never allow the workpiece to become trapped between the fence and blade during crosscutting.
• Keep the workpiece firmly controlled against the table and appropriate guide.
• Do not cut severely warped, twisted, or damaged material that cannot be safely controlled.
• Never reach over or behind a rotating blade to retrieve material.

If material begins to bind, do not try to force it through the blade. Stop the saw and correct the problem after the blade has completely stopped.

Keep Your Hands Away From the Blade

Never place your hands unnecessarily close to the blade.

• Use a push stick, push block, or other appropriate device when necessary to keep hands safely away from the blade.
• Never use your hands to clear sawdust or scraps near a moving blade.
• Use a brush or other suitable tool after the blade has stopped.
• Never reach across a moving blade.
• Maintain control of the workpiece throughout the cut.
• Do not remove cutoffs until the blade has completely stopped when doing so would place your hands near the blade.

Safe Cutting Practices

• Maintain stable footing and good balance.
• Do not overreach.
• Allow the blade to reach operating speed before beginning the cut.
• Feed material smoothly without forcing it.
• Keep the blade height only as high as necessary for the operation and according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Use appropriate supports for long or wide material.
• Never attempt freehand cuts when a fence, miter gauge, jig, or other guide is required.
• Never become distracted while making a cut.
• Do not leave a running saw unattended.

Adjustments and Blade Changes

Before changing blades, clearing jams, performing maintenance, or placing any part of the body in a hazardous area:

• Turn the saw off.
• Wait for the blade to stop completely.
• Disconnect or otherwise control the energy source as required.
• Follow applicable lockout/tagout procedures when servicing or maintenance could expose an employee to hazardous energy.

Never assume that turning off the switch alone makes the saw safe.

Remember

A table saw can make accurate cuts quickly, but a moment of inattention can result in a permanent injury. Keep guards in place, control the workpiece, stay out of the kickback zone, use push devices when needed, and keep your hands away from the blade.