Write a safe work procedure for drop saw

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CCOHS CCHST Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety Centre canadien d'hygiène et de sécurité au travail Woodworking Machines # Woodworking Machines - Mitre Saws ## On this page What should you do before using a mitre saw? What safety precautions should you follow when using a mitre saw? What should you avoid when using a mitre saw? ## What should you do before using a mitre saw? Mitre saws can be dangerous if not used properly. - Read the owner's manual carefully. - Make sure you know and understand the instructions before attempting to use any tool or machine. - Learn the applications and limitations before use. - Refer to Woodworking Machines - General Safety Tips for more information. ## What safety precautions should you follow when using a mitre saw? - Wear safety glasses or goggles, or a face shield (with safety glasses or goggles). - If work is dusty, use a dust extraction system, and/or respirator or dust mask. - Wear appropriate hearing protection. - Wear protective footwear when required. - Attach the saw firmly on a workbench or other rigid frame and operate saw at waist height. The saw can also be taken to remote locations by mounting it on a piece of plywood 13 mm (1/2 in.) or thicker. This plywood (and saw) must be clamped to a waist high work surface on the job site with large "C" clamps. Woodworking Machines - Mitre Saws CCOHS

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# Woodworking Machines - Table Saws (cont.) ## What safety procedures should you follow when using a table saw? (cont.) - Use guard with a spreader (riving knife) and anti-kickback fingers for all ripping or cross cutting operations. - Keep the body and face to one side of the saw blade out of the line of a possible kickback. Provide adequate support to the rear and sides of a saw table for wide or long stock. - Be careful when waxing, cleaning, or servicing the table. - Turn off the power and unplug (or lock out) a saw before doing any work on the saw. - Keep area clean and clutter-free. Operate machines in a non-congested, well-lit area. - Use the proper sawdust exhaust systems as required by operation. Direction Anti-kickback of Travel Stock Guard Fence Start/Stop Controls Work Surface ## What should you avoid when working with a table saw? Do not saw freehand. Always hold the stock firmly against the mitre gauge or a rip fence to position and guide the cut. - Do not reach around and over moving blades. - Do not feed the work piece faster than the saw can accept. - Do not lift the guard or work near the blade while it is turning. - Do not cut stock that has loose knots, splits, defects or foreign objects (e.g., metal, stone) in it. - Do not remove saw dust or cuttings around knives by hand or with compressed air. Use a stick or brush. - Do not leave a saw running unattended. Turn off the power and make sure the machine has stopped running before leaving the area. Woodworking Machines - Table Saws CCOHS

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# Occupational Safety and Health Administration (cont.) Guarding. All portable, power-driven circular saws shall be equipped with guards above and below the base plate or shoe. The upper guard shall cover the saw to the depth of the teeth, except for the minimum arc required to permit the base to be tilted for bevel cuts. The lower guard shall cover the saw to the depth of the teeth, except for the minimum arc required to allow proper retraction and contact with the work. When the tool is withdrawn from the work, the lower guard shall automatically and instantly return to the covering position. 1926.304(e) Personal protective equipment. All personal protective equipment provided for use shall conform to subpart E of this part. ## 1926.304(f) Other requirements. All woodworking tools and machinery shall meet other applicable requirements of American National Standards Institute, 01.1-1961, Safety Code for Woodworking Machinery. ## 1926.304(g) ## Radial saws. 1926.304(g)(1) Submit Feedback The upper hood shall completely enclose the upper portion of the blade down to a point that will include the end of the saw arbor. The upper hood shall be constructed in such a manner and of such material that it will protect the operator from flying splinters, broken saw teeth, etc., and will deflect sawdust away from the operator. The sides of the lower exposed portion of the blade shall be guarded to the full diameter of the blade by a device that will automatically adjust itself to the thickness of the stock and remain in contact with stock being cut to give maximum protection possible for the operation being performed. 1926.304(h) Hand-fed crosscut table saws. (1) Each circular crosscut table saw shall be guarded by a hood which shall meet all the requirements of paragraph (i)(1) of this section for hoods for circular ripsaws. 1926.304(i) Hand-fed ripsaws.

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# Struck-by injuries-Electric saws ## Explain dangers Electric saws such as table saws, chainsaws, and circular saws are some of the most widely used power tools on construction sites. They're also among the most dangerous. Hundreds of Ontario workers are hospitalized each year after being struck by a power saw or the material they were cutting with it. Common struck-by injuries from electric saws include • Cuts and lacerations • Amputations • Fractures • Eye injuries from flying debris. ## Identify controls • Read all the safety materials and follow the manufacturer's instructions when using electric saws. • Wear all required personal protective equipment when operating electric saws. That includes safety glasses, hearing protection, a dust mask, and appropriate footwear. • Turn the power off or disconnect electric saws from the power source before making adjustments or replacing blades. • The blade of the saw should extend only 1/8 in (3 mm) below the piece of material that you are cutting. The risk of a struck-by injury from kickback increases as more of the blade is exposed below the material. • Never use your knees or foot to support the material you're cutting. - Never pull the saw backward when you're cutting. • Keep your hand away from the front of the saw. • Never reach under, around, or behind the material you're cutting while the saw blade is moving. • Never carry a saw with your finger on the trigger. • Ensure blades and tools are inspected prior to use. . Ensure all guards are in place and that they have not been tampered with. - Never put the saw down until the blade/chain and motor has stopped. • Position yourself so that you are in control of the saw. - Never wedge, wire, or jam the guard to prevent it from working. • Only competent workers should use an electric saw. - Never wear loose clothing, neck chains, scarves, or anything else that can get caught in the saw. ## Demonstrate Demonstrate how to use an electri…

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SHARP Safety & Health Assessment & Research for Prevention # Worker Hospitalization Alert Construction August 2024 ## Framer Nearly Amputates Toes with Circular Saw In the afternoon on a clear day, a newly hired framer was on the third floor of a construction site using a circular saw to cut a two- inch by six-inch board. He was employed by a subcontractor providing framing services on the mixed-use building project. The framer had two years of experience in the trade, but had only been working with the employer for four days. The employer provided him with some safety training when he was hired, but he had not been instructed on the manufacturer's safety manual for use of the circular saw. The framer set the 2" x 6" board on a block approximately two feet high to make a cut with the circular saw. The saw was in his right hand and his left hand was holding the board. He was not using a clamp to hold down the board, or using both hands on the saw as instructed by the saw manufacturer. As the framer started his cut, the saw blade stuck in the board and kicked back. The blade struck his right foot and sliced through his boot, cutting his first and second toes. The framer was immediately taken to the emergency room. The saw nearly severed his toes, but the surgeon was able to save them from being completely amputated. The framer spent more than a year on light duty before being released back to full duty. ## What do you think went wrong? In the space below, list some of the factors that you think could have contributed to this incident. Then, flip the page over for contributing factors and safety recommendations and requirements. Reporting: Employers are required to contact DOSH within eight hours of a workplace fatality or in-patient hospitalization of any employee. See WAC 296-27-031. KILDAW Saw that the framer was using to make a cut when it kicked back, cutting through his boot. The tape measure shows the approximate place the worker was standing …

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# Electric tools-Circular saws ## Explain dangers The circular saw is one of the most widely used portable power tools on construction sites. If not used correctly, it can cause serious injuries. Kickback is the most common problem. It can happen to even the most careful users. You can minimize the chance of kickback by: - Properly setting the blade depth - Maintaining a sharp blade - Standing in the right position • Ensuring that the material is held securely. ## Identify controls - Always wear the proper clothing and gear when operating the saw. This includes - safety glasses - hearing protection - a dust mask - appropriate footwear. - Avoid wearing loose clothing and jewelry. If your hair is shoulder length or longer, tie it back so it doesn't get caught in the saw. - If you are cutting pressure-treated wood or cedar, you should use a NIOSH-approved N95 filtering face mask or a more protective respirator. - Read all the safety materials included in the manufacturer's instructions before using your saw. - Always unplug the saw when changing blades, cleaning the saw, or making adjustments. • Never use the saw near water. - Ensure the extension cord does not run across walkways where it can be a tripping hazard or get damaged. • Ensure that the extension cord is in good condition, and that the plug has a ground pin. - The blade should extend only 1/8 inch below the piece of material that you are cutting. The risk of kickback and injury increases as more blade is exposed below the material. • Do not overextend your body when cutting. Position yourself so that you are in control of the saw and the material. • Never use your knee or foot to support the material you're cutting. - Never wedge, wire, or jam the guard to prevent it from working. This is a dangerous practice that could cause serious injury. - Never fasten the trigger's safety lock in the "on" position. The purpose of this feature is to minimize accide…

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# Cut-off saws Although there are many specific types of cut-off saws, they are all circular saws designed to cross-cut stock at exact lengths and angles. The following are some of the common cut-off saws used today. ## Miter saw A miter saw is a versatile circular power saw mounted on a hinged frame and designed to make accurate angle cuts. When the blade is lowered in a chopping motion, the blade cuts through the work piece, passing through a slot in the base. ## Chop saw A chop saw is a lightweight circular saw mounted on a spring-loaded pivoting arm and supported by a metal base. The operator clamps the stock to the fence, pulls the blade through the work piece, and guides the saw back to its upright position. Chop saws typically do not have the cutting capacity of miter saws. ## Swing saw Swing saws, both overhead and inverted, are swung from a pivot, either above or below the saw arbor. The operator positions the stock, pulls the saw across to make the cut, and then returns the saw to its original position. ## Jump saw Similar to an inverted swing saw, a jump saw (also called an up-cut saw) is a circular saw located underneath the stock and hold down (clamp) and is attached on an arm that pivots from behind the saw arbor at approximately the same height. After the stock is positioned, the blade comes up, cuts the stock, and drops below the table surface. These "undertable" saws are normally operated by a knee or foot pedal. ## Hazard Severe cuts to or amputations of the fingers or hands can occur if they come in contact with the saw blade. If the rotating blade is not properly guarded, exposure can occur during operation or when the saw is idling. Overhead swing saws can pose additional hazards if the return device fails, if the saw bounces forward from a retracted position, or if the saw blade is able to go past the edge of the table, possibly contacting the operator's body. Although not as common as with ripsaws, hazardous kickbacks might also …

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# Radial-arm saw Radial-arm saws are circular saws that are normally used to cut against the grain of wood (crosscut) but can also cut with the grain (rip). For crosscutting, the operator pushes the wood against a fence and pulls the saw into the cut. For rip cuts, the blade is set parallel to the fence, and the stock is pushed through. ## Hazard Severe cuts and amputations can occur if the operator contacts the rotating blade. If the saw blade is able to go past the edge of the table, the blade can contact the operator's body. Stock can be thrown back at the operator if unsecured, caught in the blade, or fed in the wrong direction. ## Solution Enclose the upper half of the saw (top of the blade to the arbor) with a fixed hood. Guard the sides of the bottom half of the blade with a self-adjusting guard that automatically adjusts to the thickness of the stock and remains in contact with the stock throughout the cut. The lower guard must guard the full perimeter of the blade on both sides during the cutting cycle and in the rest position. It must guard all of the saw teeth. Oregon OSHA allows radial saws to be guarded by a device or devices (jigs, work holders, guides, or stops) that provide protection equal to that mentioned above. Make sure the cutting head has a return device and an adjustable stop to prevent the leading edge of the saw from passing the front edge of the table, or extend the table edge. Securely fasten material to avoid unwanted movement during cuts. DELUXE POWER SHOP DEWALT Black & Decker Benson Polytechnic High School For ripping, install non-kickback fingers on both sides of the saw blade and use a spreader to prevent the cut in the wood from immediately closing and binding the blade. ## References ## General Industry • Oregon OSHA Division 2/Subdivision O, 1910.213(h) and OAR [redacted phone](4) • ANSI 01.1, Woodworking Machinery - Safety Requirements • Oregon OSHA Program Directive A-38, Guarding: Radial Arm Saws ## Constru…

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# Woodworking Machines - Radial Arm Saws (cont.) ## What safety procedures should be followed when using a radial arm saw? (cont.) Upper Blade Start/Stop Guard Controls Handle Direction Rip Fence of Blade Blade Lower Black Guard (see-through) Anti-kickback Device ## What should you not do when working with a radial arm saw? - Do not cut the stock that has loose knots, splits, defects or foreign objects (e.g., metal or stone) in it. - Do not use radial arm saws for ripping unless the spreader (riving knife) and anti- kickback devices are provided and properly adjusted. - Do not take your hand away from the operating handle unless the cutting head is behind the fence. - Do not remove the stock from a saw table until the blade has been returned to its "resting" position at the back of the saw table. Use a stick or brush to remove scrap from the saw table. - Do not cut "free hand". Use the back guide, fence, or other device to keep the workpiece from moving. - Do not use cracked or dull blades. - Do not leave a running saw unattended - leave only after the saw has been turned off and it has come to a complete stop. - Do not wear loose clothing (including strings or ties), work gloves, neckties, rings, bracelets or other jewellery that can become entangled with moving parts. Fact sheet confirmed current: 2025-03-10 Fact sheet last revised: 2019-08-09 Disclaimer Woodworking Machines - Radial Arm Saws CCOHS

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# What is a hazard? (cont.) A hazard is usually described by stating the condition and the injury or illness a person can suffer from contact with the hazard. For example, ## Condition ## Injury/illness resulting from contact with hazard • operating a table saw without a guard on the blade → exposed to a cut or amputation hazard • working near a noisy machine -> exposed to a hearing loss hazard • walking on a second floor balcony without a guardrail at the edge → exposed to a fall hazard Several conditions taken together may create a hazard: • (1) operating a table saw that has a guard on the blade, (2) but is talking with a co-worker while cutting wood → exposed to cut or amputation hazard A potential hazard usually involves a condition that can reasonably be predicted to occur. For example, - If one or more bolts holding a table saw blade guard in place are loose or missing, then the guard may fall off, exposing an employee to injury. A potential exposure exists when it is reasonably predictable that an employee could be exposed to the hazard. For example, - Does an employee's expected work pattern, travel, or simple presence in an area pose a danger? - - Has anything been done to prevent access to hazardous equipment that someone may use? 32 37 37

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# CIRCULAR SAWS Date Posted: 09/22/2016 Hospital emergency room visits account for approximately 10,600 visits annually due to improper usage of circular saws. ## IMPORTANT SAFETY GUIDELINES • Wear PPE (safety glasses and hearing protection). • While operating a saw, keep long hair tied back, do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. • Before the cut, set the depth of the saw to 1/8" thicker than material. • Prepare a stable surface to cut material on. Never cut on your knee. • Never alter a manufacturer's guard. • Blade guard should move freely to both the open and closed positions. • Never cut with a dull blade. • Always unplug the saw before you replace the blade. • Cut short material from long material first. • Stand to the side when cutting material. This position protects you from any potential kickback. • Hold the saw with two hands; one hand stabilizes the material to prevent the saw from moving and the other hand is on the saw. • After your cut, you can put the saw down. • Support large panels so they will not pinch the blade. • Beware of knots or sap in the wood and never remove the blade from the material while it is cutting. • Keep all electrical cords clear of the cutting path. • Do not twist the saw while cutting to change direction or saw alignment unless the blade is designed for that purpose. • Do not carry portable circular saws with hands or fingers on the trigger switch. • Keep the work area clean and free of debris and scraps to prvent stumbling or tripping. ## QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION • How can this tool hurt you? • How could you prevent it from happening? ## PRESENTER TIPS • Pre-read - the Toolbox Talk. Your comfort level and confidence will be higher if you know your topic. • Discuss related tasks, work areas or events that make the Toolbox Talk relevant to your job site. • Involve the workers by asking questions and input that drives discussion.

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# Portable circular saw The portable circular saw is probably the most commonly used power saw. Circular saws are versatile and used to crosscut, rip, and bevel cut. The operator adjusts the saw to the proper cutting depth and pushes the tool through the wood. ## Hazard Severe cuts and amputations can occur if the operator contacts the saw blade. Many injuries occur when the lower portion of the blade is fully exposed during operation or when the operator places his or her hand under the base plate (shoe) of the saw. Kickbacks can also present a significant hazard. They occur when the saw blade binds in the cut and the saw kicks back toward the operator. Binding most often occurs when the piece being cut off is not allowed to fall down, if cutting on an incline, or between two saw horses and either the weight of the saw or the forward motion causes the saw kerf (line of cut) to close. ## Solution All saws with a blade diameter greater than two inches must be equipped with guards above and below the base plate (shoe). The upper guard must cover the saw to the depth of the teeth, except for the minimum arc required to permit the base to be tilted for bevel cuts. The lower guard must enclose the teeth as much as possible and cover the unused portion of the blade when cutting. When the tool is withdrawn from the work, the lower guard must automatically and instantly return to the covering position. Check that the retracting lower guard has returned to its starting position before laying down the saw. If the saw is set down with the guard open, it usually spins in a tight circle - sometimes cutting its own cord or possibly contacting the worker's foot. In addition, the lower guard must be equipped with a lug or lever, located safely away from the blade teeth, that will permit the operator to shift the guard safely for starting unusual cuts. Never hold or force the retracting lower guard in the open position and never pin the guard up. Kickbacks can be minimized …

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TENNIS SIGILL THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF LABOR AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT SSACH PUBLIC DEPARTMENT OF LABOR STANDARDS # CUT-OFF SAW TOOLBOX TALK Employees who use cut-off saws must be trained to operate the saw safely. Review the Owner's Manual for each model saw that is used. This Toolbox Safety Talk can help review important safety tips. ## Work Practices Review the Owner's Manual for each model cut-off saw you use. ## Inspect each saw before use: • Blade not cracked, chipped, or warped. • Use the correct blade for material and conditions being cut. • Match saw RPM with blade RPM. • Machine guards (belt and blade guards) are secure and adjusted. • Verify throttle and stop switch are working. • Fuel added when saw is cold. ## Prevent Kick-back: • Always keep two hands on the saw. Never operate with one hand. • Never cut above shoulder height. • Do not bend over the blade when cutting. • Support the material being cut to prevent pinching or binding of the wheel. • Do not grind or bevel on the side of the wheel. • Release pressure on the cut-off saw as you reach the end of the cut. • Review owner's manual to understand directional forces on the wheel. • Position your body to keep clear of the wheel and reactive forces. ## Work Safely: • Start saw when resting on ground. Do not "drop start" cut-off saws. • Wet cut when feasible to reduce dust and reduce energy of reactive forces on the wheel. • During transport, do not roll the blade wheel on the ground. • This can damage the wheel and cause shattering during use. WACKER Personal Protective Equipment C Safety Glasses Work Hearing Protection - with Side Shields Gloves ear plugs or ear muffs Boots Tight fitting respirator with P100 Optional: filters when cutting concrete, 95 mask when brick, asbestos cement pipe. Use cutting metal. wet methods to reduce silica or asbestos dust. Sample safety programs for municipal and state agencies are available at www.mass.gov/dol…

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CCOHS CCHST Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety Centre canadien d'hygiène et de sécurité au travail Powered Hand Tools # Powered Hand Tools - Saws - Circular ## On this page What should you do before start cutting with a circular saw? What should you do to work safely. with a circular saw? What should you avoid when cutting with a circular saw? ## What should you do before start cutting with a circular saw? - Wear safety glasses or goggles, or a face shield (with safety glasses or goggles). - Wear an approved respirator or dust mask when exposed to harmful or nuisance dusts. - Use appropriate hearing protection equipment in noisy areas. - Check the retracting lower blade guard to make certain it works freely. - Check the blade for any signs of damage. Do not use a blade that is damaged, warped or bent. - Ensure that the blade that you have selected is sharp enough to do the job. Sharp blades work better and are safer. - Check the saw for proper blade rotation. - While the saw is unplugged or the battery has been removed, set the blade's depth and lock it at a depth so that the lowest tooth does not extend more than about 0.3 cm (1/8") beneath the wood. - Keep all cords clear of the cutting area. - Circular saws are designed for right-hand operation; left-handed operation will demand more care to operate safely. What should you do to work safely with a circular saw? Powered Hand Tools - Saws - Circular CCOHS

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# Hand-held masonry saws 1 ## Explain dangers Hand-held masonry saws, commonly known as "quick-cut saws", are widely used for cutting concrete, masonry materials, and steel. These high-powered tools can cause serious injuries, so take great care when working with them. - The blade of the saw operates at high speeds. Kickback can occur if the blade becomes wedged and the force sends the rotating blade back towards the operator. - The saw is extremely loud and produces a lot of vibration. - Gasoline-powered saws release carbon monoxide (CO). In addition, spilled or leaking fuel combined with the sparks produced during cutting can cause a fire. - Cutting concrete and masonry materials can expose the operator to toxic dusts (e.g., silica), which can cause respiratory problems. It also produces flying particles that can strike the eye. • When cutting metal, the sparks produced can cause a fire and the metal filings can become airborne and strike someone. • A saw that is left idling may bounce around or fall, causing injury or damage. ## Identify controls ## INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE - Always keep a copy of the owner's manual on hand and follow the manufacturer's instructions for servicing and maintenance. • Clean and change the air filter frequently to remove dust buildup. - Inspect the saw and its components for damage before using it. Replace any worn, cracked, or broken parts before the saw is used again. - Never remove or alter any safety features of the saw such as the protective guard or the throttle trigger interlock. - Make sure that the machine is well lubricated. - Ensure that the blade is mounted properly and is facing the correct direction for rotation. The blade should be snug and in good condition. - Use only the blades and disks that are compatible with your saw (e.g., maximum rpm rating and diameter). - Ensure that the appropriate blade is used for the material being cut. (i.e., Never use a masonry blade to cut wood.) ## …