Competency Assessment: Using a reciprocating saw

• Conducted on

  Date

• Site details

• Operative being Assessed

• Assessed by

When assessing the competency of an individual you must observe them for a minimum of 10 minuets carrying out the task. Choose the check box below if they where observed or could demonstrate knowledge in the following areas:

• Safety glasses are worn while the reciprocating saw is being used

• The electrical and extension cords are positioned away from the work being performed.

• The reciprocating saw is held firmly in both hands while being turned on and used.

• The reciprocating saw is positioned so the saw dust is thrown away from the operator during operation

• The operative can remove and replace the blade on the reciprocating saw.

• When the blade is replaced on the reciprocating saw the electric cord is unplugged.

• Secure the material being cut by the reciprocating saw

• The blade has stopped moving before the reciprocating saw is laid down.

• The operative tcan safely control the reciprocating saw and perform satisfactory cuts.

• Add image of operative whilst carrying out task

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Operating procedure

• They get themselves into a good steady position prior to cutting

• Know how to adjust the speed control (if applicable ) for the different type of material

• Be able to select the right blade for the material (if applicable)

• Place the rocker shoe against the work when cutting with the reciprocating saw.

• Don't force the blade through the material. Use only enough pressure to keep the saw cutting. Let the blade and saw do the work. Keep pressure on the shoe, against the workpiece.

• Know when to change the blade: If the saw requires excessive pressure to cut, it needs a new blade

• To make a plunge cut (internal cut) with the reciprocating saw place the rocker shoe on the material and tilt the saw forward slowly until the blade cuts through the material. Too much forward pressure will usually cause the blade to break prematurely

Multiple Choice - Ask the operative to answer the questions with what they think and record their answer.

• When cutting with the reciprocating saw, why must the saw be held firmly?

  The shape of the saw makes it easy to slip out of the hands.

  The material being cut is not secured and causes the saw to vibrate a lot.

  Cutting positions are awkward and can easily cause the operator to drop the saw.

  The saw vibrates a lot which can lead to the saw being dropped by the operator.

• The reciprocating saw should not be operated close to other workers because

  it is noisy

  it vibrates a lot and blade is unguarded.

  the saw runs at excessively high speed.

  All of the above

• Binding the blade on the reciprocating saw may cause

  the blade to break.

  the blade to bend.

  the saw motor to overheat and burn out.

  damage to the material being cut.

• The rocker shoe on the reciprocating saw should be placed ____________ when cutting.

  close to the work

  away from the work

  against the work

  below the work

• If the reciprocating saw requires a lot of pressure to get it to cut, it should

  be held in a different position

  have the blade changed.

  be adjusted to a higher cutting speed.

  have the cutting position changed.

• To make a plunge cut with the reciprocating saw the operator should

  push the blade straight into the material.

  put the rocker shoe on the material and tilt the blade forward at a slow pace.

  move the blade into the material from a vertical position

  push the saw at a slow speed and move the blade into the material.

• 

• Blade

• Blade Set Screw

• Brushes

• Switch Lock

• Off/On Switch

• Handle

• Cord Strain Reliever

• Electrical Cord

• Rocker Shoe

Ask the operative to explain the following negative health effect of using the recip saw

• HAV's

• Hearing problems

• Eye sight issues with flying debris

• Does the operative know how long they are able to use the recip saw before the must stop for the day?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Does the operative know how much trigger time they have used so far?

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Use this field to add any relevant other information

• Add media

  Media