Ventia Safety - Safe use of hand-held cutting saws

Information

The version control will be maintained by the SHEQ team and is controlled via the Safety Equipment Inspections Document 2073838157-15.
Client / Site
Conducted on
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Personnel

The version control will be maintained by the SHEQ team and is controlled via the Safety Equipment Inspections Document 2073838157-15.

Action required

Visual inspection Ensure Staff / Contractor undertake a visual inspection of the machine prior to each operation
PPE Ensure the following PPE is available and worn where applicable: * Safety Vest * Safety boots * Gloves * Hard hat * Safety glasses. * Hearing protection
How to hold the saw firmly with both hands, maintain good balance and footing at all times, and avoid using it in awkward positions
How to position the saw in such a way that they are neither bending over nor standing directly behind the blade, especially when the guard is pulled back towards the top of the blade
Not over-reaching, or holding the saw above the line of the shoulder
Not cutting objects for which an abrasive blade is not intended
Not using the saw to pry or shovel away objects.
Only use diamond and composite abrasive blades that are ‘fit for purpose’ – if the wheel is damaged, wobbles or has abrasive material on its sides, don’t use it.
Never use tooth blades of any sort – they increase the risk of thrown tips, reactive forces and kickback.
The guard should be designed to prevent cutting with the front and upper quadrant of the blade – don’t pull the guard beyond the limit stop.
Position the object so that the cut does not close and pinch the blade, especially in the upper quadrant and don’t make a cut that causes the blade to bind.
Use wet-cutting when possible – the water acts as a lubricant, reduces reactive forces and limits dust and fumes.
Reduce pressure on the saw as the cut nears its end – too much pressure may cause loss of control, particularly if the blade strikes a foreign object and shatters.
Align the wheel with the cut and gently re-enter the cut – don’t roughly push the blade into the cut as it may cause the blade to bind, and don’t twist the blade at an angle.
Ensure the object: is fully supported • place pipes on timber supports is secured so that it cannot roll or slip away • chocked so it does not vibrate • use timber wedges to prevent cut from closing.