Circular Saw Safety

Circular Saw Safety
Posted on in Featured, Safety Managers

Print This Post Print This Post

circular saw safetyIn the June issue of our safety enewsletter, we wrote on 12 Ways to Avert the Dangers of Using Power Tools, giving precautions that should be used when working with any kind of power tool.

In this issue, we’re providing safety tips specifically for the use of circular saws. Circular saws have been used for well over a hundred years and are essential in the work of home building. But there’s no refuting that circular saws can cause serious injuries, including amputation, if safety measures aren’t practiced.

While there are more than a dozen types of circular saws used today, the basic safety precautions are similar. The following guidelines should be reviewed with your staff during daily safety talks and should be monitored during use.

Remember, only designated, highly-trained persons should be allowed to use circular saws for any work with your affiliate, whether on the job site, ReStore or any other construction-related work.

Before using a circular saw:

  1. Wear safety glasses or goggles, or a face shield (along with safety glasses or goggles)
  2. Wear an approved respirator or dust mask to avoid inhalation of harmful or nuisance dust
  3. Use appropriate hearing protection equipment
  4. Check the retracting lower blade guard to make certain it works freely
  5. Ensure that the blade you have selected is sharp enough to do the job—sharp blades work better and are safer
  6. While the saw is unplugged, set the depth of the blade 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.
  7. Check the saw for proper blade rotation
  8. Be aware that circular saws are designed for right-hand operation; left-handed operation will demand more care to operate safely

When the circular saw is in use check the retracting lower blade guard frequently to make certain it continues to work freely. It should enclose the teeth as completely as possible, and cover the unused portion of the blade when cutting.

 

comments powered by Disqus

Sorry, that passcode is incorrect.

Submit

Online Training Course Instructions

Read this entirely before proceeding to a training course.

Access Code: W8NAEBTG

Recommended Courses

  • You are Exposed: General Affiliate Safety
  • Fall Safety
  • ReStore Safety & Loss Control
  • Volunteering on a Habitat for Humanity Job Site

Take Training Course Now
Instructions
  • After reading these instructions in their entirety, click on Take Training Course Now.
  • In the Employee Access Code box enter: W8NAEBTG and press Submit. This is the code for all Habitat affiliates and volunteers to use.
  • The Safety Courses catalog screen offers a diverse selection of safety courses, including four Habitat-specific courses. Course completion time ranges from 15 to 30 minutes.
  • Click the name of the course you wish to take. The course loads and starts automatically. When the presentation has ended you will be prompted to take a Quiz.
  • Upon completion of the Quiz, you’ll be given your accuracy score, indicating Pass or Fail.
  • If you Fail, you may log in again and re-take the course at a later time
  • If you Pass, you will be directed to a course completion screen. On this screen enter your First Name and Last Name in the appropriate fields. In the Location field enter the Habitat affiliate name you are working with.
  • Course completion information is provided to HFHI, the program administrator and program underwriter.