1. Circular Saw Safety

2. Safety Presentation Outline
Circular Saw Usage
Why is Safety an Issue?
Injury/Fatality Statistics
Accidents
OSHA Regulations
Safety Procedures and Policies

3. Circular Saw Usage in Construction
Circular Saws have many applications on nearly every construction project:
Stud wall construction
Sheathing
Trim
Decking
Since they must be used, how can they be made safer?

4. The Issue of Safety
Circular saw safety is a major concern because of its widespread usage:
Often used by unskilled operators (homeowners)
Regularly used for non-conventional cuts
Commonly used on unstable and uneven surfaces
The versatility of the circular saw also leads to its unsafe applications

5. Unsafe Practices Most injuries result from careless practices
Operators commonly lose control of the saw if it gets in a “bind” or when “kickbacks” occur
Fingers, hands, and other limbs are most common injuries

6. Injury Statistics
A study conducted by the Health and Safety Executive's Woodworking National Interest Group showed:
Of 1,000 wood-working machine accidents, 35% involved circular saws
The majority resulted in the loss or partial loss of fingers
83% of these incidents resulted from “ripping” or “cross-cutting”
In most cases, saw guard was either altered or missing altogether.

7. Statistics (continued)
A study evaluating 226 circular saw injury reports showed:
There was no quantitative difference between right and left hand injuries
Out of the 226 reported injuries, 125 were single finger injuries
Only a few of the 3-5 finger injuries resulted in complete amputation source:

8. Circular Saw Accidents
Most circular saw fatalities do not result from the operator being struck by the blade
Typically, fatalities result from the unsafe positions workers place themselves in when operating a circular saw

9. Specific Fatalities
In 1999, a worker attempting to trim the roof sheathing with a circular saw lost balance
The worker was using no fall protection on an 8/12 roof
The worker became entangled in the electrical cord and fell 36 feet to his death
A good example of how the saw did not cause the fatality, rather, the unsafe conditions in which the saw was being operated resulted in death

10. Specific Fatalities
A homeowner presumed to be cutting from the top of an extension ladder with a circular saw
The worker lost his balance and fell to his death after receiving a large laceration on his leg from the circular saw
Assumed to have bled to death after being knocked unconscious upon impact

11. Specific Injuries
An individual propped the blade guard open when operating saw
After completing the cut, struck his thigh since the guard was open making the blade unprotected
The cut was six inches long and one inch deep
Took 50 stitches to seal the wound

12. Applicable OSHA Regulations
(b) Speeds
For circular saws over 20 in. or over 10,000 peripheral feet per minute, the operating speed must be clearly etched on side of saw
(a)(2)
The use of electric cords should not be used for hoisting hand tools

13. Applicable OSHA Regulations
(e) Personal Protective Equipment
Personal protective equipment shall conform to subpart E of this section
(d) Guarding
All power driven circular saws must have guards above and below baseplate
The guard must automatically release back into place after cut is complete

14. Safety Procedures
When using a circular saw, the operator should always wear safety goggles, ear protection, and a mask (when necessary)
In no circumstances should the safety guard be removed or propped open

15. Safety Procedures
Whenever possible, objects being cut should be laid flat and stabilized by clamps or other worker when it is practical
Never attempt to hold a piece of wood in the air while cutting with the other hand
Saw operator should always be mindful of surrounding persons and conditions
Use two hands to operate saw whenever possible

16. Safety Procedures Adjust blade depth based on thickness of material
Ensure correct blade is being used (based on material being cut) and the blade tightness has been checked
Always begin operating blade before making contact with material to be cut

17. Circular Saw Safety