Circular Saw Safety

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

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?

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

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

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.

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: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7158079

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

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

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

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

Applicable OSHA Regulations 1926.304(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 1926.302(a)(2) The use of electric cords should not be used for hoisting hand tools

Applicable OSHA Regulations 1926.304(e) Personal Protective Equipment Personal protective equipment shall conform to subpart E of this section 1926.304(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

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

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

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

Circular Saw Safety