Lance
Fluegel and Bradley
Rein
Arizona Cooperative Extension
- Cut-off
saws are high-speed cutting tools and very dangerous to
operate; therefore, it is very important that you read and
fully understand the contents of the owner's manual before
using.
- Never
lend or allow anyone to use your saw until you are certain
they can operate it safely. Lend them the operator's manual
too.
- Never
allow children to operate the saw. Be sure they are mature
physically and mentally before allowing them to do so.
- Allow
no bystanders, especially children and pets, in the working
area.
- Cut-off
saws are heavy. You must be certain that your physical and
mental condition is satisfactory to operate the machine.
Never attempt to operate the saw under the influence of
drugs or alcohol, or when fatigued. Read the accompanying
unit Preventing Back
Injuries prior to using the saw.
- Operating
cut-off saws and other similar power tools over a long period
of time exposes the operator to Whitefinger disease. This
condition produces numerous burning sensations and interferes
with the ability to feel and regulate temperature. Get medical
advice at once if you experience these symptoms.
- Personal
protective equipment is essential (see Figure 1). Protect
your legs and lower body with sturdy long pants, your arms
and upper body with a sturdy long-sleeved shirt, your feet
with steel-toed safety shoes, your hands with non-slip gloves,
your head with a hard hat or bump cap (depending upon conditions),
your eyes with non-fogging vented goggles or face screen,
your ears with ear plugs or muffs and a respirator for breathing
protection in dusty conditions. WARNING: Never c
t any material containing asbestos without using a respirator
specifically approved for that purpose.
- Some
materials throw off dangerous sparks when cut. You should
wear non-flammable clothing free of fuel, oil, or grease
under these conditions.
- Check
the saw for broken, loose, or damaged parts. Repair or replace
before using.
- Use
only cutting wheels approved by the manufacturer. Unapproved,
cracked, or warped wheels may shatter or break, exposing
the operator to serious injury or death.
- Adjust
the wheel guard to deflect sparks, dust, and material away
from the operator and flammable materials.
- Be
sure the wheel does not turn while the engine is idling.
Adjust the carburetor if necessary.
- Fuel
the engine in a well-ventilated outdoor area. Engine must
be shut off and cool. Do not smoke while fueling and wipe
off spilled fuel immediately.
- Start
the saw on firm ground or other solid surface in an open
area. Never attempt to drop-start the engine.
- Clear
the working area. Avoid operating the saw if the terrain
is wet and/or frozen.
- Hold
the saw firmly with both hands when the engine is running.
- Begin
cutting at full throttle and continue at full throttle until
the cut is finished.
- Avoid
standing in a direct line with the cutting wheel.
- Use
only downward pressure on the saw, as lateral pressure may
cause the blade to break and shatter.
- Do
not change the direction of the cut once started, as this
can also cause the blade to break and shatter.
- Do
not use abrasive-type wheels for rough grinding.
- Do
not cut above shoulder height.
- Shut
off the engine and remove the spark plug wire before adjusting
or working on the saw.
- Carry
the saw with engine stopped, muffler away from your body,
while protecting the cutting wheel from striking the ground
or other objects.
- Remove
the cutting wheel when transporting the saw.
- Secure
the saw to prevent fuel spillage and damage to the unit.
- Store
the saw, with cutting wheel removed, safely away from children.
Disclaimer
and Reproduction Information: Information in NASD does not represent
NIOSH policy. Information included in NASD appears by permission
of the author and/or copyright holder. More
NASD Review: 04/2002
This document
is
8831-C
,
a series of the Cooperative Extension, of the University of
Arizona College of Agriculture, Tucson, AZ 85719. Publication
date: May 1989.
Lance
Fluegel, Safety Coordinator, and Bradley Rein, Engineering
Specialist, the University of Arizona College of Agriculture,
Tuscon, AZ 85719.
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