Oregon OSHA OR-OSHA HAZARD ALERT April 7, 2003 Two reports of circular saw blades coming free from cutoff type industrial saws have come to Oregon OSHA's attention. These two incidents happened in the Portland area and underscore the need for caution by users of such equipment. This type of portable saw is typically used by local fire departments and emergency service providers. In each of these cases, saw blades that were not recommended by the manufacturer broke loose from the saw and flew off. This poses obvious hazards to the user and any workers or others near the saw. It is important that the equipment you use is appropriate and authorized for that use by the manufacturer. Stihl Inc. cautions users not to use carbide tipped, wood cutting or circular saw blades as they can cause severe personal injury from reactive forces, blade contact or thrown tips. Oregon OSHA agrees with the manufacturers. The only blades that are safe to use with these type of saws are diamond blades and abrasive blades, both of which are the blades recommended for use by the manufacturer. Other types of blades require additional blade guarding. Remember when using woodcutting blades on any type of circular saw you must comply with the following rules: ยง1910.243 GUARDING OF PORTABLE POWERED TOOLS.
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