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| Production > Handheld Circular Saws |
 Circular
saws are used for straight sawing. Depending on the blade, they cut either across (crosscut) or with (rip)
the grain of the wood.
Operator Involvement
The operator adjusts the height of the blade. Then, holding the stock, the operator pushes the blade
across it to perform the cut.
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Potential Hazard:
- Point of operation -
Injuries can occur if an operator's hands slip while cutting the stock or if they are too close to
the blade during cutting.
Possible Solutions:
Work Practices
- Keep hands out of the line of the cut.
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Potential Hazard:
- Kickbacks (that is, when the blade
catches the stock and throws it back toward the operator) are another major cause of injury.
Kickbacks can result if the blade height is not correct or if the blade is not maintained
properly. Kickbacks are more likely to occur when ripping, rather than crosscutting. Kickbacks
also can occur if safeguards are not used or if poor-quality lumber is cut.
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Possible Solutions:
Engineering Controls
- When ripping, use a spreader to prevent material from squeezing the saw or kicking back during
ripping [1910.213(c)(2)].
Use anti-kickback fingers to hold the stock down in the event that the saw kicks back the material
[1910.213(c)(3)].
Work Practices
- Use proper blade for cutting action (for example, don't use crosscut blade for ripping).
- Operate saw at speed specified by the manufacturer.
- Maintain and sharpen blade [1910.213(s)(2)].
- Leave sufficient clearance for stock.
- Properly support all pieces of stock, including the cut and uncut ends, scrap, and finished product.
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Potential Hazard:
- Flying particles - Wood
chips, splinters, and broken saw teeth may be thrown by the cutting action of the blade.
Possible Solution:
Work Practices
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Home | Rough Mill | Production | Assembly
Finishing/Chemicals | Packaging/Shipping | Additional References | User Guide |
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