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 and,
while holding the stock, pushes the blade through the work-piece
to perform the cut.
Potential Hazard:
- Contact with the turning blade.
Solutions:
-
Portable circular saws must have an upper guard
that covers the entire blade of
the saw and a
retractable lower guard. [29 CFR 1926.304(d)]
-
Hand-held circular, reciprocating, saber, scroll,
and jig saws with blades greater than one-fourth
inch must be equipped with a constant-pressure
control. [29 CFR 1926.304(f)]
Additional Safety Measures
-
When using a hand-held saw, the blade should be
directed away from the aisle and any people who are
in close proximity to the saw.
-
Use the proper blade for the material being cut.
-
Maintain sharp blades.
-
Always wear eye and face protection.
|
|

Circular handheld saw in use
Portable circular saw
|