Straight-line rip saw |
A straight line or gang rip saw is a circular blade machine, usually
of the radial design, used for cutting wood across and above the
stock. The blade is mounted directly to the motor, which is
contained in the moveable ram. The stroke may be manual or powered.
The saw blade generally rotates at 3,600 rotations per minute (RPM).
Stock is fed in front of the machine on a feed table with rolls and
guides and pulled across the stock. After the cut is complete, the
blade must return to its original position behind the stock and the
stock is repositioned for the next cut.
Operator Involvement
This type of saw requires the operator to position the
stock, hold it stationary, and grasp the sawing mechanism.
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of Operation |
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Potential Hazard:
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Contact with the blade may occur
during operation, when the saw is idling, if the return
device fails, or if the saw bounces forward from a
retracted position.
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If the saw blade is able to go past the
edge of the table, the blade could come in contact with
the operator's body.
Solutions:
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Enclose upper half of saw and arbor end with a
self-adjusting hood. The hood must drop on top of
and remain in contact with the table or stock. When
the saw returns to the back of the table, the hood
must cover the lower portion of the blade. [29 CFR 1910.213(g)(1)]
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Gang rip saw
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Ensure that the saw contains an automatic device
(such as a counterweight) to return the saw to
the back of the table after the cut has been made.
[29 CFR 1910.213(g)(2)]
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Use limit chains or other effective
means (for example, extend the table edge) to keep saw from
moving beyond the front or back edge of the table. [29 CFR 1910.213(g)(3)]
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Enclose overhead drive with a fixed guard. [29 CFR 1910.219]
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The direction of the saw rotation must be clearly
marked on the hood and a warning label placed that
reads "Danger: Do Not Rip or Plough From This
End". [29 CFR 1910.213(h)(5)]
Additional Safety Measures
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Position the piece to be cut before starting the
saw.
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Stand at the side of the saw blade when the saw is
running, and use the hand nearest the handle to
operate the saw. (This keeps the operator's body out
of the line of the saw.)
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Keep hands out of the line of the cut.
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Install a latch with a ratchet release on the
handle, non-recoil spring, bumper, or other device
to keep the saw from rebounding from its idle
position.
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| Nip
Points |
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Potential Hazard:
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Clothing, hair, or hands may
be caught by and pulled into the in-running rolls of the
automatic feed.
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Power-fed Ripsaw |
Solutions:
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Additional Safety Measures
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Stand at the side of the saw blade when the saw is
running and use the hand nearest the handle to
operate the saw. (This keeps the operator's body out
of the line of the saw.)
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| Kickbacks |
Potential Hazards:
- Stock caught by the blade may be thrown back at the
operator.
Additional Safety Measures
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Position the piece to be cut before starting the
saw.
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Stand at the side of the machine and use the hand nearest the handle to
operate the saw. (This keeps the operator's body out
of the line of the saw.)
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Kickback demonstration |
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| Flying Particles |
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Potential Hazards:
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The cutting action of the blade may throw wood chips,
splinters, and broken saw teeth.
Solutions:
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Make sure guards and counterweights are properly
adjusted at all times. Take improperly adjusted saws
out of service. [29 CFR 1910.213(s)(1)]
Additional Safety Measures
-
Position the piece to be cut before starting the
saw.
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Stand at the side of the machine and use the hand nearest the handle to
operate the saw. (This keeps the operator's body out
of the line of the saw.)
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Always wear eye and face protection.
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