Inspection Detail

Inspection: 307185249 - Artistree

Inspection Information - Office: Monrovia District Office

Investigation Summary

On June 6, 2007, an employee was working at line 6 using a Pistorius Precision Double Miter Saws. This machine cuts a piece molding into two pieces with 45 degrees angle cuts. The machine had cord and plug for energy source. It had a foot control that elevated the two. The accident happened in line 6, where a double miter saw was used. Injury occurred when an employee was cleaning the fence of the saw inside the guard. She suffered from amputations of her right thumb and index fingers blades upward the cutting table. The machine was turned off, but the blade was spinning due to residual energy. The front of the machine was equipped with a guard. According to the employee, she went to the manager and told her that the wood was not going straight, but according to the manager, the employee approached her because of the saw scratching frame. The employee claimed that the manager asked her to clean the fence and sand it. The manager told her to clean the inside and gave her steel wool and sand paper. The employee also stated that the manager did not demonstrate how the employee was to clean it. On the other hand, according to the manager, she gave the steel wool and told the employee to shut down the machine and clean the fence. There was a coworker, who was with the manager when the employee approached her. She remembered the manager giving the steel wool to the employee and telling her to clean it. She did not remember if the manager asked the employee to turn off the machine. The accident occurred when the employee cleaned the fence outside then inside the guard by reaching in. The employee didn't remember whether or not she deenergized the machine prior to cleaning it. She didn't recall if she accidentally stepped on the foot pedal. The manager and the coworker also did not recall whether the machine was on or not. The coworker was the first to examine the saw after the accident. The mechanic, who was among the people who came immediately after the accident, stated that the machine was off. Another operator stated that he had not used the steel wool. He also stated that for changing the blades, he turned off the machine. When he disconnected the machine, he waited until the blades stop. The employee was experienced in changing blades for the saw, but she has never cleaned the fence. Training records for another employee did not indicate to wait and verify that the blade has stopped spinning before placing your hand in the area of the point of operation.

Keywords: AMPUTATED, FINGER, GUARD, CLEANING, SAW