Handheld Cut-off Saw Safety
Cut-off saws are powerful tools for contractors to cut concrete, metal, and other materials. Before using your cut-off saw (aka quickie saw), make sure to do a quick inspection to ensure you are making your cuts safely.
Before Cutting
- Check the machine for loose or missing fasteners
- Make sure to replace and/or tighten all screws and bolts.
- Check the throttle trigger, trigger interlock, and stop switch to make sure they are functioning properly.
- Inspect the wheel guard to make sure it is properly mounter and doesn't have any cracks or other damage.
- Never alter your cutoff machine's blade guard.
- Inspect the diamond blade/wheel you are using.
- Make sure it is the proper blade/wheel for the work you are doing.
- Look for: missing segments, cracks in the blade's core, water saturation of abrasive wheels.
- Make sure that your blade flanges are in good condition, and make sure the blade is properly mounted on the saw.
- Make sure that your belt has been properly tensioned.
While Operating:
- Hold the machine firmly with both hands.
- Maintain good balance and stable footing.
- Do not stand directly behind the plane of the blade.
- Allow the blade to do the grinding, do not force the blade into the material.
- Do not attempt to change the direction of the cut while the blade is in the cut, this can cause the blade to pinch and kickback.
- Avoid cutting with the upper quadrant of the blade, this will result in a higher chance of kickback.
- Do not cut above your head.
CHECK OUT OUR CUT-OFF SAW AND DIAMOND BLADE SAFETY TRAINING:
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