Safety Tips for Using Saws in Construction

Working with a band saw, portable circular saw, radial saw, or table saw can be highly effective in cutting materials, but also present serious safety hazards if not used properly. Let’s discuss some important safety practices when using various types of saws commonly found on construction sites. 

Band Saws 

Band saws are essential for cutting wood, metal, and other materials, but they can be dangerous if safety features aren't maintained. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines, all parts of the band saw blade must be enclosed or guarded, except for the working portion of the blade between the guide rolls and the table. This means that only the part of the blade in direct contact with the material should be exposed. Additionally, the band saw wheels must be fully encased to protect the operator from accidental contact. 

Portable Circular Saws 

Portable circular saws are versatile tools often used for cutting wood, metal, or masonry on the go. To minimize the risk of injury, OSHA requires that these saws be equipped with both upper and lower guards. The lower guard must cover the saw blade to the depth of the teeth, leaving just enough space to allow the blade to retract when not in contact with the material. The guard should automatically return to its covering position once the saw is lifted from the workpiece. Regular inspection of the guards is critical to ensure they function properly. 

Radial Saws 

Radial saws are commonly used for precise crosscuts and ripping. They are equipped with an upper guard that fully encloses the top half of the saw blade, providing protection from the exposed blade. The lower portion of the blade, which is more exposed, must also be guarded with a device that adjusts to the thickness of the material being cut. This guard should remain in contact with the material throughout the cutting process to minimize exposure to the blade. 

Radial saws that are used for ripping must be fitted with non-kickback fingers or dogs, which help prevent the material from being thrown back toward the operator. It is also essential that the cutting head of the radial saw automatically returns to its starting position when the operator releases it, ensuring it doesn't remain in an exposed or dangerous state after use. 

Table Saws 

Table saws, particularly circular models, are widely used in construction for ripping, crosscutting, and other cutting tasks. OSHA mandates that table saws have a hood over the saw blade above the table to protect the operator from accidental contact. This hood must automatically adjust to the thickness of the material being cut and remain in contact with it. 

Additionally, table saws must be equipped with a spreader aligned with the blade, with a gap no larger than half an inch behind the largest blade mounted in the saw. This helps prevent the material from binding and reduces the risk of kickback.  

General Safety Practices for All Saws 

In addition to the specific safety guidelines for each type of saw, follow these safety practices: 

• Before using any saw, always check the guards, blades, and other safety features to ensure they are in good working condition. 

• Make sure you understand how to safely operate each saw. If you're unsure about any of the safety features or operation, ask your supervisor before proceeding. 

Using saws on a construction site can be dangerous, but with proper safety protocols and equipment, you can significantly reduce the risk of injury.