| Purpose |
To ensure safe use of table saws during home building activities, preventing injuries to Workers and others on site. |
| Definition |
A table saw is a stationary power tool consisting of a circular saw blade mounted on an arbor under a table or bench, driven by an electric motor, and used for cutting wood and other construction materials. |
| Hazards
This list of potential hazards is not comprehensive. Workers are required to complete a Hazard Assessment prior to starting this task to ensure all hazards are identified and controlled.
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Physical:
- Amputations
- Cuts/Lacerations
- Abrasions
- Pinch points
- Impact injuries (kickback)
- Flying debris
- Electrocution
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| Controls |
Engineering:
- Blade guards
- Riving knives
- Anti-Kickback pawls
Administrative:
- SJP – Table Saw
- Inspections as per Manufacturers’ Specifications
- Hazard Assessment
- Training
Personal Protective Equipment:
- Task-Specific PPE: Eye/face protection, hearing protection, gloves
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| Work Site Supervisory Responsibility |
Do
- Ensure Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is worn by all Workers.
- Ensure Table Saw Safe Work Practice (Contractor) and Safe Job Procedure (Employee) are followed
- Ensure only trained and competent Workers operate table saws.
- Verify guards, safety devices, and electrical connections are in place and functional
Do not
- Interrupt Workers while they are operating the table saw.
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| Worker Responsibility |
Do
- Inspect the saw before use. Verify that the guard is in position and is in good working condition.
- Inspect stock for nails, staples, loose knots or other defects before cutting, planning, routing or carrying out similar activities.
- Use push sticks, push blocks, or feather boards for small or narrow cuts.
- Stand to the side of the blade to reduce risk of kickback injury.
- Disconnect power before changing blades or making adjustments.
- Wear required PPE at all times.
- Check to see that work area around the saw is clean and free from any obstructions.
- Ensure that the blade is appropriate for the job task.
- Ensure that hands are well away from the blade when it is turned on.
- When cutting large or awkward pieces, have an additional person help stabilize the material.
- Report any problems that you encounter during the use of the table saw to your Supervisor/Superintendent immediately.
- Notify nearby workers before using the saw to prevent distractions or startling, and to maintain a safe working environment.
Do not
- Remove or bypass blade guards or safety devices.
- Wear loose clothing, jewelry, or have long, unsecured hair, which can be caught in the blade.
- Reach over or behind the blade while it is running.
- Cut freehand – always use the rip fence or mitre gauge.
- Leave the saw running unattended.
- Stand directly behind stock that is being cut, planed, or jointed to avoid injury from kick-back.
- Remove sawdust or cuttings from the cutting head by hand while a machine is running. Use a stick or brush when the machine has stopped moving.
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