Mitre Saw

Hazards Controls Training
Physical:

  • Cuts/Lacerations
  • Amputation – contact with blade or kickback
  • Noise
  • Electric shock
  • Flying particle
  • Strain/Sprain
  • Respiratory issues
  • Entanglement of hair, loose or dangling clothing or jewelry
Engineering:

  • Blade guard
  • 3-prong grounded cord
  • Clamps
  • Proper material support
  • Stable Mitre Saw Support

Administrative:

  • Training
  • Pre-use inspection
  • Cord management

Personal Protective Equipment:

  • Task-Specific PPE: Safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, dust mark or respirator (if cutting materials producing dust)
  • Health and Safety Orientation
  • Manufacturer’s manual
  • Saw Training
Purpose
To establish steps to follow for the use of the mitre saws in residential construction, to reduce the risk of injuries and ensuring safe operation.
Safe Job Procedure
Pre-Operation

  1. Inspect saw for damaged cord, missing or damaged guards, and loose parts.
  2. Ensure blade is sharp, clean, and correct type for material. Change the blade if damaged or not fit for your scope.
  3. Confirm that the blade guard moves freely and covers the blade fully when raised and lowered.
  4. Preparing the Work Area
  5. Clear the area of debris, cords, and tripping hazards.
  6. Set the saw on a stable surface or stand with adequate lighting. If on a stand, secure the saw to the stand.
  7. Set up proper support for long or heavy stock.
  8. Keep non-essential personnel clear of the work zone.

During Operation

  1. Put on all required PPE before starting, safety glasses and hearing protection at a minimum. If cutting materials generates dust, such as gypsum board, a mask is also required.
  2. Set the desired cut angle.
  3. Ensure workpiece is free of nails, screws, or embedded metal. Do not cut the material if the blade will come in contact with nails, screws, or embedded metal.
  4. Hold material firmly against the fence or secure with clamp. If holding by hand, position the hand not operating the saw at least 6 inches from the blade path.
  5. Hold material firmly against the fence or secure with clamp. If holding by hand, position the hand not operating the saw at least 6 inches from the blade path.
  6. Start the saw and allow the blade to reach full operating speed before beginning the cut.
  7. Lower the blade smoothly through the workpiece without forcing.
  8. Keep steady pressure; let the blade do the cutting.
  9. Wait until the blade stops completely before raising the arm or removing cut pieces.

During Operation – Cutting

  1. Never reach across the blade or attempt to remove scrap while the blade is moving.
  2. Keep the workpiece supported to prevent binding or kickback.
  3. If blade binds or stalls, release trigger immediately and hold the saw down until blade stops.
  4. Never bypass or disable blade guards or switches.

Post Operation

  1. Release trigger and allow blade to stop fully before removing cut material.
  2. Disconnect power before changing blades, cleaning, or storing the saw.
  3. Clean sawdust and debris from the work area.
  4. Store saw safely in a dry, designated location.
  5. Report and tag defective equipment immediately.
 Date Created Date of Last Revision Reviewed and Accepted By
V.0 02/25/20 Phil Fileccia, Bill Laursen, Christian Ravary, Karoly Ban Matei, Sebastian Pop
V.1 08/19/22 Phil Fileccia, Bill Laursen, Christian Ravary, Karoly Ban Matei, Sebastian Pop
V.2 10/07/25 Karoly Ban Matei, Phil Fileccia, Claudia Starnecki, Meghan Dennehy