| Purpose |
To ensure the safe and proper use of quick cut saws when cutting masonry, concrete, metal, or other construction materials in residential home building. |
| Definition |
A quick cut saw is a gas, electric, or battery powered tool used for cutting concrete, masonry, brick, asphalt, tile, rebar, and other solid 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. |
Chemical:
- Fuel spills and vapours (gas powered)
- Carbon Monoxide (gas powered)
Physical:
- Flying debris
- Cuts/Lacerations
- Amputations
- Vibration disease (Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome)
- Noise
- Fire
- Burns (hot parts from equipment)
- Electric shock
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| Controls |
Engineering:
- Dust control (wet saw or ventilation)
Administrative:
- Pre-use inspection
- Training and Competency
- Manufacturers’ Specifications
- ABC fire extinguisher
Personal Protective Equipment:
- Basic PPE: CSA/ANSI approved safety footwear, hi-visibility vest
- Task-Specific PPE: Respiratory protection, face shield or safety eyewear with side shield, hearing protection, gloves
|
| Work Site Supervisory Responsibility |
Do
- Ensure Workers using the quick cut saw are trained and competent in its safe operation.
- Ensure appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is being worn.
- Ensure dust suppression and ventilation are in place, especially in enclosed areas.
- Ensure saw operator follows these Safe Work Practices.
Do not
- Interrupt or distract the operator while the saw is in operation.
- Allow Workers to use a saw with a damaged blade, non-functioning guard or inoperative dust suppression.
|
| Worker Responsibility |
Do
- Preform a pre-use inspection of the saw.
- Wear all required PPE, including eye, hearing and respiratory protection.
- Ensure the material to be cut is stable/secure and your work area is clear. Relocate cables and hoses in the work area.
- Choose the appropriate blade for the material being cut.
- Allow the blade to reach full speed before making contact with the material to be cut.
- Advise Workers to keep clear and setup barricades if working in an area where other equipment is moving around.
- Pull start the saw while standing on a firm stable surface, keeping hands and feet away from the turning blade.
- Maintain a firm, 2 handed grip on the saw throughout the cut.
- Keep a fire extinguisher within 20 feet and know how to use it.
Do not
- Cut above shoulder height or in an awkward position.
- Cut material that is not properly secured.
- Cut with the upper quadrant of the blade, which increase chance of kickback.
- Attempt to change the direction of the cut while the blade is in the cut, this can cause the blade to pinch and kick back.
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