Table Saws
Date Posted: 08/15/2016
Approximately 40,000 Americans visit hospital emergency rooms every year with injuries sustained while operating table saws. Roughly 10% of these injuries result in amputations. Table Saws are a great and versatile tool, unfortunately they are also on the list of top most dangerous tools. It is critically important to follow common safety rules pertaining to the operation of a table saw.
Cutting Guidelines
Wear proper eye and hearing protection, and when required, respiratory protection.
Follow all table saw manufacturer’s instructions for reducing the risk of kickback
Make sure the guard is in place and working correctly.
Choose the proper saw blade for the type of work being done.
Keep saw blades clean, sharp, and properly set so they will cut freely without being forced.
Keep the work area clean. Operate the table saw in a non-congested, well-lit area.
Feed material into the saw blade counter to the direction of rota;on
During cutting, keep hands out of the line of the saw cut.
Use the saw blade guard with a spreader and an;-kickback fingers for ripping or cross cutting operations.
Keep your body to the side of the saw blade out of the line of a possible kickback.
Use a push stick when ripping narrow stock
When changing the saw blade, stop the machine, disconnect the power supply and place the plug end of the cord on top of the saw table.
Do not perform free-hand sawing. The stock must be held firmly against the miter gauge or rip fence to position and guide the cut.
Do not reach around or over a moving saw blade
Presenter tips
Pre-read the Toolbox Talk. Your comfort level and confidence will be higher if you know your topic.
Discuss related tasks, work areas or events that make the Toolbox Talk relevant to your job site.
Involve the workers by asking questions and input that drives discussion.
Questions for Discussion
How can this tool hurt you?
How could you prevent it from happening?
