Lesson 5 – Safe Use of the Saws and Cutters

All saws and cutters shall be visually checked before use.
Perform a mini risk assessment, on daily basis, prior to using the saw/cutter for the first time.
Thereafter, perform a visual inspection on the equipment and surrounding area before using it again.
Ensure that the area around the work piece is adequately screened-off (where applicable), to prevent chips/splinters from flying all over.
Inform all co-workers and bystanders that you are about to use the equipment, and that they should also be on the look-out to safe guard themselves.
Position the necessary safety signs where applicable and as indicated below;
Where equipment is used in the vicinity of bystanders or pedestrians (e.g. cutting grass next to roads or offices), safety signs shall be posted on portable stands to indicate to passers-by that the possibility of small flying objects exists.
Check that proper PPE is available and used.
Ensure that you do not wear any loose clothing when using this equipment.

Visually inspect the following on the saw:

Electrical Driven

The electrical plug is in good condition and resin-casted.
The electrical supply cable is in good condition and not damaged.
The saw/cutting blade or chain is in good condition and not damaged, cracked or deformed in any way and that where a cutting chain is fitted, it has the correct tension as per the OEM specifications.
All guards in good condition, in the right position and properly secured.
That, where applicable, the blade lock-nut is correctly fitted and properly secured.
The operating handle is in good condition and adequately secured in position.
That, where applicable, the rotational locking mechanism is functioning adequately to ensure that saw/cutting blades can be safely exchanged.
The starting mechanism is in good condition and safe to use.

Pneumatic Driven

The compressed air supply hose and connections are in good condition and adequately secure.
The saw/cutting blade or chain is in good condition and not damaged, cracked or deformed in any way and that where a cutting chain is fitted, it has the correct tension as per the OEM specifications.
All guards in good condition, in the right position and properly secured.
That, where applicable, the blade lock-nut is correctly fitted and properly secured.
The operating handle is in good condition and adequately secured in position.
The rotational locking mechanism (where applicable), is functioning adequately to ensure that saw/cutting blades can be safely exchanged.
The starting mechanism is in good condition and safe to use.

Petroleum Driven

The petrol tank is in good condition and not leaking.
The saw/cutting blade or chain is in good condition and not damaged, cracked or deformed in any way and that where a cutting chain is fitted, it has the correct tension as per the OEM specifications.
All guards in good condition, in the right position and properly secured.
That, where applicable, the blade lock-nut is correctly fitted and properly secured.
The operating handle is in good condition and adequately secured in position.
The rotational locking mechanism (where applicable), is functioning adequately to ensure that saw/cutting blades can be safely exchanged.
The starting mechanism is in good condition and safe to use.

Visually inspect the mounting frame of the equipment to ensure that the saw/cutter will be stable during use.

Before using the saw/cutter, ensure the following;

Ensure that the automatic switch-off function (where fitted), is in good condition and test the operation thereof to ensure safe functioning.
Ensure the correct type of saw/cutting blade is fitted.
Ensure that you are in a firm and balanced positioned before using the equipment.
IMPORTANT: Test full motion reach beforehand!
Without a balanced body position and a firm grip and approach, the cutting blade might “bite” into the object and cause serious damage to the saw and blade, thus putting the operator and bystanders at great risk.
This is to ensure that you do not need to adjust any part of your body during the saw or cutting action, since any body position adjustments – while using such equipment – is dangerous!

Beware of the following during operation;

Ensure that NO PARTS OF YOUR BODY comes into contact with the blade, while the equipment is in operation.
All edges on the work piece (timber or steel) should be regarded as sharp.
All off-cuts of material poses a slip and fall risk, thus frequent cleaning of the work and surrounding area is necessary.
Do Not Use damaged blades that have been subjected to the influence of chemicals or any fluids.
Never cool blades down with water or any other fluid for that matter.
Thoroughly clean the equipment after use.
When not in use, always ensure that the equipment is properly locked away or adequately locked-out to prevent unauthorized use.
If any defect is detected, immediately stop the use of such equipment, render it safe with the necessary lock- out steps, and report the defect to your supervisor.
DO NOT USE any tools or equipment that is defective!

MAINTAINING EQUIPMENT

This is applicable to all the equipment mentioned in this SOP!
All saws and cutters shall be checked by a competent person on a monthly basis.
It shall be the responsibility of the immediate supervisor, that have saws and cutters in his/her area of responsibility, to arrange for the monthly checks, to be performed, as mentioned in (a) above!
It shall be the responsibility of immediate supervisor to ensure that all equipment are serviced and maintained as instructed by the OEM of such equipment.
All equipment shall be checked before use, as per the section on “Safe Use Of Saws And Cutters”.
Proof of the maintenance and checks mentioned in this section, shall be kept for a period of at least 12 months. This shall be the responsibility of the Shift Supervisor!

SAFETY SIGNS TO BE USED:

Below follows a list of safety signage that could be used during the use of saw and cutting equipment.