Safely operating a circular saw

When working with a circular saw, one moment of distraction or carelessness is all it takes for tragedy to strike. A list of circular saw injuries on OSHA’s website includes cuts to the hand, severed toes, cut lips, lacerated legs and amputated fingers. To avoid injuries, OSHA recommends a number of do’s and don’ts, including:

Do:

• Wear personal protective equipment, including safety glasses or goggles, faceshields, and hearing protection.
• Ensure all safety guards are in good working order before starting work.
• Ensure the saw’s blade is sharp. Sharp blades are safer and work better.
• Keep cords away from the cutting area.
• Know that circular saws are designed to be used by right-handed operators. If you are left-handed, the saw will require more care to use safely.
• Check to be sure the retracting lower blade guard returns to its starting position before laying down the saw.
• De-energize your saw before changing or adjusting its blade.
• Keep the saw clean.
• Maintain good footing when using the saw.

Don’t:

• Put your hand under the saw’s guard.
• Operate a vibrating saw.
• Force the saw when cutting.
• Hold or carry the saw with your finger on the trigger switch.
• Use the saw without first checking for materials, such as a nail or screw, that may cause an obstruction.