Job Safety Analysis: Abrasive Cutoff Saw

Print
Step Potential Hazard Control
Inspect saw, guards, abrasive wheel, and power source Cracked wheel, missing guards, damaged cord, tool failure Inspect wheel for defects using ring test, ensure guard covers the wheel, check cord condition, verify proper RPM rating of wheel
Select proper abrasive wheel Wheel shattering, overheating, incompatible wheel type Choose wheel suited to material, confirm wheel matches saw RPM, replace worn or damaged wheels
Secure workpiece Work shifting, kickback, pinch points Clamp or secure material firmly, ensure stable surface, keep hands clear of cutting path
Don PPE and prepare work area Flying debris, sparks, dust Wear face shield and glasses, hearing protection, respirator if needed, remove combustibles from spark path
Start saw and allow wheel to reach full speed Wheel failure, sudden grab, vibration Stand to the side of the wheel, listen for unusual noise, do not begin cutting until wheel is at full RPM
Begin and continue cutting Sparks, hot metal, wheel binding, kickback Maintain firm two handed grip, cut straight without twisting, direct sparks away from people and combustibles, avoid forcing the saw
Pause or reposition material Accidental contact, burns, wheel damage Release trigger before lifting saw, allow wheel to stop, handle hot material with gloves
Shut down saw Rotating wheel hazards, accidental restart Turn off power, wait for wheel to stop completely, unplug or remove battery before changing wheels
Clean work area Fire hazards, dust accumulation, metal scraps Remove dust and sparks residue, check for smoldering material, store saw and wheels safely

Suggested Personal Protective Equipment

  • Safety glasses with side shields

  • Full face shield

  • Hearing protection

  • Cut resistant or leather gloves

  • Flame resistant or sturdy work clothing

  • Steel toe boots

  • Respirator when cutting produces heavy dust

  • High visibility vest when working near vehicles or equipment

Always have a complete, well-stocked first aid kit available.

JSA Category: General Maintenance and Shop Operations

* The steps, hazards, and controls displayed above may be incomplete or not suit your department's needs. All job safety analyses should be a completed with frontline worker input to ensure that each potential hazard is identified and mitigated.

Please read about The Essentials Elements of a Solid Job Safety Anaylsis here.

Thank you to our primary sponsor, Roadwurx, which is a simple asset management platform for small public works and road departments.

Job Safety Analysis
Department: __________________________________
Job/Task:   Abrasive Cutoff Saw
Location: __________________________________
Date: ____ /____ /____
Supervisor: __________________________________
Crew: __________________________________
Step Potential Hazard Control
Inspect saw, guards, abrasive wheel, and power source Cracked wheel, missing guards, damaged cord, tool failure Inspect wheel for defects using ring test, ensure guard covers the wheel, check cord condition, verify proper RPM rating of wheel
Select proper abrasive wheel Wheel shattering, overheating, incompatible wheel type Choose wheel suited to material, confirm wheel matches saw RPM, replace worn or damaged wheels
Secure workpiece Work shifting, kickback, pinch points Clamp or secure material firmly, ensure stable surface, keep hands clear of cutting path
Don PPE and prepare work area Flying debris, sparks, dust Wear face shield and glasses, hearing protection, respirator if needed, remove combustibles from spark path
Start saw and allow wheel to reach full speed Wheel failure, sudden grab, vibration Stand to the side of the wheel, listen for unusual noise, do not begin cutting until wheel is at full RPM
Begin and continue cutting Sparks, hot metal, wheel binding, kickback Maintain firm two handed grip, cut straight without twisting, direct sparks away from people and combustibles, avoid forcing the saw
Pause or reposition material Accidental contact, burns, wheel damage Release trigger before lifting saw, allow wheel to stop, handle hot material with gloves
Shut down saw Rotating wheel hazards, accidental restart Turn off power, wait for wheel to stop completely, unplug or remove battery before changing wheels
Clean work area Fire hazards, dust accumulation, metal scraps Remove dust and sparks residue, check for smoldering material, store saw and wheels safely
Suggested Personal Protective Equipment


Supervisor signature: __________________________________
Employee initials: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________