| Step | Potential Hazard | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Inspect saw, blade, cord, and guards | Damaged blade, exposed wiring, missing guards, tool failure | Ensure blade is properly tensioned and free of cracks, confirm guards are installed, check cord for damage before use |
| Select and install correct blade | Cuts from sharp teeth, incorrect blade selection | Choose appropriate blade for material, install with saw unplugged or battery removed, verify tension |
| Secure workpiece | Work shifting during cut, pinch points, dropped material | Use clamps or vise to secure work, ensure stable footing and work surface |
| Don PPE and prepare work area | Flying debris, poor visibility, tripping hazards | Wear safety glasses and face shield, clear area of bystanders, remove clutter |
| Position saw and begin cut | Kickback, blade binding, hand injury | Maintain firm two handed grip, keep hands away from blade path, start saw before contacting material |
| Continue cutting through material | Sparks, flying chips, loss of control | Keep steady pressure, avoid twisting the saw, maintain body balance, pause if blade begins to bind |
| Remove cut material | Burns, sharp edges, dropped material | Allow material to cool, wear gloves, lift and store edges carefully |
| Shut down and store saw | Accidental startup, blade contact | Turn off saw, remove battery or unplug, wait for blade to stop completely before setting down |
| Clean work area | Metal shavings, slip or trip hazards | Brush chips away, collect scraps, store saw and blades safely |
Safety glasses with side shields
Full face shield when cutting heavier stock
Hearing protection
Cut resistant gloves for material handling only, never while cutting
Sturdy work clothing
Steel toe boots
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.
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| Step | Potential Hazard | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Inspect saw, blade, cord, and guards | Damaged blade, exposed wiring, missing guards, tool failure | Ensure blade is properly tensioned and free of cracks, confirm guards are installed, check cord for damage before use |
| Select and install correct blade | Cuts from sharp teeth, incorrect blade selection | Choose appropriate blade for material, install with saw unplugged or battery removed, verify tension |
| Secure workpiece | Work shifting during cut, pinch points, dropped material | Use clamps or vise to secure work, ensure stable footing and work surface |
| Don PPE and prepare work area | Flying debris, poor visibility, tripping hazards | Wear safety glasses and face shield, clear area of bystanders, remove clutter |
| Position saw and begin cut | Kickback, blade binding, hand injury | Maintain firm two handed grip, keep hands away from blade path, start saw before contacting material |
| Continue cutting through material | Sparks, flying chips, loss of control | Keep steady pressure, avoid twisting the saw, maintain body balance, pause if blade begins to bind |
| Remove cut material | Burns, sharp edges, dropped material | Allow material to cool, wear gloves, lift and store edges carefully |
| Shut down and store saw | Accidental startup, blade contact | Turn off saw, remove battery or unplug, wait for blade to stop completely before setting down |
| Clean work area | Metal shavings, slip or trip hazards | Brush chips away, collect scraps, store saw and blades safely |
Safety glasses with side shields
Full face shield when cutting heavier stock
Hearing protection
Cut resistant gloves for material handling only, never while cutting
Sturdy work clothing
Steel toe boots
High visibility vest when working near vehicles or equipment