| Step | Potential Hazard | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Inspect saw, guards, blade, and work area | Damaged blade, missing guards, loose parts, clutter | Ensure guards are in place, check blade tension and condition, tighten all fasteners, maintain clean and well lit area |
| Select and install appropriate blade | Cuts from sharp teeth, incorrect blade selection, improper installation | Wear gloves when handling blades, choose blade suited to material, install with machine unplugged, verify proper tension |
| Secure workpiece in vise | Workpiece movement, pinch points, dropped material | Use built in vise or clamps, ensure firm grip on material, keep hands clear of pinch zones |
| Set feed rate and adjust guides | Pinched fingers, incorrect feed, blade binding | Turn saw off before adjustments, follow manufacturer recommendations for feed pressure |
| Don PPE and prepare to cut | Flying metal chips, noise, sparks | Wear safety glasses with face shield, use hearing protection, ensure coolant or lubrication is available if required |
| Start saw and begin cutting | Blade breakage, kickback, flying debris, entanglement | Keep hands away from blade path, do not force material, do not wear gloves while cutting, stand clear of cutting zone |
| Monitor cut and adjust as needed | Blade binding, overheating, unexpected movement | Adjust feed pressure gradually, ensure coolant flow is adequate, watch for unusual vibration or noise |
| Remove cut material after saw stops | Burns, sharp edges, dropped material | Wait until blade stops fully, handle material carefully, use gloves to handle sharp or hot edges |
| Shut down saw | Accidental contact with moving blade | Turn off machine, verify blade has stopped, unplug for maintenance |
| Clean work area | Metal shavings, slip hazards, leftover scraps | Brush away chips, empty chip tray, clean coolant spills, store materials and tools properly |
Safety glasses with side shields
Full face shield
Hearing protection
Cut resistant gloves for handling material 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, guards, blade, and work area | Damaged blade, missing guards, loose parts, clutter | Ensure guards are in place, check blade tension and condition, tighten all fasteners, maintain clean and well lit area |
| Select and install appropriate blade | Cuts from sharp teeth, incorrect blade selection, improper installation | Wear gloves when handling blades, choose blade suited to material, install with machine unplugged, verify proper tension |
| Secure workpiece in vise | Workpiece movement, pinch points, dropped material | Use built in vise or clamps, ensure firm grip on material, keep hands clear of pinch zones |
| Set feed rate and adjust guides | Pinched fingers, incorrect feed, blade binding | Turn saw off before adjustments, follow manufacturer recommendations for feed pressure |
| Don PPE and prepare to cut | Flying metal chips, noise, sparks | Wear safety glasses with face shield, use hearing protection, ensure coolant or lubrication is available if required |
| Start saw and begin cutting | Blade breakage, kickback, flying debris, entanglement | Keep hands away from blade path, do not force material, do not wear gloves while cutting, stand clear of cutting zone |
| Monitor cut and adjust as needed | Blade binding, overheating, unexpected movement | Adjust feed pressure gradually, ensure coolant flow is adequate, watch for unusual vibration or noise |
| Remove cut material after saw stops | Burns, sharp edges, dropped material | Wait until blade stops fully, handle material carefully, use gloves to handle sharp or hot edges |
| Shut down saw | Accidental contact with moving blade | Turn off machine, verify blade has stopped, unplug for maintenance |
| Clean work area | Metal shavings, slip hazards, leftover scraps | Brush away chips, empty chip tray, clean coolant spills, store materials and tools properly |
Safety glasses with side shields
Full face shield
Hearing protection
Cut resistant gloves for handling material only, never while cutting
Sturdy work clothing
Steel toe boots
High visibility vest when working near vehicles or equipment