Circular saws

 Managing health and safety risks

 Work from home

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 Simple Steps to Safety

 Codes of Practice

 Entry permit holders

 Chemicals & substances

 Workplace incident investigation

When using a circular saw, you must eliminate or minimise risks to health and safety, so far as is
reasonably practicable, even if the cutting work only takes a few minutes. Before starting work,
identify the hazards and assess the risks involved so you can plan how to manage them.

Managing risks by using the most effective control measures that are reasonably practicable, in
accordance with the hierarchy of controls. If a single control measure is not enough, use a
combination of control measures.

Many incidents can be avoided if:

 the correct saw and blade are used

 workers are consulted about the hazards and risks

 workers are given adequate information, instruction, training and supervision.

Kickback

Most circular saw incidents occur due to kickback, a term used when the blade becomes jammed by
the material being cut. This causes the circular saw to retract very quickly backwards out of the saw
cut, allowing the blade to make contact with whatever is in its path, often the operator’s hand or leg,
causing cuts/lacerations.

Causes of kickback include:

 blade is excessively worn or damaged (warped or missing teeth)

 the wrong size and type of blade is used for the material being cut

 the flange and centre hole in the cutting blade are different sizes

 flanges and nuts are worn or damaged

 lack of training resulting in poor operator practices.

Control measures to minimise cuts from kickback include:

 select the correct blade for the material being cut

 allow the saw to reach full power before starting to cut and allow it to cut steadily. Do not
force it

 use two hands to operate the saw - one on the trigger switch and the other on the front
handle

 ensure the item to be cut is held in a secure and stable mounting device such as a vice clamp
combined on a bench or sawhorse

 set the saw cutting depth as shallow as possible

 ensure all nails and screws are removed from the material being cut

 ensure you have stable footing and that the cutting operation is done in an ergonomically
sound and competent manner

 do not twist the saw to change, cut or check alignment

 stand to the side when cutting material to avoid the saw if it kicks back

 ensure the blade guard is in place and functioning as required by the manufacturer.

Projectiles

There is a high risk of being struck by projectiles from the blade or material being cut. Causes of
projectiles include:

 the blade is excessively worn or damaged

 the guard is missing or is not operating properly

 the wrong size and type of blade is used for the material being cut

 the speed rating (RPM) of the blade is too low for the speed of the circular saw.

Control measures to minimise the risk of being struck from projectiles include all of the measures for
kickback, plus:

 wear protective eyewear

 check the retracting lower blade guard frequently to make certain it works freely. It should
enclose the teeth as completely as possible, and cover the unused portion of the blade when
cutting

 check the retracting lower blade guard has returned to its starting position before placing the
saw down

 keep upper and retracting lower blade guard clean and free of sawdust

 do not hold or force the retracting lower guard in the open position.

Set-up and use

Improper set-up and use of the saw can increase the risk from hazards. You should:
  not over tighten the blade-locking nut

 ensure the cord is safely used and stowed to minimise tripping hazards

 not use a saw that vibrates or appears unsafe in any way

 use a bench mounted table saw instead of a handheld type whenever possible

 not carry the saw with a finger on the trigger switch

 not saw in awkward or overhead positions or restricted spaces

 only put the saw on the ground once the blade has stopped rotating

o circular saws placed on the ground while still rotating can result in them moving
along the ground and cutting people

 ensure the blade guard is in place and functioning as required by the manufacturer.

Other hazards and controls include:

 electric shock by accidentally cutting through the electrical cord or through the build up of
dust in the motor

o use a residual current device or safety switch

o disconnect power supply before maintaining the saw or changing the blade

o ensure the saw is properly cleaned and regularly maintained

o ensure there is a test and tag program in place

 dust

o wear an approved respirator or dust mask

 noise

o wear appropriate hearing protection.