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Safety with power saws

There are several types of power saws; using any of them requires great care and vigilance. Two types in particular call for extreme caution because they are subject to an undesirable characteristic known as ‘kick-back‘. This occurs when an obstacle or poorly secured workpiece jams the saw — usually momentarily. The inertia can easily pull the equipment from the hands even when held firmly. The injuries that result from uncontrolled kick-back can be very dangerous.

Both circular and chain saws are prone to kick-back if used incorrectly. Read the manufacturer’s instructions thoroughly before using either and wear protective clothing.

Hand-held circular saws

• Make sure that all safety guards are in good order and working correctly.
• Fit the correct blade for the job and check it is secure. Make sure that it runs true (is not buckled) and has no teeth missing.
• 
• Firmly clamp the item to be cut.
• Grip the saw firmly and adopt a well-balanced posture, ensuring that there are no obstacles to trip over in the vicinity.
• Move cables or any other items well clear of the blade before switching on.
• After switching on, allow the blade to reach full speed before starting the cut.
• Do not force the cut or you will move off line and this is how kick-back can happen. Take it slowly and concentrate.
• When the cut is finished, switch off and allow the blade to stop before removing it from the workpiece or putting the saw down.
• Remember to remove the plug between use and keep other people at a safe distance.

Chain saws

The possibility of kick-back from a chain saw is greater than from a circular saw. Chain saws are not suitable for general woodwork; their main function is felling trees and cutting branches into logs. As this is obviously outdoor work, all the previously mentioned safety rules should be followed along with a few extra ones.

• Protection should include goggles, gloves, ear defenders and stout footwear.
• Keep a firm grip with both hands at all times. The workpiece must be held securely. If lopping branches from trees, do not make cuts on the
• undersides of branches as they will close up, trapping the saw, resulting in kick-back or damage to the equipment.
• Take up a well-balanced stance on firm ground before starting to cut.
• Never use the saw above waist height.
• Check the on/off switch is working correctly and the cable is safe.
• Allow the saw to reach full speed before starting the cut.
• Keep other people and pets at a safe distance, although it is wise to have someone at hand in case something goes wrong.
• When the cut is finished let the saw stop completely before putting it down.
• Do not forget to unplug the saw between use.

Reciprocating saws

This type of saw is not prone to kick-back. It produces a double action sawing movement via a gear box. It is much easier and safer to use although safety precautions must still be taken to secure the workpiece. It is much more adaptable than circular or chain saws. Also it has provision for attaching a range of different types of blades for cutting wood, thermal building blocks, pipe work, plastics and composite laminates.

• Hold the saw firmly.
• Move cables and other items clear of the cutting area.
• Do not use a reciprocating saw above shoulder height.
• Take up a safe working position and a firm stance before switching on.
• Adjust your position according to the work to be carried out.

Motors

The motors used in power tools are very similar to those used in vacuum cleaners and mixers. Appliances with electronic variable speed control functions also operate in the same way. One exception is the gearbox-type speed control (usually with only two available speeds). These act in a purely mechanical way by changing the drive gearing, similar to a car gear box. A list of typical fault symptoms follows. It should be used in conjunction with the motor information in Motors, Vacuum cleaners and Mixers.

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