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Safe Use of Manually Operated Cross-Cut Sawing Machines: HSE Information Sheet
Safe Use of Manually Operated Cross-Cut Sawing Machines: HSE Information Sheet
Executive
Saw
guard
Saw housing Adjustable
with extraction nose
guard
Saw housing
plus
extraction
1 of 4 pages
Health and Safety
Executive
Braking
2 of 4 pages
Health and Safety
Executive
The immediate cutting area must extend the full width Although a radial arm machine is capable of ripping
of the saw movement. Where the table does not meet material, this is classed as an extremely high-risk
this, an extension table should be fitted (see Figure 6). operation and, therefore, should not be carried out on
this machine unless it is correctly safeguarded as per
It is good practice to mark the immediate cutting area manufacturer’s instructions. A more suitable machine
of the table with a coloured prohibition area. This is a circular rip saw bench.
should ideally be 300 mm either side of the saw cut
(Figure 6). The operator’s hands should not enter this Pointing of stakes. This is also a high-risk operation
area. Small components and/or off-cuts should be and an appropriate guide piece fastened to the table
removed using a push-stick. Also, reaching across the should be used.
saw line should be avoided.
Trenching. A suitable jig must be used which will safely
On chop saws, it is impracticable to apply the 300 mm and securely hold the component. Chip limitation
either side. It is, therefore, acceptable to use the semi- tooling must also be used.
circular area as the guide.
Timber Fence
3 of 4 pages
Health and Safety
Executive
Further information
Published by the Health and Safety Executive WIS36 Web-only version 06/11 4 of 4 pages