Case 346 – Radial arm saw amputation danger
Case 346 – Radial arm saw amputation danger
A worker operating a radial arm saw lost the thumb and fingers on his left hand when he pulled the saw across with his right hand while his left hand was in the blade path.
Injuries from radial arm saws are generally serious, involving contact with the exposed saw blade. Their operation often calls for adjustments of the articulated arm and head; which can create additional hazards for the operator if the corresponding modifications to the guarding system are not made.
The dangers are present in many sectors, but most notably woodworking shops and retail lumber outlets.
This incident illustrates the need to follow these safety precautions:
• Ensure that the saw blade is properly guarded and by providing instruction to the worker in safe operating procedures.
• It is essential that these saws be equipped with upper and lower blade guards, an anti-kickback device, and a guarding system ensuring that travel of the blade does not present a hazard to the worker.
• Make sure the hand holding the stock is never in line with the blade.
• Stand on the handle side when cross-cutting. Pull the cutting head with the hand nearest the handle and maneuver the stock with the other hand.
• It is essential that these saws be equipped with upper and lower blade guards, an anti-kickback device, and a guarding system ensuring that travel of the blade does not present a hazard to the worker.
• Make sure the hand holding the stock is never in line with the blade.
• Stand on the handle side when cross-cutting. Pull the cutting head with the hand nearest the handle and maneuver the stock with the other hand.
• Return the cutting head completely to the back of the saw table after each cut. The saw should be designed so the blade will not move forward under its own weight or if the machine is vibrating.
• When ripping, make sure that the overall length of the saw table (both infeed and outfeed) is twice the length of the longest pieces of lumber. Also, make sure the stock is fed against the direction of the blade (from the side where the saw blade rotates upward toward the operator). The blade should extend slightly into the table. The motor head must be locked at the correct height and angle.
• When ripping, make sure that the overall length of the saw table (both infeed and outfeed) is twice the length of the longest pieces of lumber. Also, make sure the stock is fed against the direction of the blade (from the side where the saw blade rotates upward toward the operator). The blade should extend slightly into the table. The motor head must be locked at the correct height and angle.
• Make sure that the cutting table is wide enough so that no part of the saw blade overhangs the front edge of the table.
• Clamp stock to the table on one side of the saw blade, when making mitre, bevel or compound mitre cuts. Clamping prevents the wood from sliding along the fence during the cut.
• Turn off the saw and unplug the electricity when making any adjustments or changes in the set-up.
• When taking measurements, turn off the saw and place the wood to be cut against the stop gauge.
• Clamp stock to the table on one side of the saw blade, when making mitre, bevel or compound mitre cuts. Clamping prevents the wood from sliding along the fence during the cut.
• Turn off the saw and unplug the electricity when making any adjustments or changes in the set-up.
• When taking measurements, turn off the saw and place the wood to be cut against the stop gauge.
Weekly Safety Reminder – It Really Happened A weekly micro-learning email to keep safety top of mind. Every Monday morning, we send out a brief safety incident report, of one actual workplace accident, along with preventative measures that could have prevented the accident. Not all events will pertain to everyone’s industry, but the goal of keeping safety top of mind is global. This micro-learning email takes only 2-3 minutes to review and gives valuable insight into a real-life situation. And more importantly, reminds us all to stay vigilant when it comes to safety practices.
The material contained in this document has been prepared from sources believed to be accurate and reliable. Application of this information to a specific worksite should be reviewed by a safety professional. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all liability arising therefrom. Specific medical advice should be obtained through consultation with a physician or other trained health care practitioner.
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