Information sheet - Known hazards when using hand-held quick cut saws

PCBUs must have arrangements for monitoring and evaluating compliance with control measures, and must ensure workers using quick cut saws have:

• been given instruction, training and/or had their competency in the use of quick cut saws verified
• read, understand and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

PCBUs and workers should be aware that:

• use of quick cut saws on masonry and concrete will generate respirable crystalline silica, even if wet methods are used
• petrol powered saws produce hazardous fumes containing carbon monoxide, which will quickly reach harmful levels if used in an enclosed or partially enclosed structure. Use in this environment should be prevented unless the fumes can be safely exhausted outside the structure, such as by a vacuum system attached to the muffler. Carbon monoxide can affect the muscles and concentration which increases the risk of kickback or similar events.

PCBUs must ensure workers:

• use suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) including eye protection (e.g. safety glasses, goggles or face shield), hearing protection, safety footwear and gloves
• use suitable respiratory protection equipment (RPE) unless the PCBU’s air monitoring and advice from a competent person such as an occupational hygienist indicates RPE is not required
• avoid wearing loose clothing or aprons that may get caught in moving parts.

To minimise risks, ensure:

• the correct saw size, type, and blade are chosen for the work
• where practicable, select a saw designed for the specific task and fitted with both wet and vacuum dust and fume controls
• saws are maintained, regularly serviced and in good operating condition
• saws and blades are in good operating condition with no worn, clogged or missing cutting tips or teeth
• blades are secured properly and installed in the correct direction, with no bends, twists or deflection
• the guard is installed and in the correct position for the cut being performed.

To reduce the risk of kickback injuries, workers should:

• stand out of the line of the cut to avoid injury if kickback occurs
• have sufficient and unobstructed space in their work area, and use a firm grip with both hands and secure footing while performing cuts
• use a sufficient flow of water to minimise dust and maintain lubrication of the blade
• not use the upper quarter of the blade, and instead use the lower section of the blade
• introduce the blade slowly into the cut
• use a score line to assist controlling the direction of the cut
• guide the blade in straight and not at an angle or wedged in
• be provided with supervision and/or a spotter
• never use the blade to wedge or pry a cut open
• never cut above shoulder height.

If cuts need to be performed above shoulder height, a suitable working platform should be used that does not expose the operator to a fall from height and provides a stable and secure work platform.

When cutting a freestanding object, such as a concrete pipe, ensure the object is fully supported in a way that it does not jam on the blade as it cuts or rolls away during the cut. The same principle applies when making a cut in a wall if the wall requires propping or supporting to prevent either the wall collapsing or the cut section of the wall jamming the saw blade.

Ensure no silica slurry or dust is left in the work area, so that workers using the site in future are not exposed. Choose a saw with slurry extraction or clean up with an industrial vacuum rated for use with silica.

Some control measures are more effective than others. Control measures can be measured from the highest level of effectiveness and reliability to the lowest. This ranking is known as the hierarchy of control. Higher order controls must always be considered first.