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Safety Information


Type 41 Flat Cutting Off Wheels

ALWAYS ensure that the correct wheel has been selected and properly mounted by a qualified person in accordance with the Abrasive Wheels Regulations PUWER 1998 (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations) and HS(G)17.

CHECK that the guard has been adjusted to direct sparks and dust away from the operator and that you are wearing the appropriate safety clothing and eye protection.

PORTABLE (HAND HELD MACHINES)

  1. Hold the machine with both hands using a firm grip and make sure that you are in a comfortable position with a secure foothold.
  2. Run the machine up to full working speed for a minute before starting to cut.
  3. Ensure that the workpiece is securely held.
  4. Keep the rpm as high as possible ( full throttle on a petrol saw) at all times.
  5. Approach the workpiece slowly at 90° whenever possible. The wheel can be damaged if it is "crashed" into the workpiece.
  6. Always let the wheel do the work. Applying excessive pressure can reduce performance and damage the wheel.
  7. Excessive pressure can also cause the wheel to become trapped or pinched in the cut.
  8. Work with an even pressure and try not to "bounce" the wheel.
  9. Try not to let the wheel dwell in one spot as this will cause a build up of heat which can damage both the wheel and the workpiece.
  10. With a large surface area such as slab or block, pull the wheel across the workpiece or move it to and fro in the direction of the cut.
  11. If the wheel starts to slow down, reduce the cutting pressure. Remember - full rpm at all times.
  12. Never twist the wheel in the cut or apply side load to the wheel.
  13. Take care when re-entering a previous cut and never start the machine up when already in a cut.
  14. When making a horizontal cut, the full weight of the machine must be supported so that the wheel is not subject to any lateral loading.
  15. When cutting soft abrasive materials such as building blocks, check that the fibreglass reinforcing on the sides of the wheel has not been worn away - making the wheel unsafe.
  16. Inspect the wheel frequently - if it has become damaged for any reason take it of the machine and fit a new wheel.

FIXED (STATIONARY) MACHINES AND CHOP SAWS

In addition to the preceding advice:
  1. The workpiece should be securely clamped or fixed.
  2. Excessive pressure can "bow" the wheel by causing inaccurate cutting and a risk of wheel breakage.
  3. On a low power chop saw, excessive pressure can also damage the machine motor.
  4. When cutting masonry materials on a machine with a sliding table (e.g. Clipper), ensure that the (clamped) workpiece is moved to and fro against the wheel and avoid plunge cutting.
  5. If used for "wet" cutting, ensure adequate coolant is applied to both sides of the wheel.