Full text of Woodworking Circular-Saw Accidents: A Detailed Analysis of Accidents Resulting From the Operation of Woodworking Circular Saws, 1951 and 1952 : Bulletin of the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, No. 1190

The full text on this page is automatically extracted from the file linked above and may contain errors and inconsistencies.

WOODWORKING

CIRCULAR-SAW ACCIDENTS




Bulletin No. 1190

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
James P. Mitchell, Secretary
BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS
Ewan Clague, Commissioner

REPORTS ON INDUSTRIAL HAZARDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS*

Annual Reports on Work Injuries: A collection of basic industrial injury data
for each year, presenting national average injury-frequency and severity rates
for each of the major industries in the United States.
Individual establish­
ments may evaluate their own injury records by comparison with these data.
Price
Bull.
1161+ Work Injuries in the United States During 1952......... 30 cents
Pull.
1137 Work Injuries in the United States During 1951......... 25 cents
Bull.
1098 Work Injuries in the United States During 1950......... 25 cents
Injuries and Accident Causes: Intensive studies of the frequency and severity
of work injuries, the kinds of injuries, types of accidents, and causes of ac­
cidents in selected major industries;
Bull. 1 1 7 h
Bull. 1139

Injuries and Accident Causes in Warehousing Operations.. 1+0 cents
Injuries and Accident Causes in the Manufacture of
Paperboard Containers.................................. 35 cents
Bull. 1118
Injuries and Accident Causes in Carpentry Operations....
35 cants
Pull. 1079
Injuries and Accident Causes in Plumbing Operations..... 25 cents
Bull. 1036
Injuries and Accident Causes in the Manufacture of
Pulp and Paper................. .. .................... 30 cents
Bull. 1023 Injuries and Accident Causes in theManufacture of Clay
Construction Products.......... .. .....................30 cents
Bull. 962 Injuries and Accident Causes in Textile Dyeing and
Finishing............................................... 1+5 cents
Bull. 9l+9
Injuries and Accident Causes in Fertilizer Manufacturing **
Bull. 92l+
Injuries and Accident Causes in the Pulpvrood-Logging
**
Industry, 191+3 and 191+1+............................. ..
Bull. 881+ Injuries and Accident Causes in the BrewingIndustry,
19U+..................................................... 15 cents
Pull. 855
Injuries and Accident Causes in theSlaughtering and
Meat-Packing Industry, 191+3.... .. .....................15 cents
Bull. 839
Fatal Work Injuries in Shipyards, 191+3 and 191+1+.........
#*■
Bull. 83l+ Shipyard Injuries, 191+1+..................................
**
Bull. 805
Injuries and Accident Causes in the Foundry Indust ry,19!+2 #*
Special Series No. 5 Injuries to Crewmen on Inland Waterways...... 20 cents
Bull. 1001+. Work Injuries in Construction, 191+8-1+9.................. 25 cents
Report No. 28 Injury Rate Variations in the Boilershop-Products
Industry, 1951......................................
***
Report No. 62 Work Injury Rates in the Fluid-Milk Industry, 1952...
***
Report No. 83 Injuries and Injury Rates in Water-Supply Utilities,
1953........... ....................................
***
*For sale b y Superintendent of Documents at prices indicated. How to order
publications: Address your order to the Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office, Washington 25, D.C., with remittance in check or money
order. Currency is sent at sender's risk. Postage stamps not acceptable.
Publications can be purchased also at the following BLS Regional Offices;
3l+l Ninth Ave.,Rm.lOOO, New York 1, N.Y.; 105 W. Adams St., 10th Floor, Chica­
go 3, 111.} 63O Sansome St.,Rm. 802, San Francisco 11, Calif.; 10 Oliver St.,
Boston 10, Mass.
*# Out of print but available in many libraries.
•JHH+Free — Address request to Bureau of Labor Statistics, U. S. Department of
Labor, Washington 25, D. C.



Woodworking

CIRCULAR-SAW ACCIDENTS

A detailed analysis of accidents
resulting from the operation of
woodworking circular saws.
1951 and 1952

Bulletin No. 1190
January 1956

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
James P. Mitchell, Secretary
BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS
Ewan Clague, Commissioner

sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U S. Government Printing Office, Washington 25, D.C. - Price 45 cents
Digitized for For
FRASER





CONTENTS

Page
Summary.................................................................

1

Scope and method of surrey.... ........................................
Definitions..........................................................
Disabling work injury........................
Nondisabling work injury....................................
Average time charge per disabling injury........................
Agency of injury.... .............................................
Accident type..............................
Hazardous working condition..............
Agency of accident.............
Unsafe act.............................

2
U
U

The circular saw and its hazards............... .......... .............

7

5
5
5

6
6
6
6

Kinds of injuries experienced......................
Death...................
Permanent-partial disabilities....................
Temporary-total disabilities...........
Nondisabling injuries..............

9
10
10
10
12

Activity of injured at time of injury......................

12

Accident analysis...........
Agency of injury.................
Accident types...........................

13
13
13

Accident causes...........
Hazardous working conditions........................................
Unsafe acts...............................

15
16
19

Recommendations for accident prevention..................

23

Appendixes
A — Statistical tables...............................................

31

B— Excerpts from American Standard Safety Code for Woodworking
Machinery................................................

h8

C— Safe operating practices.........................................

65




i

Charts

Page

1.

Activity of injured..............................................

2.

Nature of injury..........................

11

3.

Type of accidents............................................ .

II4

2+.

Hazardous working conditions........

16

5.

Violations of State safetycodes.................................

18

6.

Unsafe acts....................................................

20




ii

iv







iv

W OODW ORKING CIRCULAR-SAW ACCIDENTS
SUMMARY

Because of their tendency to produce injuries of greater-than-average
severity, -woodworking circular-saw accidents deserve special attention in all
accident-prevention programs. 1/ Deaths are not common in these accidents,
but permanent disabilities occur much more frequently than in other kinds of
accidents.
Nearly half (I 48 percent) of the disabling injuries in this survey re­
sulted in some degree of permanent disability. In contrast, the proportion
of permanent impairments among all disabling injuries experienced in manu­
facturing activities generally averages less than 6 percent. 2/
It is impossible on the basis of any data available to estimate either
the annual volume of circular-saw accidents or the total amount of manpower
lost because of those accidents. It is obvious, however, that the injury
total is large and that the resulting economic losses are huge.
In nearly 80 percent of the circular-saw accidents analyzed, the injured
person received his injury by coming into contact with the saw blade. Gener­
ally, he was feeding 1-umber into the saw at the time of injury, but contact
with the blade also occurred frequently when:
(a) removing scraps of lumber
or sawdust from the saw table; (b) adjusting or changing blades; or (c) plac­
ing lumber on the saw table.

#This report was prepared in the Branch of Industrial Hazards, Bureau of
Labor Statistics, U. S. Department of Labor, by Frank S. McF,lroy and George R.
McCormack.
l/ Definitions appear under Scope and Method of Survey.
For woodwork­
ing circular saw, see p. 3 * For other definitions, see p. I: et seq.
£/ See annual summaries of work injuries in the United States during
1951,”1952, and 1953j BLS Bulls. 1137 and II 6I4} and press release of Octo­
ber 7 , 1954.




-1-

-2-

The injuries were predominately hand and finger cases. Cuts and lacera­
tions were most common, but a high proportion were amputations. Many of
these were multiple amputations.
Hazardous working conditions, which could have been corrected, and un­
safe acts, which should not have been committed, were equally prominent among
the causes of the accidents analyzed. Generally, both were involved, and gen­
erally they were so interrelated that if either had been absent the accident
probably would not have occurred. Hazardous conditions were factors in the
occurrence of 99 percent of the accidents for which full details were avail­
able and unsafe acts were causal factors in 96 percent.
The most common hazardous condition encountered was the absence of any
cover guard for the saw blade. This was a factor in the occurrence of well
over half of the accidents. Next in numerical importance were defective cover
guards, that is, guards which were improperly designed, constructed, or ad­
justed and as a result failed to provide the intended protection. Signifi­
cantly, 57 percent of the identified hazardous conditions constituted viola­
tions of applicable legal safety requirements.
The unsafe acts which most frequently contributed to the occurrence of
the accidents were: placing the hand in line with the blade when feeding
lumber? using the hand instead of a push stick to move material past the
blade? failing to use available safety devices? and failing to adjust safety
devices to the work being performed.
'

SCOPE AND METHOD OF SURVEY
This survey originated in discussions at the annual meetings of the
International Association of Governmental Labor Officials. It was conducted
as a joint project of the safety inspection services of the several States
and the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the United States Department of Labor.
The purpose of the survey was to assemble in as great detail as possible ac­
curate information regarding the causes of circular-saw accidents.
Collection of the individual case reports was assigned to the State
safety inspectors and the analysis of the data was undertaken by the Bureau
of Labor Statistics. To assure a valid and representative analysis, the
study was planned to include approximately 1,200 accidents drawn from not
less than 12 States. Actually, 12 States 3/ and the District of Columbia
participated. The volume of cases collected (1,021) fell somewhat short of
the goal and, unfortunately, a rather high percentage of the cases reported
was concentrated in 5 States (tables 1 and l£).

3/ Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minne­
sota, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.




-3-

In order to insure uniformity in the data, the following general princi­
ples were adopted and issued as instructions to the State inspectors;
1. Reports were requested for all types of accidents in which wood­
working circular saws were involved in any way, and which resulted
in injury to any person regardless of the severity of the injury.
Reports were not to be limited to compensable cases, nor lost-time
cases, but were to include minor injuries.
2. The term "woodworking circular saw" was defined as any type of
circular saw commonly used in shopwork. Included were hand-fed
table saws, self-feed table saws, swing cutoff saws, and radialarm cutoff saws. Large circular saws used primarily in sawmill
and logging operations and portable circular saws were specifically
excluded.
3. Reports were requested for any accident in which a person was
injured—
(a) By contact with any part of a woodworking circular saw,
such as the blade, frame, bed, guard, motor, driving mecha­
nism, electric circuits, etc.
(b) By contact with materials being fed to, or taken from,
a saw.
(c) By being struck by any material, chips, splinters,
sawdust, etc., thrown by a saw.
(d) While setting up, adjusting, or performing any other
work in connection with a saw.
Strains, sprains, etc., resulting from slips, falls, or over­
exertion when associated in any way with the operation or servicing
of a saw were reportable.

h*

Reportable cases were to be identified through reference to
plant records or through inquiry during regular plant visits of
the State inspectors and were to be selected without regard to
the industry or type of operation in which the accident occurred.
A request was made that compensation reports on file in State offices
nob be used as the source of leads because that procedure general­
ly would result in the omission of many minor-injury cases. Circu­
lar-saw accidents occurring during 1951 and up to the time of the
inspector’s visit in 1952 were reportable.

5. It was requested that each report be based on an actual in­
vestigation and represent the personal findings of the State
inspector. The investigation was to include (a) an inspection
of the saw involved in the accident and of the premises in which
371429 0

-

56 -2




the saw was located and (b) an interview with each available per­
son who could supply information regarding the accident and its
causes.
As a test procedure, the survey proved that the collection of analytical
data in routine visits by State safety inspectors is highly feasible in re­
spect to accidents resulting in disabling injuries. However, the lack of
plant records relating to accidents which produced only minor injuries made
the reporting of such cases less than satisfactory and precluded any effort
to establish a ratio between disabling and nondisabling injuries or to pro­
vide a separate analysis of nondisabling-injury cases. In some of the co­
operating jurisdictions, efforts to obtain reports on nondisabling-injury
cases were abandoned after a few unsuccessful attempts.
Definitions
Disabling Work Injury.— A disabling work injury is defined as an injury
which arises out of and in the course of employment re stilting in death, per­
manent-total disability, permanent-partial disability, or temporary-total
disability. The definitions of these several disability classifications,
given in the American Standard Method of Compiling Industrial Injury Rates
approved b y the American Standards Association, 19h5> are as follows:
(1) Fatality.— A death resulting from an industrial injury is
classified as an industrial fatality regardless of the time
intervening between injury and death.
(2) Permanent-Total Disability.— An injury other than death which
permanently and totally incapacitates an employee from follow­
ing any gainful occupation is classified as permanent-total
disability. The loss, or complete loss of use, of any of the
following in one accident is considered permanent-total dis­
ability:
(a) both eyes; (b) one eye and one hand, or arm, or
leg, or foot; (c) any two of the following nob on the same
limb: hand, arm, foot, or leg.
(3) Permanent-Partial Disability.— The complete loss in one acci­
dent of any member or part of a member of the body, or any
permanent impairment of a function of the body or part there­
of to any degree less than permanent-total disability is clas­
sified as permanent-partial disability, regardless of any pre­
existing disability of the injured member or impaired body
function. The following injuries are not classified as per­
manent-partial disabilities:
(a) hernia, if it can be re­
paired; (b) loss of fingernails or toenails; (c) loss of
teeth; (d) disfigurement; (e) strains or sprains not caus­
ing permanent limitation of motion; (f) fractures healing
completely without deformities or displacements.




-5-

(10 Temporary-Total Disability.— Any injury not resulting in death
or permanent impairment is classified as a temporary-total dis­
ability if the injured person, because of his injury, is unable
to perform a regularly established job, open and available to
him, during the entire time interval corresponding to the hours
of his regular shift on any one or more days (including Sundays,
days off, or plant shutdowns) subsequent to the day of injury.
Wondisabling Work Injury.— An injury other than those defined above,
which arises out of, and in the course of employment, is classified as a non­
disabling work injury. Included in this group are those injuries which did
not require the loss of time except for medical or first-aid treatment.
Average Time Charge per Disabling Injury.— The relative severity of a
temporary injury is measured by the number of calendar days during which the
injured person is unable to work at any regularly established job, open and
available to him, excluding the day of injury and the day on which he returns
to work. The relative severity of death and permanent impairment cases is
determined by reference to a table of economic time charges included in the
American Standard Method of Compiling Industrial Injury Rates. These time
charges, based upon an average working-life expectancy of 20 years for the
entire working population, represent the average percentage of working abil­
ity lost as the result of specified impairments, expressed in unproductive
days. The average time charge per disabling injury is computed by adding the
days lost for each temporary injury and the days charged according to the
standard table for each death and permanent impairment and dividing the total
by the number of disabling injuries.
The accident-cause analysis procedure used in this survey differs in
some respects from the procedure specified in the American Standard Method of
Compiling Industrial Accident Causes. The deviations from the Standard in­
clude the introduction of an additional analysis factor, termed the "agency
of injury" and the modification of the standard definitions of some of the
other factors.
These changes permit more accurate cross classifications. The
factors used and their definitions ares
Agency of Injury.— The standard classification provides for the selec­
tion of but one "agency" in the analysis of each accident. By definition,
this agency may be either (a) the object or substance which was unsafe and
thereby contributed to the occurrence of the accident, or (b) in the absence
of such an object or substance, the object or substanoe most closely related
to the injury. Under this definition, therefore, a tabulation of "agencies"
for a group of accidents includes objects or substances which may have been
inherently safe and unrelated to the occurrence of the accidents, as well as
those which led to the occurrence of accidents because of their condition,
location, structure, or method of use. The development of the classification
"agency of injury" represents an attempt to separate and classify separately
these two agency concepts.




-6-

As used in this study, the "agency of injury" is the object, substance,
cr bodily reaction which actually produced the injury, selected without re­
gard to its safety characteristics or its influence upon the chain of events
constituting the accident.
Accident Type.— As used in this study, the accident-type classification
assigned to each accident is purely descriptive of the occurrence resulting
in the injury and is related specifically to the agency of injury. It indi­
cates how the injured person came into contact with, or was affected by, the
previously selected agency of injury, as for example, fell against saw blade.
The definition represents a change from the standard procedure in two respects:
First, the accident-type classification is specifically related to the previ­
ously selected agency of injury; second, the sequence of selecting this factor
is specified.
Hazardous Working Condition.— Under the standard definition, the hazard­
ous working condition indicated in the analysis is defined as the "unsafe me­
chanical or physical condition of the selected agency which could have been
guarded or corrected." An example of such a hazard is the lack of a guard
for the point-of-operation of a circular saw. This implies the prior selec­
tion of the "agency" but does not provide for recognition of any relationship
between the hazardous condition and accident-type classifications. Nor does
the Standard provide for any definite relationship between the "agency" and
the "accident-type" classifications.
To provide continuity and to establish direct relationships among the
various analysis factors which will permit cross classification, the standard
definition was modified for this study to read:
"The hazardous working condi­
tion is the hazardous condition which permitted or occasioned the occurrence
of the selected accident type." The hazardous-condition classification,
therefore, was selected after the determination of the accident-type classi­
fication. It represents the physical or mechanical reason for the occurrence
of that particular accident without regard to the feasibility of corrective
measures.
Agency of Accident.— For the purpose of this study, the agency of acci­
dent was defined as "the object, substance, or premises .in or about which the
hazardous condition existed," as, for example, the saw which was unguarded.
Its selection, therefore, is directly associated with the hazardous condition
leading to the occurrence of the accident and not with the actual occurrence
of the injury. In many instances,the agency of injury and the agency of ac­
cident were identical. The double agency classification, however, avoids any
possibility of ambiguity in the interpretation of the "agency" tabulation.
Unsafe Act.— The unsafe act definition used in this survey is identical
with the standard definition, i. e., "that violation of a commonly accepted
safe procedure which resulted in the selected accident type."




THE CIRCULAR SAW AND ITS HAZARDS

The circular saw is one of the most widely used machines in industry. A
basic machine of the woodworking industry, it is also used extensively in
lumber yards, wholesale and retail building supply stores, in pattern shops
of foundries and other plants where models or patterns may be needed, and in
the shipping and maintenance departments of companies in nearly all indus­
tries.
Despite a general awareness that circular saws are extremely hazardous
when improperly used, the casual use of these machines by untrained operators
is not only tolerated, but apparently is the rule rather than the exception
in many establishments. The roster of occupations represented in the injury
list compiled for this study clearly reflects this practice. In addition to
the regular woodworking occupations, such as saw operators, cabinet workers,
and carpenters, the list includes porters, janitors, custodians, elevator
operators, hand truckers, truckdrivers, maintenance mechanics, punch-press
operators, plumbers, electricians, welders, sheet-metal workers, shipping
clerks, and salesmen. The list also includes single cases of injury to the
president of a manufacturing firm, the vice president of another firm, a stu­
dent, an instructor, and an artist. In many instances the inherent hazards
of the machine were intensified or released because of the lack of understand­
ing of those hazards on the part of these casual operators. The hazard fre­
quently lies not so much in the equipment as in the degree of control exer­
cised by management over the use of the machine.
Circular saws are used, generally, for "ripping" (cutting lumber along
its grain) or "cross cutting" (cutting lumber across its grain). However,
with special attachments, "rabbeting," "dadoing" or "grooving," and "molding"
operations may be completed. The circular saw is used, primarily, for cut­
ting lumber, but it may be used for cutting wallboard, plastic, and other ma­
terials.
Usually, special blades are necessary when processing materials
other than lumber.
Basically, the circular saw is composed of a frame, a saw disc or blade,
a table on which lumber is fed to the disc, and the power transmission appa­
ratus for transmitting power to the cutting tool. With radial-arm saws and
swing or jump cutoff saws, the lumber is held stationary on the table and
the blade is moved against it. In the variety or universal type circular
saw, the saw blade projects through the table and the lumber is moved against
the blade. In some instances, lumber is fed to the blade mechanically but
generally feeding is done manually.
The most obvious hazard in circular-saw operations is the possibility
that the operator will contact the rapidly moving blade while he is feeding




-8-

or removing stock. A slight miscalculation of distance, a knot, cross grain,
or damp spot in the wood sufficient to alter its resistance to the saw, caus­
ing it to vibrate or change the speed with which it accepts the cut, are suf­
ficient to throw the operator’s hand into the blade if it is unguarded. The
inability of the human eye to register short and rapid interruptions of light
intensifies this hazard. As the rim of the saw revolves, light is alternately
passed between the saw teeth and momentarily interrupted by the passage of
the teeth. The eye, adjusting to the intensity of the light passing between
the teeth, frequently cannot register the shadows cast by the teeth, and the
teeth become practically invisible, making it difficult for the operator to
judge how close it is safe to come to the cutting point. For even the most
skillful operator, a hood guard for protection at the point of operation and
a firmly fixed shield to prevent contact with the portion of the blade beneath
the table are essential.
A somewhat less obvious hazard, of which the unskilled operator frequent­
ly is not aware, is the possibility of being struck by materials thrown back
by the saw. The forward or cutting edge of the blade, revolving downward,
cresses the lumber down against the saw table and tends to give the operator
a feeling that the material is held firmly and safely in place. When a long
piece is fed through the saw in a ripping operation, however, the severed por­
tions of the material must pass the upturning back edge of the blade. If the
cut stock is pushed out of line or if it tends to spring together as it leaves
the blade, it may bind or catch on the up-riding saw teeth. Lacking an ade­
quate hold-down guard, these teeth will not simply enlarge the cut; instead,
they will carry the material up, over the top of the blade, and propel it
violently toward the operator. Injuries from kickbacks tend to be serious
and may result in death. As a minimum gesture to safety, operators should be
trained to stand out of line with the blade. Effective prevention of kickbacks, however, requires the installation and use of mechanical devices.
Hoods, which completely cover the blade and automatically maintain a downward
pressure on the stock, will not only prevent contact with the blade, but will
resist any tendency of the stock to ride up and over the blade. Properly
alined metal strips, called '’splitters, ” fixed rigidly behind the saw blade
will spread the cut wood to prevent its binding on the back of the saw, and
'•antikickback-dogs'* may be applied to restrain the backward movement of the
stock if binding should occur.
Kickbacks are not common in the operation of swing saws or jump saws.
Unless restrained by a device to prevent their being moved beyond the edge of
the table, however, these saws are capable of inflicting serious injuries by
coming into contact with the body of the operator. Here again the rule of
standing out of line with the blade is an essential element in operator
training.
Belts, pulleys, gears, and shafts used to transmit power to circular saw
blades, when not properly covered, constitute serious hazards to operators,
cleaners, and repairmen.
Unguarded inrunning rolls of mechanical feed devices




-9-

with which some saws are equipped may offer a serious threat to the operator's
fingers even though they reduce the possibility of his coming into contact
with the saw blade. Sawdust thrown by the blade may produce eye irritations
and, if allowed to accumulate on the floor, may create slipping hazards. Poor
housekeeping in the area around a circular saw is particularly dangerous,
since a slip or trip might cause the operator to contact the saw blade.
Some hazards encountered by saw operators, however, do not involve con­
tact with the machine or with materials thrown by the machine.
Since most of
the operations require some manual handling of lumber, there is always the
possibility of splinter punctures, of fingers being pinched in placing the
materials in position, of fingers or toes being crushed by dropped or falling
materials, or of muscles being strained in overlifting.
The hazards connected with the operation of circular saws have been
widely recognized and a considerable amount of research has been done in try­
ing to reduce them. Probably the most widely known work in this connection
is the '’American Standard Safety Code for Woodworking Machinery" approved by
the American Standards Association in 195U. b / In addition, many of the
States have developed safety codes or regulations covering the operation of
circular saws. Besides the State safety codes which vary extensively, 5/
several States, as well as some private organizations, have prepared educa­
tional pamphlets dealing with safe practices in circular-saw operations. 6/

KINDS OF INJURIES EXPERIENCED
The 1,021 injuries reported in the survey included 1 fatality, 281 per­
manent-partial disabilities, 309 temporary-total disabilities, and b 30 non­
disabling injuries.
(See table 1.) 7/ Nearly two-thirds of the injuries

h / Reprinted in part in appendix B, (p. I4.8).
5/ For a comparison of the State safety codes with the American Stand­
ard, Fee Bureau of Labor Standards report, Woodworking Machines: A Compari­
son of State Safety Codes with A.S.A. Code 01.1, 1950.
6/ For examples, see excerpts printed in appendix C, (p.65)> from the
National Association of Mutual Casualty Companies, Woodworking Circular Saws:
Protection for Variety and Universal Types, 1950, and State of California,
Department of Industrial Relations, Division of Industrial Safety, Taming the
Circular Saw, 1950.
7/ Because nondisabling injuries were not fully reported, the number in­
cluded should not be considered as indicating the respective occurrence ratios
of disabling and nondisabling injuries.




-10-

were cuts or lacerations, whereas more than one-fifth were amputations. Al­
most 90 percent of the cases and practically all those resisting in permanentpartial disability were hand or finger injuries; about 5 percent were head in­
juries; and slightly more than 1+ percent were injuries to the trunk (table I4).
Death
The single death case reported was unusual in that the extreme serious­
ness of the injury was not apparent at the time of the accident. In this ac­
cident, a jointer operator, who was temoorarily using a circular saw, touched
the saw blade while he was attempting to remove a piece of scrap lumber from
the saw table.
His ring finger was amputated and his thumb badly lacerated.
His death two days later was attributed to schock.
Permanent-Partial Disabilities
The 281 permanent-partial disabilities included 223 amputations, and 58
lacerations and fractures which culminated in some residual loss of use of a
body part or function. In 1 of the amputations, a hand was lost; in 157, a
single finger or thumb was lost; and in 65, 2 or more fingers were lost.
All but 3 of the amputations resulted from contact with the saw blade.
The 3 exceptions included 1 case in which an operator's finger was caught be­
tween the conveyor belt of a mechanically fed ripsaw and the saw frame. An­
other case involved an operator who was wearing gloves. An arbor nut caught
his glove and his finger was pulled off at the second joint. In the third
case the operator mashed his finger against the saw table while he was oiling
lumber beside the saw.
The 58 permanent loss-of-use injuries included 50 cuts or lacerations
and 8 fractures. Fingers were affected in all of the fractures but 1 (a
nose fracture) and in all of the laceration cases but 6 (5 hands and an arm).
All but two of the permanent loss-of-use injuries resulted from contact with
the saw blade. The two exceptions, a nose fracture and a permanent impair­
ment of both thumbs, occurred when the operators were struck by lumber kicked
back by the saw.
Temporary- Total Disabilities
The temporary-total disabilities consisted primarily of cuts and lacera­
tions (77 percent of the total), fractures (12 percent), and bruises and con­
tusions (9 percent). The remaining 2 percent included 1 case of eye irrita­
tion and 7 cases of strains or sprains. (See table )i.)
Finger and thumb injuries were most common, accounting for 230 of the
309 temporary-total disabilities.
The remainder included 30 hand injuries,
11 arm injuries, 25 injuries to the trunk, 11 head injuries, and 2 foot in­
juries. The arm, hand, and finger injuries were primarily cuts, lacerations,
or fractures. The trunk injuries were mostly bruises and contusions.




-11-

Ninety percent of the cuts and lacerations resulted from contact with the
saw blade. All but one of these were arm, hand, or finger injuries. Most of
the other temporarily disabling cuts and lacerations were inflicted by lumber,
primarily by lumber kicked back by the saw.
Nearly two-thirds of the temporarily disabling fractures resulted from
contact with the saw bladej most of the remainder occurred when the operators
were struck by lumber kicked back from, the saw. All but three of the frac­
tures were hand or finger injuries. The others included two cases of ribs
fractured by kicked-back lumber and a fractured ankle. The latter injury oc­
curred in a most unusual manner. The operator of a self-feed ripsaw shut off
the saw and climbed onto the machine to remove a large knot which had jammed
the feed rolls. In getting down he lost his balance and fell against the
starting switch. When the saw started, his foot was drawn into the feed
rolls.
37142 9 0

-

56 -3




-12-

Most of the disabling bruises and contusions were inflicted by kickedback lumber. Trunk injuries predominated, but kickbacks were also responsi­
ble for I4 eye injuries, 2 arm injuries, 2 finger injuries, and a hand injury.
Nondisabling Injuries
The nondisabling-injury pattern was very similar to that of the tempo­
rary- tota3. disabilities. Approximately 80 percent were cuts or lacerations,
about 10 percent were bruises and contusions, and most of the remainder were
eye irritations. Nearly all of the cuts and lacerations and one-half of the
bruises and contusions were hand, finger, or arm injuries. Most of the other
bruises and contusions were trunk injuries.
About 87 percent of the nondisabling cuts and lacerations resulted from
contact with the saw blade. Kicked-back lumber inflicted most of the others,
although there was an appreciable number of hand and finger punctures from
splintered lumber.
Most of the nondisabling bruises and contusions resulted from kickbacks.
Flying sawdust produced most of the eye irritations.

ACTIVITY OF INJURED AT TIME OF INJURY
Nearly three-fourths of the reported injuries occurred while the injured
person was feeding material into a saw. In about 11 percent of the cases he
was removing material from the saw and in another 11 percent he was cleaning
on or around the machine at the moment of injury. The remainder of the inju­
ries occurred while the operator was either making adjustments to the machine
or was moving materials to or from the machine.
The most serious injuries, that is, those which resulted in permanentpartial disability, fell into much the same activity pattern. About 70 per­
cent occurred in feeding operations; about 13 percent, in the course of re­
moving material from the saw; almost 13 percent, during cleaning operations;
and about I; percent, in other associated operations (table 3 )*
Cuts and lacerations were the most common injuries in each of the desig­
nated activities. The high degree of hazard associated with circular saw op­
erations, however, was vividly indicated by the fact that amputations were the
second most common kind of injury in every activity classification.
Even
more significant, in each of three activity classifications (feeding, remov­
ing materials, and cleaning), the number of amputations was greater than the
total of all injuries other than cuts and lacerations (table 5 ).




-13-

ACCIDENT ANALYSIS
Agency of Injury
A very high proportion (80 percent) of the injuries to circular-saw op­
erators as reported in this study resulted from direct contact with the saw
blade (tables 7> 3, and 9). Only a few (2 percent) resulted from contact with
other parts of the machines. Most of the other injuries were inflicted by
lumber (15 percent) or sawdust (3 percent).
About one-fourth of the injuries resulting from contact with the saw
blade were amputationsj most of the remainder were cuts or lacerations. The
injuries inflicted b y lumber were primarily bruises, contusions, or cuts.
Those inflicted by sawdust were all eye irritations.
Accident Types
Although no two of the reported accidents were exactly alike in every
detail, the general characteristics of the accidents in circular saw opera­
tions formed a pronounced pattern.
Emphasizing the most obvious accident possibility in the operation, 78
percent of the cases involved contact between the operator and the moving saw
blade (tables 9-13 inclusive). A few of these, occurring in the operation of
swing saws or radial-arm saws, were instances in which the saw itself moved
into contact with the operator. Their small representation in the total, how­
ever, is not indicative of the relative accident potential associated with
these saws— it merely reflects the relatively smail number of such saws in use.
Contact with the revolving blade of a table saw occurred in a variety of
ways. In the most common occurrence, the operator simply pushed his hand in­
to the blade along with the lumber he was feeding to the machine; one-fourth
of all the reported accidents occurred in this manner. In some of these in­
stances the operator simply misjudged the distance to the cutting point and
allowed his hand to come too close to the blade. This circumstance reflects
in large measure the inability of the human eye to distinguish the dark areas
of the saw teeth from the open areas between the teeth when the blade is mov­
ing at high speed. This same tendency of the moving teeth to become invisi­
ble undoubtedly was also a factor in the considerable number of accidents
(about 18 percent) in which the operator touched or moved his hand into the
blade while he was removing materials from the saw table.
Accidents originating as kickbacks of the lumber being fed to the saw
are commonly associated with impact injuries inflicted by the flying materi­
als. A considerable number of such cases were reoorted— about 11 percent of
the total were cases in which the operator was struck by material thrown by
the saw. However, a somewhat greater proportion of the total (1 b percent),
were cases in which kickbacks threw the operator’s hand into the saw blade.




Another significant group, about 8 percent, in which the initiating cir­
cumstance was closely allied to a kickback was composed of cases in which the
operator's hand slipped from the material being fed and struck against the
saw blade. Some of these were "slips" in the simple sense of the word.
In
many instances, however, the slip was precipitated by vibration or unexpected
resistance to the forward movement of the lumber being fed.
Although most of the accidents involving contact with the saw blade oc­
curred in the course of cutting operations, there were enough other cases to
emphasize that a saw is potentially hazardous at any time. In somewhat over




-15-

2 percent of the cases, the operator moved his hand into the blade while he
was making adjustments to the machine. In nearly 2 percent of the accidents,
his hand struck the moving blade while he was stacking material on the saw
table. And, more remotely associated with saw operations, some 2.5 percent of
the cases were incidents in which people fell and in falling struck against a
revolving saw blade. Some of these persons were merely passing the machine
when they tripped or slipped and had no duties connected with its operation.
The relatively small group of accidents which did not involve contact
with either the saw blade or the material thrown by the saw was quite varied.
The largest number of these accidents, although probably of least importance
in terms of the seriousness of the resulting injuries, were those in which the
operators’ eyes were irritated by flying sawdust. A small number of operators
crushed their fingers under lumber which they were moving to or from the saw,
and a few experienced strains from overlifting. Another small group consisted
of cases in which fingers or toes were caught in feed rolls or power belts at­
tached to the saws.

ACCIDENT CAUSES
Modern accident analysis is based on two premises:
First, there is an
identifiable cause for every accident} and, second, when that cause is known,
it is usually possible to eliminate it or counteract it as a source of future
similar accidents. In many instances a variety of circumstances contribute to
the occurrence of an accident, and the course accident prevention should take
may seem confused because of the multiplicity of possible avenues of action.
It is commonly accepted, however, that every accident may be traced to the ex­
istence of some hazardous working condition, to the commission of an unsafe
act, or to a combination of these accident-producing factors.
The sole purpose of accident analysis, as applied to large groups of cas­
es, is to determine what specific factors within each of these two categories
of accident causes are most frequently involved in the occurrence of acci­
dents. It is then possible to plan a safety program focused on the elimina­
tion of the most common specific accident causes to the end that the volume of
injuries will be substantially reduced.
It must be recognized, however, that accident analysis has definite lim­
itations. At best, it can furnish clues only as to the direction in which
accident-prevention activities can most effectively be pointed. The details
of the safety program must be developed by the individual in control of the
safety program. In addition, it must be recognized that in accident analysis,
the two factors— hazardous working condition and unsafe act— are not neces­
sarily exclusive. In other words, the analysis procedure is not directed to­
ward the determination of a single major cause for each accident. Such a de­
termination would involve an exercise of analytical judgment seldom possible
from the available facts. On the contrary, an effort is made to determine
independently for each accident (1 ) whether there was a hazardous condition



-16-

which contributed to its occurrence, and (2 ) whether the accident was directly
associated with an unsafe act.
The findings of this survey indicate that hazardous working conditions
contributed to at least 98 percent of the circular-saw accidents reported and
unsafe acts, to 85 percent. There were, however, some cases for which full
details were lacking. In those cases, it was not possible to determine wheth­
er hazardous working conditions existed or whether unsafe acts were committed.
Excluding these accidents for which data v»ere incomplete, 99.7 percent of the
reported circular-saw accidents were associated with hazardous working condi­
tions and 96.6 percent were related to unsafe personal actions.
Hazardous Working Conditions
Nearly 90 percent of the reported accidents can be ascribed to one gen­
eral category of physical hazards— inadequate guarding of the circular saw it­
self. The remainder were largely associated with defects in materials or
equipment (5 percent of the total) and the lack of eye protection for the op­
erators (I4 percent). A relatively small number were attributed to general



-17-

environmental hazards or to placement hazards (tables

17 ,

18, and

19).

Significantly, 57 percent of the hazardous working conditions identified
in these cases represented violations of the State safety laws or regulations
applicable in the jurisdictions where the particular accidents occurred. For
the accidents which resulted in serious injuries— i. e., permanent-partial
disabilities— the proportion involving legal violations was 65 percent. Ob­
viously, greater compliance with the applicable State safety requirements
would drastically reduce the volume of circular-saw accidents.
Inadequately Guarded Agencies.— The group of accidents attributed to in­
adequate guarding is particularly important— not only because it constitutes
such a large proportion of the total volume of cases, but because of the se­
verity of the resulting injuries. The 1 reported death and 99 percent of the
permanent disabilities resulted from accidents in this group. On the average,
each disabling injury arising from these accidents represents 380 days lost
or charged.
Nearly two-thirds of the accidents in this group (58 percent of all cases
analyzed) resulted from a single very obvious hazardous condition— the absence
of a hood or cover guard for the circular-saw blade. This lack of protection
constitutes a legal violation in practically all jurisdictions and probably
is the most readily recognized hazard associated with saw operations. Only
rarely can either the owner of the equipment or the operator reasonably claim
to be ignorant of the existence of such a hazard.
A more insidious hazard arises when an inadequate cover guard is provided.
Here the semblance of protection instills a false sense of safety and, in ef­
fect, invites the operator to omit the precautions he would normally take if
no guard were present. This false sense of security was responsible for 2 k
percent of the accidents attributed to inadequate guarding (21 percent of all
cases reported)— more than a third as many cases as were attributed to the ab­
sence of any guard. Most of these inadequate hood guards were either inef­
fectively designed or improperly applied to the saw so that they did not com­
pletely and automatically cover the blade.
The absence of antikickback devices was responsible for about 7 percent
of the accidents ascribed to inadequate guarding, and the inability of pro­
vided devices to perform their intended function was responsible for 2 percent
more.
The other accidents falling in the inadequate guarding category arose
primarily from the absence of guards on automatic feed rolls and from the ab­
sence of restraining devices to prevent the movement of swing saw3 beyond the
edge of the saw table.
Defective Agencies .— Although the group of accidents ascribed to defect­
ive agencies was relatively small, it encompassed a wide variety of specific
hazards. The most commonly encountered hazard in the group consisted of rough
or splintered lumber— but few of the accidents resulting from such a hazard
produced disabling injuries.




-18-

In the more serious category two cases were reported in which chips from
cracked saw blades were thrown against the operators. Several accidents in­
volving swing saws resulted from defects in the counterweight mechanism. In
two instances improperly adjusted counterweights failed to hold the saws at
the end of the back swing* permitting them to bounce forward unexpectedly. In
five other instances the counterweight cables broke and allowed the saw to
swing freely.
Three accidents were caused by improperly adjusted feed rolls, and three
resulted from broken hood guards or defects in the arms supporting the guards,
which permitted the guards to touch the saw blade. In one case an unstable
platform, on which the operator was standing, tipped— throwing him against the
saw table. Similarly, an uneven place in the floor caused an operator to fall
against his machine; another operator was struck b y a kickback because the
antikickback dog which should have protected him had been bent and not re­
placed; and, in another instance, a gouge in the surface of the saw table
threw the limber being fed out of line, causing a kickback.
Other Hazardous Conditions.— Although the American Standard Safety Code
for IfbodworD.ng_Machinery" specifies that eye protection shall be provided




-19-

wherever danger from dust, flying chips, etc., exists, relatively few circu­
lar saw operators are provided with goggles or face shields. The absence of
such protection was responsible for about h percent of the reported accidents,
but fortunately none of the resulting eye injuries was permanently disabling.
Inadequate space around the saw and the absence of lifting equipment for
handling heavy timbers accounted for most of the environmental hazards. The
placement hazards noted were primarily those of poor housekeeping: either dis­
carded scrap on the floor or improperly piled lumber.
Unsafe Acts
Most of the unsafe acts associated with the accidents under study were
violations of simple and fundamental rules of safe practice— rules which
should be so ingrained into the thinking of every operator that their observ­
ance becomes automatic. The fact that violations of these rules occur so fre­
quently constitutes an indictment of the supervisory control, or the lack of
such control, exercised over the use of circular saws. Many of the injured
persons were casual or occasional operators who presumably had received little
or no training in the use of the equipment. The errors they committed prob­
ably reflect their lack of know-how. A restriction limiting the use of cir­
cular saws to qualified operators might have prevented many of these accidents.
Such a restriction, however, is only a partial answer to the problem. The
majority of the injured persons were regular operators— presumably trained and
experienced in the safe operation of the equipment. Their lapses point to the
need for continued reemphasis of safe practices and procedures, and supervi­
sory enforcement of the rules of safe practice.
Misuse of Hands.— The most common unsafe act encountered was the failure
of the operator' to" protect his own hands (tables 20 and 21). This occurred
primarily in three ways:
(1) he used his hands where he should have used a
tool or jig, thus bringing his hands unnecessarily into the danger zone of
possible contact with the saw blade; (2) he held improperly the material which
he was feeding into the saw; or (3) he failed to hold the material securely.
In most of these instances the saw blade was unguarded and the hazard should
have been obvious.
The most common fault in this general category was that of holding the
lumber so that the hand was directly in line with the saw blade. With the
hand in this position, the slightest miscalculation of distance or the slight­
est vibration of the material can result in the operator’s pushing his hand
directly into the blade. This happened in 18 percent of the cases studied.
In nearly as many cases, 16 percent of the total, the fault of the oper­
ator was that he attempted to push a narrow piece of lumber past the blade by
hand instead of using a jig or push stick; or he attempted to remove scrap or
sawdust from around the blade with his hand instead of using a brush or push
stick. In many of these instances the contact with the blade was the result
of miscalculation as to where the cutting point of the blade was. In others,
371429 0

-

56 -4




-20-

Chart 6. CIRCULAR-SAW ACCIDENTS
Unsafe Acts
PERCENT OF ALL UNSAFE ACTS

Failing to use
provided safeguards
Placing hands in
path of saw blade
Using hands instead
of equipment
Operating or
working too fast
Failing to correctly
adjust safeguards
Taking an unsafe
position
Taking an insecure
hold
Other

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS

where the operator was attempting to remove cutoff strips from between the
blade and the guide, the strip caught on the blade and threw his hand against
the teeth.

The third major group of unsafe acts in the misuse-of-handscategory con-




-21-

sisted of instances in which the operator failed to maintain a good grip on
the material he was feeding to the saw. Because of this failure, some opera­
tors’ hands simoly slipped off the material and plunged into the blade. Oth­
ers failed to hold the lumber firmly enough to prevent its vibrations from
throwing their hands off and into the saw. These cases constituted 5 percent
of the unsafe acts.
All of the misuse-of-hands cases reflect either deliberate and unneces­
sary chance-taking or a complete lack of appreciation of circular-saw hazards.
It is significant, however, that relatively few of these violations of safe
operating procedure could have resulted in serious injury if the saws had
been equipped with adequate hood guards.
Misuse of Equipment.--Closely allied to the misuse of hands were the at­
tempts to use circular saws for purposes other than those for which they were
designed— such as attempting cuts which should be made on a band saw, a router
or a shaper. Here again, some of the safe practice violations can be as­
cribed to the operator's lack of training, but some of the injured operators
were experienced and should have known better. Similarly, there were in­
stances in which operators attempted to use obviously defective equipment de­
spite the self-evident rule that a defective circular saw should never be
used. The unsafe acts of this general category comprised about h percent of
the total.
Making Safety Devices Inoperative.— In a significant number of instances
the operator was injured simply because he failed to use an available hood
guard or other safety device, or because he failed to adjust the guard which
was in place so that it would function properly. This group included 30 per­
cent of the cases studied. Again, the operator's lack of training in the use
of circular saws accounts for some of the faulty performances, but in the ma­
jority of cases the violation of good practice appears to have been due sim­
ply to a desire to avoid the inconvenience of replacing or adjusting the guard,
or perhaps to a lack of patience for the time required to observe the safe
practice.
Operating or Working at Unsafe Speeds.— In some 12 percent of the unsafe
acts the hazards of haste were more obvious than in the preceding cases. The
most common violation of the safe procedure in the group of accidents attrib­
uted to unsafe operating speeds was the practice of cleaning or adjusting the
equipment while the blade was running. The risk involved in such an action
should be obvious to anyone who has any training or experience in the opera­
tion of machinery. Somewhat less obvious to anyone other than an experienced
saw operator is the error of forcing the work or feeding too fast. A number
of the kickback accidents in the study resulted from this fault of being
hasty.




-22-

This general group of unsafe acts also included a few instances which
did not involve inherent hazards in the equioment. These were cases in which
the operator was injured in moving materials to and from the saw table— most
commonly the injuries were either splinter punctures or pinched fingers. The
splinter wounds generally resulted from taking hold of lumber or sliding the
hand along a piece of lumber without first looking to see if the lumber was
rough or splintered. The pinched fingers resulted primarily from lack of at­
tention when placing lumber on the saw table.
Unsafe Position.— About 7 percent of the accidents in the study occurred because the operator unnecessarily placed himself in a hazardous posi­
tion. Most commonly he stood directly in line with the saw blade while he
performed ripping operations. This invites injury in the event a kickback
occurs.
Less commonly, some operators climbed onto the saw table for one reason
or another while the saw was running, or stood on boxes or pieces of lumber
to reach across the saw table. The lucky ones simply fell against the table
or to the floor. Some fell or slipped against the blade.
Failure to Wear Safe Attire.— About 2 percent of the accidents result­
ed from unsafe acts o f t h i s general category — two-thirds of the accidents
in this group occurred because the operators wore unsafe apparel, and onethird occurred because the operators failed to wear recommended protective
devices.
Workers who handle lumber commonly wear gloves or leather hand protec­
tors while they nile or move the material. This is desirable protection in
such operations, but all rules of safe practice positively forbid workers to
use hand covers while they are working on or around moving machinery. Simi­
larly, it is a fundamental safety rule that machine operators should not wear
loose clothing while at their machines— loose sleeves and neckties are par­
ticularly hazardous.
The most serious accidents in this group were those in which the opera­
tors* gloves were caught by the saw teeth and their hands were pulled into
the blade* One operator lost four fingers in such an accident. Loose sleeves
were responsible for a number of similar accidents.
Safe practice rules invariably prescribe that workers wear protective
goggles or face shields in any operation where there is a possibility of dust
or materials being thrown off by the equipment being used. Circular-saw op­
erators as a group tend not to observe this safety rule and as a result ex­
perience a considerable number of eye injuries. A majority of these injuries




-23-

are minor irritations inflicted by flying sawdust, but serious eye injuries
inflicted by heavier materials thrown by the saw are not uncommon. By chance,
only one case included in the study was of a serious nature. In this case,
the operator was struck by a knot thrown back by the saw.
Any of the minor
injuries, however, might have been serious. In any event, all of the injuries
might have been prevented if the operator had been wearing goggles or a face
shield.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ACCIDENT PREVENTION

To illustrate the general types of accident problems arising in the op­
eration of circular saws, a number of accidents were selected for detailed
study. These accidents were then analyzed by a member 8/ of the Division of
Safety Standards and Services of the United States Departmfflit of Labor’s Bu­
reau of Labor Standards and suggestions were made to indicate how these acci­
dents might have been prevented.
In presenting these accident-prevention suggestions, there is no intent
to imply that they constitute a comprehensive set of safety rules for the op­
eration of circular saws. The accidents described here are typical cases of
frequent occurrence, but they do not in any sense represent the full range of
hazards encountered in saw operations.
Many of the comments include references to specific provisions in safety
standards which have been developed and issued through the American Standards
Association. These standards have received wide acceptance as authoritative
guides to the safe conduct of industrial operations, and observance of their
recommendations can do much to eliminate the possibility of injury in the use
of woodworking and other industrial equipment. It should be emphasized, how­
ever, that conformance with the American Standards Safety Codes will not al­
ways constitute compliance with the legal safety requirements of the several
States. A knowledge of the State regulations and full compliance with their
requirements is mandatory, but the safety-minded operator will also want to
be familiar with the American Standards and will apply their recommendations
to eliminate any hazards which are not covered in the State regulations.

8/ Sheldon W. Homan, Safety Engineer




The accident case stories on which this analysis is based have been
grouped under three major headings of unsafe physical conditions. A discus­
sion of the accident case stories follows.
Unguarded or Inadequately Guarded Saw Blade
The unguarded saw blade is the unsafe physical condition for which there
can be no excuse because guards are available which can be used for most cut­
ting operations. But an unsafe physical condition alone does not necessarily
lead to an accident— in most cases an unsafe act is also involved. And when
an unsafe act is performed where an unsafe physical condition exists, an ac­
cident is bound to happen sooner or later.
A basic rule for operating any machine, "Never attempt to clean the ma­
chine while it is in motion," is particularly applicable to the circular saw.
Under some conditions it might be permissible to use a brush to clear away
scraps or sawdust from the table while the blade is turning, but under no con­
dition should the hands be used for this purpose. The violation of this basic
rule in the following two cases indicates lack of proper employee training and
inadequate supervision by management.
1. As a saw operator reached across the saw blade to remove some lumber
scraps from the table, his hand struck the blade.
a. Circular saws should be equipped with hoods in con­
formance with Section 14.1 .2 (a) of the American Standard Safety
Code for Woodworking Machinery.
b. Operators should use a brush to remove scraps or saw­
dust from the saw table; hands alone should never be used for
that purpose. Stopping the saw before attempting to clean the
table constitutes an even better practice.
2. A chip of wood was wedged between the spreader and the throat piece.
The operator attempted to remove it while the saw was running. The chip loos­
ened suddenly and the workman's hand struck the blade. He amputated his index
finger.
a • Circular saws should be equipped with hoods in conform­
ance with Section Iul.2(ra) of the American Standard Safety Code
for W oodworking Machinery.
b . When scrap wood cannot be removed with a brush, the work­
man should open the switch and wait for the blade to come to rest
before cleaning the machine.

Closely alined to cleaning machinery in motion is the unsafe act of ad­
justing machinery in motion. A common fault in circular-saw operation is



-25-

attempting to adjust or reset the fence while the blade is running. Aside from
the danger involved, more accurate setting can be made if the saw is at rest.
Another dangerous practice is adjusting the height of the saw above the table
or adjusting the tilt of the table while the power is on. Accidents of this
type indicate that recognized safe practices were not a part of standard op­
erating procedures.
3.
motion.

An employee was adjusting the fence while the unguarded saw was in
His fingers struck the blade and were severely lacerated.

a. Circular saws should be equipped with hoods in con­
formance with Section 14..1 .2 (a) of the American Standard Safety
Code for Woodworking Machinery.
b. Workmen should make adjustments on the saw only when
the saw is at rest.

h . While a cabinetmaker was using a ripsaw, he reached under the table
to loosen the table-tilting handle. He missed the handle and struck the
blade, amputating his index finger. Investigation disclosed that the portion
of the blade under the table was guarded in front by the tilting quadrant and
on the side by a piece of sheet metal but that there was a gap of several
inches between the quadrant and the sheet metal.
a. Portions of circular-saw blades, beneath and behind
tables, should be guarded in conformance with Section I4..I.I of
the American Standard Safety Code for Woodworking Machinery!
b. Employees should make adjustments on the saw only when
the saw blade is at rest.
Machinery accidents frequently occur when gloves or loose clothing catch
in the moving equipment and draw the operator into contact with some part of
the machine. When the part of the machine contacted is a rapidly revolving
unguarded saw blade, results can be disastrous.
5.
A carpenter had ripped a board into two strips. As he reached over
the blade for one of the strips, his sleeve was caught by the saw and his arm
pulled against the blade. Investigation disclosed that the saw was unguarded
and that the carpenter was wearing a loose-sleeved shirt.
a. Circular ripsaws should be equipped with hoods in
conformance with Section 14..1 .2 (a) of the American Standard
Safety Code for Woodworking Machinery.
b. Saw operators should not wear loose flowing garments,
long sleeves, neckties, etc. (See Section 7.^.1 of the Standard.)
6.

A workman was wearing gloves while using a circular saw.




The blade

-26-

caught one of his gloves and his thumb was amputated.
a. Circular saws should be equipped with hoods in conform­
ance with~"Section lul.2(a) of the American Standard Safety Code
for Woodworking Machinery.
b. Gloves should not be worn while operating woodworking
machines. (See Section 7»^«1 of the Standard.)
Poor housekeeping and unguarded machines together are a dangerous combi­
nation. Without good housekeeping, which includes an exhaust system to remove
sawdust in woodworking shops, accidents are bound to happen. An effective
system of sawdust removal and floor maintenance would have removed the con­
tributing cause of the two accidents (7 and 8) described below.
7. An operator was ripping a piece of lumber. As he neared the end of
the cut, his foot slipped on some sawdust and he fell, striking the saw.
a. Circular1 saws should be equipped with hoods in con­
formance with Section 1;.1.2(a) of the American Standard Safety
Code for Woodworking Machinery.
b. Good housekeeping should be maintained around wood­
working machinery. (See Section 7 .1.2 of theT Standard.) Pro­
vision should be made for the removal of shavings and “sawdust,
(See Section 2.1.1(d) of the American Standard Safety Code for
Woodworking Machinery and the American Standard Regulations for
the Installation of Blowers and Exhaust Systems for Dust, Stock,
and Vapor Removal.)
8. A boat builder was sawing plywood parts on a circular saw. While
reaching for a piece of stock, he stepped in a depression in the floor, caus­
ing him to fall against the table saw. Investigation disclosed that (l) the
operator had removed the guard from the saw, and (2) the floor was in poor
condition.
a. The prevision of Section 14..1 .2 (a) of the Standard has
been violated when the hood is removed.
b. A system of floor maintenance is a necessity around
woodworking machinery. (See Section 2.2.1 of the Standard.)
In many cases where both an unsafe ohysical condition and an unsafe act
are involved, it is difficult tc determine which was the more important fac­
tor. It may be even more difficult to determine the reason for the unsafe
act. The unsafe act may be due to inattentiveness on the part of the opera­
tor because of worry, anger, or some other personal factor. It may be due to
lack of skill or training. Unsafe work practices, particularly when coupled
with inadequate supervision, are the cause of many injuries. One or more



-27-

unsafe acts contributed to each of the following accidents:
9.
An employee was ripping a board on a circular saw. As he fed the
board to the saw, his thumb, being in line with the blade,was amputated. In­
vestigation disclosed that the guard was the stationary or fixed type and had
been set at three inches above the table,
a . Circular saws should be equipped with hoods in conform­
ance with Section k»l«27a) of the American Standard Safety Code for
Woodworking Machinery, The hood and mounting of the saw should be
arranged so that the hood will automatically adjust itself to the
thickness of, and remain in contact with, the material being cut,
b. Before operating a circular saw, the workman should re­
ceive careful instructions in the hazards of the saw and the safe
method of operation, (See Section 7»5 of the Standard,) The
workman should stand tcTthe side of the lumber being cut with his
hands out of line with the saw blade.
10. A saw operator was using a swing cutoff saw to cut short pieces of
material. He pulled the saw through his finger. Investigation disclosed that
the saw was unguarded.
a. Swing cut-off saws should be equipped with hoods in con­
formance with Section I4..I.7 of the American Standard Safety Code
for Woodworking Machinery.
b. Before operating a circular saw, the workman should re­
ceive careful instructions in the hazards of the saw and the safe
method of operation. (See Section 7.9 of the Standard,) Employee
should grasp the handle of the saw with his right hand, hold the
lumber being cut against the stop rail with his left, and keep his
body well away from the path of the saw.
11. An employee was ripping a piece of wood on a saw which was near the
door to the office. When someone called to him from the office, he turned his
head. His hand struck the blade and he amputated three fingers.
a. Circular saws should be equipped with hoods in con­
formance with Section l;«1.2(a) of the American Standard Safety
Code for Woodworking Machinery.
b. The operator’s lack of concentration on the work being
done is apparent. On the other hand, no one should call to, or
in any way distract, an operator when he is feeding lumber through
a saw.
12.
A laborer was sawing a piece of lumber on a circular saw. The saw
blade was dull and pinched the lumber, throwing his hand into the unguarded
saw.
371429 0

-

56 -5




-28-

a. Circular saws should be equipped with hoods in con­
formance with Section 14..1 .2 (a) of the American Standard Safety
Code for Woodworking Machinery.
b. Systematic inspection of all woodworking machines and
safety equipment should be maintained. (See Section 7.1»1 of
the Standard,) Dull saw blades should be immediately removed
from service. (See Section 7 . 1 . 2 of the Standard.) Violation
of these principles indicates lack of planning and supervision.
13.
A maintenance man was ripping a narrow board. As he fed the stock
to the saw, his hand struck the blade and amputated his thumb. Investigation
disclosed that the saw was unguarded.
a. Circular saws should be equipped with hoods in con­
formance with Section 1|.1.2(a) of the American Standard Safety
Code for Woodworking Machinery.
b. Push sticks should be used when cutting short or nar­
row pieces of material. (See Section
of the Standard.)
This unsafe work practice is the cause of many accidents.
lU. A woodworker was using a dado blade to cut a groove from the center
of a board to six inches from each end. In order to make the cut, he removed
the guard from the saw and placed the board down on the blade. When he
dropped the board, it kicked back and his hand struck the blade.
When necessary to remove the hood guard, jigs or other
devices' should be used to hold the lumber being cut. (See
Section 7.2.6 of the Standard.)
Lack of Protection Against Kickbacks
Kickbacks can be caused by a dull or poorly set saw, warped wood, knots,
forcing the cut, or other reasons. The remedy is well known— a spreader, an
antikickback device attached to the hood, and safe operating practices such
as not forcing the cut and standing to one side of the board being ripped.
15.
While an employee was ripping a board, it kicked back and struck
his chest. Investigation disclosed that the saw was unguarded and that the
employee stood directly in front of the saw.
a. In addition to a hood, circular saws should be equipped
with spreaders and nonkickback fingers or dogs in conformance
with Section l|.1.2(b) and (c) of the American Standard Safety
Code for Woodworking Machinery.




-29-

b. Employees should receive careful instructions in the
hazards of circular saws and the safe method of operation be­
fore being; permitted to operate them. (See Section 7.5 of the
Standard.) Workmen should stand to one side of the material
being c u t .
Other Unsafe Physical Conditions
Not all woodworking machine accidents are due to lack of a hood or anti­
kickback devices. Other unsafe physical conditions also contribute to the ac­
cident experience as shown by the following accident case stories.
16. While an employee was using a swing cutoff saw, the counterweight
chain broke and the saw swung forward, striking the workman’s hand. Investi­
gation disclosed that the chain was worn.
a. Counterweights shall not depend for their proper function­
ing upon any rope, cord, or spring. (See Section 14..1 .7 (b) of the
American Standard Safety Code for Woodworking Machinery.)
b. A systematic inspection of all woodworking machines and
safety equipment (Section 7.1 of the Standard) would have revealed
the worn chain and proper maintenance would have assured its re­
placement.
17. While an employee was using a swing cutoff saw, the unguarded
belt jumped from the pulley and struck his hand, lacerating it.
a. Driving power for woodworking machinery should be pro­
vided b y individual motor or motors mounted on the machine when­
ever possible, or on a separate base adjacent to the machine with
power transmission medium properly guarded. (See Section 3»1»2
of the American Standard Safety Code for Woodworking Machinery.)
b. All belts and pulleys should be guarded in accordance
with the specific requirements of the American Standard Safety
Code for Mechanical Power Transmission Apparatus. (See Section
37l.l(j) of the American Standard Safety Code for Woodworking
Machinery.)
18. An operator was cutting stock on a swing saw. When he released the
arm, it swung and then bounced back, the blade striking his hand.
A latch or equivalent device should be provided to catch and
retain the saw at the rear of the table to prevent its rebounding.
{See Section lu 1.7(d) of the American Standard Safety Code for
Woodworking Machinery.)




-30-

19. A millman was using a radial saw with a dado blade to notch end sec­
tions of window sills. As he was sliding a piece into position for cutting,
his hand struck the saw blade. Investigation disclosed that the saw was not
designed so that the saw would return automatically to its "rest" position,
A radial saw should be installed with the front end of the
unit slightly higher than the rear so that the cutting head will
return gentlv to the starting position when released by the op­
erator. However, the tilt should not be enough to cause a re­
bound , (See Section lt,l,9(d) of the American Standard. Safety
Code for Woodworking Machinery.)
20. A carpenter was changing the guard on a ripsaw. As he turned, he
struck the starting switch and his finger was amputated by the blade.
Switches should be installed so as to minimize the danger of acci­
dental operational (See Rule 5^0> National Electrical Safety Code.)
This accident could have been, avoided b y a recessed "start" button.
21. A saw operator was stacking material on the saw table of a jump saw
preparatory to cutting. He accidentally stepped on the treadle and the blade
swung, amputating his third finger. Investigation disclosed that the blade
was unguarded.
a. Inverted swing cutoff saws (jump saws) should be
equipped with hoods. (See Section I;,1,8 of the American Stand­
ard Safety Code for Woodworking Machinery.)
b. Operating treadles should be protected against unex­
pected or accidental tripping. (See Section 3»l«?(f)~of the
Standard.^ This accident would have been prevented by a guard
placed over the treadle.
22. While a workman was using a circular saw, a piece of sawdust became
embedded in his eye.
Proper eye protection should be provided and used to offset
the danger of flying chips, sawdust, etcT (See Section 1 ,\+ ,2 of
American Standard Safety Code for Woodworking Machinery and the
American Standard Safety Code for the Protection of the Head,
Eyes, and Respiratory Organs.)




-

31

-

APPENDIX A— STATISTICAL TABLES,
For definitions of circular-saw accident, death, permanent-partial disability, temporary-total
disability, and nondisabling injury, see section on Scope and Method of Survey, page 2#

Table !•— Injuries resulting from circular-saw accidents,
by State, and extent of disability, 1951-52#

Number of disabling injuries
Total
number
of
injuries

State

Total.......

State
State
State
State
State

No,
No#
No#
No#
No#

1..
2##
3«*
l;##
5**

State
State
State
State
State

No#
No#
No#
No#
No#

6##
7**
8##
9**
10#

State No# 11#
State No# 12.
State No* 13#

1,021
380
199
137

105
103
29

20
18
12
9

h
3
2

Number
of non­
disabling
injuries

Resulting in--

Death

Permanentpartial
disability

Temporarytotal
disability

281

309

218,21+

369

83
59
37
28
62

86,765
39,568
3+.08+

+1*5
+00
+16

l k , 21 #

285
256

6
11
7
9
2

6,851*
3,7+6

1

«.

300

-

3
2

198
+5

Total

i+30

591

1

185
100
55
55
-

195
99
82
50
103

1
-

13
6
7
2
2+

3
-

112
39
2+5
22
2+1

10

16
Ik

-

11
10
5

-

l
3
2

-

-

3
2+
1
3

'

l/ Not computed because of small number of injuries in sample




Total
number
of days
lost or
charged

Average
number
of days
lost or
charged
per
disabling
injury

26,395

2,920
963
2,128

(X /)

(1/)

(l/)

Ml

(i/)

(1/)
(1/)
(i/)

-

32

-

Table 2.— Injuries resulting from circular-saw aocidents,
by kind of saw and activity of injured, 19 51 -5 2 •

Kind of saw

Total
number
of
injuries

Hand-fed
ripsaws

Hand-fed
crosscut
table saws

Swing
cutoff
saws

Other
and
unclassified

1,021

555

162

139

165

Feeding: total•••.... ...... .
Moving material ••••• ....... .
Onto table•••••••••••••••*
To self-feed devices.... .
To or through blade•••••••
On top of blade...... .
Other.•.•*•*•«••••••••••••
Moving saw blade••••.••••••••

725
669
22
16
582
23
26
56

i+28
1*27

105
105

91
36

4oo
17
2
1

h

98
3
-

h

22
55

101
101
6
16
74
3
2
-

Off-bearing: total*•*•••••••••••
By saw operator.... ••••••••*
By other workmen*...... .

109
97
12

61
59
2

15
13
2

17
15
2

16
10
6

Cleaning: total.................
Saw table.••*••••••••••.....
Saw, except table...........
Other.••••••••••••••••••.••••

107
96

42

2k
21
2
1

12
10
1
1

29
24
4
l

Adjusting or replacing: total.••
Blade •••.••••...........
Other. .............. ...... .

35
19

h

6

12
6
6

5
3
2

Other activities...... .... .
Unclassified; insufficient data*

23
22

8

h

Activity of injured

Total*.*..,*...... ••••........

8

hi

8

1
-

3

1h

8

16

10

2
2
h

2

2

7
7

11

Table 3 •— Injuries resulting from circular-saw accidents,
by activity of injured and extent of disability, 1951-52*
Number of disabling injuries

Total number
of injuries

Number

Pe rcentl/

Number
of non­
disabling
injuries

1,021

100.0

1+30
313
293

Activity of injured

Total.. •

....... •••••..... .

72.6
67*0
2.2
1.6

Resulting in—

Death

Permanentpartial
disability

591

1

281

309

412
376

-

188
173

22i|
203
10

Total

Feeding: total.... ..... .
Moving material...........
Onto table••••.......
To self-feed devices.....
To or through blade.....
On top of blade.... .
Other......••••••••••••••
Moving saw blade..••••.... .

725
669

56

5.6

Off-bearing: total..... •••••••
By saw operator...... .....
By other workmen. •••••••.•••

1C9
97

10.9
9.7

Cleaning: total...............
Saw table.••••••.
Saw, except table. ....... .
Other.........

107
96

3

.3

1

2

Adjusting or replacing: total..
Blade •••••••••••......
Other. •. ..................

35
19

3-5
1.9

19
13

16
6
10

Other activities.............
TJhclassified; insufficient data

22
16
582
23

26

12

8

16
23

22

58.3
2.3

2.6

1.2

10.7
9.6

.8

1.6

2.3
-

l/ Percents are based on classified cases only*




11
8

11
8

-

1
1

-

20

331
19
7
36

45
42
3

64
55
9

_

-

37
33
4

68
61

1
1

33
32

251
4
19

39
35
3

6

9
5

5

14
17

-

-

-

157

10

4
15

-

1

-

-

_

7

Temporarytotal
disability

7
174
9
3

21

27

22
5
34
28
4

2

-

2

-

5

9
4
5

5

9

•

-

11

6

-

33

-

Table b *— injuries resulting from oircular-saw accidents,
by nature of injury, part of body injured, and extent of disability, 1951-52*

Number of disabling injuries
Total number
of injuries
Nature of injury
and part of body injured

Total..... ....................

Number
of nondisabling
injuries

Resulting in—

Total

Permanent- Temporarytotal
partial
disability disability

Number

Percent

1,021

100.0

1*30

591

1

281

309

b3
3h3

22i+
27
288

1
-

223
50

27
238

8

36

-

-

1
7

Death

NATURE OF INJURY

Amputations • •••••............. .
Cruises, contusions.••••••••.•••
Cuts, lacerations.

22lt
70

631

21.9
6.9
6l .8

Fractures •......................
Irritations due to foreign
bodies in eyes.................
Strains, sprains...............

50

2*.9

6

bb

31
15

3.0
1.5

30

1
7

53

5.2

hi

kk

b -3

35

12
9
3

-

1
1

11
9
2

18
12
3
3

25
12
5

.
-

•
-

25
12
5

336
6

552
12
39
152
192

1

280

271

8

PART OF BODY INJURED

Head: total.... ••••••......••••
Eye..... ....................
Other............••••••••.•••

9

•9

Trunk: total................
Abdomen ••••••••....... ••••••
Chest, ribs.................
Other. ..................•••••

b3
2h

b .2

Upper extremities: total..... . •

913
18
69

Hand. .................. .
Thumb •••••••••••.... ••••••••
1 finger..... ••••••.........

2
3

8
11

276
3U8

fingers. ••••........ ••••••
fingers.................. .
k fingers..•••••••••••..... .
Thumb and 1 or more fingers..

96
26
21

Lower extremities: total........
Log.........................
Foot........ ........
Toe....................... .

1




6b

3
3
1

2.3

.8
1.1

39.9

1.8
6.8

6

30

27.0
3U.0

12 b

9 *b

2.5
2.1
6.3

36
3
2
9

•7
•3
•3
•l

5
3
l
1

156

8

-

1

8

11

1

9
76
108

30
76
83

23
19
55

-

33
12
12
29

27
11
7
26

2
2
-

-

-

2
2
-

-

60

-

34

-

Table 5*— Injuries resulting from circular-saw accidents,
by activity of injured, part of body injured,
and nature of injury, 1951-52.

Nature of injury
Activity of injured and
part of body injured

Irritations
due to
Fractures foreign
Strains,
sprains
bodies
in eyes

Total
number
of
injuries

Amputa­
tions

1,021

22h

70

631

50

31

15

725

15U
m

1+35
1+01+
13

ho

1

56
53
3

11

10

2
1

26
20
-

131

b5

31+7

32

20

7

Total..... ..... .........

Cuts,
Bruises, lacera­
contusions tions

ACTIVITY OF INJURED
Feeding: total.............
Moving material..........
Onto table.......... .
To or through blade.......

669
22
16
582
56

Q
*
10

109
97

2b

25

26

By saw operator.•••.••••••••4
By other workmen.••••••••...4
Cleaning: total.......... .

12

107
96

Saw, except table. . . . . . . . . . . 4
Other.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

8

Adjusting or replacing: total...
Blade...... .
Other..
- . - 4

35
19

Other activities............... 4
Unclassified; insufficient data*

25

u4
*

1
*
j

h

7
6
1

22

.

28

21

22

51
*j

71
65

6

82
72
1 c~

71

1

1
1
*
j

1

2

j

z

1
1

j

j

-

6
6

11

1

6

-

1

-

2

1

.

2

1

!

25
15

3

2

-

8

2

j

10
10

7
j

1

2

j

b

3

2

*

J

16

21

37

1

1

.

1
>
1
-

PART OF BODY INJURED
Head: total..... ......................
Eye. • • • • • • • ...... ..............
Othertt**t«*»«* ....
Trunk: total• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • «
Abdomen. .....................• • • • • • • • •
Chest, ribs..... ........
Other..
Uppe r

eTrtremltie?• total ........
Arm.........................«
Hand...................
Thumb........................
1 f i n g e r •
2 fingers....................
3 fingers...........

ij. fingers*........... .
Thumb and 1 or more fingers..
power ertrem^ties• total........
Leg.......... .....................
Foot.
Toe...............••••.....



53

bb

Q
7

Ii5
2k

50
19

8
11

918
18
69
276

6
j

22b
1
v^Lf
6b

3^8

9ii

96

28

26

21
6h

8
9
20

79
3
*j

1

j51
*'

b4
+
12
71
71

1
j

-

-

2
1

7
6

1
1

J

2

13

1+
1
611
l
l
•“i4
51
191
22l|

31
31

•

2

2
2

1
c

s

7

^5

2
12
21

»

3
2
2

16
12

2
2
-

-

-

38

6

-

-

2
1
1

2

65

-

1
1

-

-

-

35

-

Table 6 * — -Injuries resulting from circular-saw accidents,
b y activity of injured and part of body injured, 1951-52 •

Part of body injured

Activity
of injured

Total
number
of
Injuries

Upper extremities
Head

Trunk
Total

Arm

Hand

Lower
1 finger 2 or more extrem­
ities
or
fingers
or thumbs
thumb

1,021

53

h3

918

18

69

622

209

7

Feeding: total...
Moving material*
Onto table*••
To self-feed
devices•••
To or through
blade•••••
On top of
blade•••••
Other... •
Moving saw blade

725
669
22

bk

39
37

639

10
6

146
12

1M

136
128

3
3

16
582

Total*..........

k

16

-

1+9
10+
3

1

b

10

1

2

33

29

519

3

31+

-

35
1

59k

1

l

6

1

1

373

109

1

2

10

3
5

15
28

11
6
8

-

6
6

25
23

l
l

—

68
62
6

2

-

65

2

23
26

2

1+5

1+

3

3

102

3

12

1
2

2
1

93
9

2
1

107
96

1
1

•
-

106

2

95

1

5
5

60

31+
29

-

8

-

-

8

—
1

-

3

3

2

5
-

-

-

35
19

2
2

6
1

20

7

11+

2

-

5

6

5

-

1

2

9

-

1

16

3
1+

3
—

23

26

-

56

9

Off-bearing; total.
By saw operator*
By other workmen

109
97

Cleaning: total.***
Saw table*******
Saw, except
table••••*•••
Other.... •••••

5

Adjusting or
replacing: total
Blade•*•..... .
Other.....••••

35
19

16

-

Other activities*••
Uncla8 sified.......

23

1+

1

1

-

s 1




16

15

21

-

-

36

-

Table 7 ••"-Injuries resulting from circular-saw accidents,
b y agency of injury and extent of disability, 1951-52*

Number of disabling injuries
Total number
of injuries
Agency of injury
i/

Resulting in—
Total
Death

Percent'"

Number

Total*...................

Number
of nondisabling
injuries

Permanent- TemporaryTotal
partial
disability disability

1,021

100*0

U 30

591

1

281

309

Saws : total*....... .
Blade (point-of-operation)••
Rotating at full speed*..
Slowing to stop•.*..•••*.
Starting up........•••
At rest*••••••••......
Other parts*.***..... .

831
810
767
23

81*7
79*6
75-5
2*3

525
512
494
14

4

•4

1
1
1
-

275
273
268
3
2

249
238
225
11
2

16
21

1.6
2*1

306
298
275
9
16
8

-

-

-

2

11

Lumber....... *... .......
Sawdust•••••••.••••••••••••••.*
Other agencies*••••••••••••••••

147
30
9

14.5
2*9
•9

90

3

54

4

57
1
5

Unclassified; insufficient data

4

-

1

3

4
15

29

•
-

-

1
5

-

3

-

1/ Percents are based on classified cases only*

Table 8*— Injuries resulting from circular-saw accidents,
by agency of injury and nature of injury, 1951- 52*

Nature of injury
Agency of injury

Total* *.......... ........
Saws; total...... *... •*•••
Blade (point-of-operation)
Rotating at full speed.••
Slowing to stop*.... .
Starting up..***.*******.
At rest..••••••••••••••*«
Other parts.*••*••••••••••••
Sawdust..... •••••....... .
Other agencies*... ...... •••
Unclassified; insufficient data




Total
number
of
injuries

Amputa­
tions

1,021

221+

70

631

50

31

831
810
767
23
4

220

8

218

2
-

36
33
32

-

20

l

6

4
14
7

-

16
21

216
2
2

564
557
519

147
30
9

1
-

60
-

61
-

14

2

5

4

3

-

l

Cuts,
Bruises, lacera­
contusions tions

2

Irritations
due to
Fractures foreign
Strains,
bodies
sprains
in eyes

3

15

-

-

-

-

•

3

-

30
1

11
1

-

-

-

-

-

37

-

Table 9 * — Circular-saw accidents,
b y type of accident and agency of injury, 1951-52*

Agency of injury

Type of accident

Total*................
Striking against objects:
total*
Saw blades*••*•••••••••••
Hand held in path of
blade•
While removing scraps,
sawdust, etc**
Hand thrown against
blade by kickback*
Hand slipped from
lumber*
While adjusting or re­
placing blades*
While placing lumber
on table*
Other objects*.••••*•••••
Struck by moving objects:
total*
Objects thrown by saw****
Lumber, chips..... .
Other objects.... .
Saw blades*.....................
Other objects..*..... .

Total
number
of
acci­
dents

Saws
Lumber

Sawdust

Other

Unclas­
sified

9

k

Other
parts

Total

Blade

1,021

831

810

21

11*7

7ho

739
738

738
738

1

1

-

-

-

-

738

-

-

-

257

257

257

-

-

-

-

-

161

181

181

-

-

-

-

-

158

138

138

-

-

-

-

-

83

83

83

-

-

-

-

-

21*

21*

2k

-

-

-

-

-

17
38
2

17
38
1

17
38

-

-

1

-

-

-

-

1

-

l6h

1*7

1*6

-

5

-

-

1*

-

-

112
108
108

-

-

-

-

-

-

1*

-

-

-

-

-

-

1

1*

-

1

-

-

1

112
108

-

-

-

-

-

1*
1*6
6

-

-

1*6

1*6

1

-

30

Falls: total............ * ......... .
On same level• • • • • • • • • • • •
Against saw blades*• • •
Against other objects*
To lower level• • • ....... • • •

28
27
25
2
1

26

26

-

1

25

-

1
1

-

25
25

-

1

-

25

-

-

-

-

-

Rubbed, abraded: total*.......
By splinters*****.......... .
By other objects.♦ • • • • • • •

55
13

Caught in, on, or between
moving objects: total*
Lumber and parts of saw*.
Rolls, oonveyor chains,etc.
Other objects*............• • •

-

-

-

1

-

1

-

1

1

-

-

-

-

-

1*

-

1*

20

30

-

13

-

1*

7

12
1

10

-

1

-

-

9

-

-

-

-

-

1*

-

30

1

-

-

-

1

-

23
10

12
1

6

6

-

6

-

-

-

-

7

5

-

5

1

-

1

-

Overexertion*..................... .

7

3

-

3

1*

-

-

-

Unclassified; insufficient
data*

h

-

-

-

-

-

-

k




-

-

38

-

Table 10.— Circular-saw accidents,
by type of accident and extent of disability, 1951-52*

Number of disabling injuries
Total number
of injuries
Resulting in—
Type of accident

Number

Number
of non­
disabling
Percent*/ injuries

Total
Death

1,021

100.0

1+30

591

Striking against objects: total
Saw blades........ .........
Hand held in path of
blade*
While removing scraps,
sawdust, etc.*
Hand thrown against blade
by kickback.
Hand slipped from lumber.
While adjusting or replacing blades.
While placing lumber on
table.
Other*. *.............. .
Other objects...............

740
738

72.7
72.5

278

J4.62

277

257

25.2

181

138

Struck by moving objects: total
Ob je cts thrown by saw. ••••••

161*
112

Total................•...... •. •

1

281

309

1
1

2kk

217

k& l

2kk

216

100

157

-

82

75

17.7

68

113

1

65

kl

13.6
8.2

kl

26

97
57

-

52
31

k5

83

2h

2.h

15

9

-

5

k

17
38

1.7
3.7

13

lk

k
2k

-

9
-

15

60

79

85
52

59

k9

.
-

22
2
2

2

.2

1

108

16.1
11.0
10.6

Other objects........... .
Saw blade................ .
Other objects.............

k
h6

•k

1

U.5

1*4
5

Falls: total.•••••••••••••«•• ••
On same level.•••••••••••• ••
Against saw blades...••••
Against other objects....
To lower level.••••••••••»••

28
27
25

Rubbed, abraded: total...... .
By splinters..... .
By other objects......... .

55
13

kB

Caught in, on, or between
moving objects: total..... .
Lumber and parts of saw.....
Rolls, conveyor chains, etc.
Other objects........

6

2
1

.6

2.8
2.7
2.5

2
1

8
8
7

1

-

1

3
32

1
20

-

19
18

-

1
1

5«U
1.3
U.l

k9

23
10
6
7

2.3

11
3

.6
•7

12
7
2
3

Overexertion.••••••••••••.... .

7

•7

Unclassified; insufficient data

k

-

1.0

l/ Percents are based on classified cases only.




Permanent- Temporaryoartial
total
disability disability

6
2

-

20
9

8
8
-

1
.

26

k

1

63

50

kl
3

12
1

11
11
10
1
6
2

-

-

k
k

-

3
1
1

1

3
3

3

k

-

-

k

l

3

-

3

-

11
38

k

k
8
2

-

39

-

Table 11#— Circular-saw accidents,
b y type of accident and nature of injury, 1951-52•

Nature of injury

Type of accident

Total..........................

Total
number
of
accidents

Amputa­
tions

Bruises,
contusions

221*

70

631

50

51

15

738

196
196

1
1

513
512

30
29

-

-

257

70

-

176

11

-

-

181

1*6

-

131

h

-

-

138

1,021

Striking against objects! total
Saw blades*••......... .
Hand held in path of
blade*
While removing scraps,
sawdust, etc**
Hand thrown against blade
by kickback*
Hand slipped from lumber*
While adjusting or replao-J
ing blades*
While placing lumber on
table.
Other**...... ••••......
Other objects........ ••••••

7i+0

Struck by moving objectss total
Objects thrown by saw******.
Lumber, chips........ •••
Other objects*••••*••••*•
Saw blades*........... .
Other objects*.......... ••••

16J+
112

Falls: total*••••.... •••••••••
On same level.*..... •••••*.
Against saw blades.... ..
Against other objects...*
To lower level••••*•••••••••

28
27
25

Rubbed, abraded: total....... .
By splinters.... *......... .
By other objects.*........ .

55
13
k2

Caught in, on, or between
moving objects: total*
Lumber and parts of saw*****
Rolls, conveyor chains, etc.
Other objects*****........ .

23
10
6
7

3

1

7
3
1
3

Overexertion* •••.... •••••••*.•

7

-

-

Unclassified; insufficient data

k

3

-




Irritations
due to
Fractures
foreign
bodies
in eyes

Cuts,
lacera­
tions

Strains,
sprains

1*7

83

21

-

85
58

6
1+

-

-

2k

3

1

18

2

-

-

16

1
1
1

-

-

13
10
10
-

-

3
3
3
-

-

-

17
38

2

108
h
k6

6

2
1

-

-

9
-

-

H+
-

55
53
52
l
-

lk
-

2

28

1
79
U6

1+3
3
30
3

8
7
7
-

2
2

1

-

15
15
15
-

-

5
5

15
13
2

1

1

1

1

8

2
1
2
2
2

_
-

l
l
1
-

•

31

b

-

-

-

31

k

-

1

-

-

-

-

7

1

-

-

-

3
3
2

5
3

1

-

•
-

-

-

40

-

Table 12«— Circular-saw accidents,
by type of accident and part of body injured, 1951*52•

Part of body injured

type of accident

Total..............................

Total
number
of
acci­
dents

1,021

Upper extremities

1
Head

Trunk
Total

53

Arm

Hand

finger
or
thumb

2 or
Lower
extrem­
more
fingers ities
or
thumbs

b3

918

18

69

622

209

_

180
180

7

Striking against objects: total.....
Saw blades....................
Hand held in path of blade...•
While removing scraps, sawdust, etc.
Hand thrown against blade by
kickback
Hand slipped from lumber......
While adjusting or replacing
blades
While placing lumber on table.
Other.
Other objects................

71+0
738
257

«.
-

739
738
257

7
7
-

30

522

-

30
5

521

203

b9

-

181

-

-

181

b

6

120

51

-

138

-

-

138
83

-

9

81+
62

b5

b

-

-

-

21+

2

17
38

-

1

-

Struck by moving objeots: total.••••
Objects thrown by saw...••••••••.
Lumber, chips.••••••••••••••..
Other objects...........••••••
Saw blades.........••••.......
Other objects•

161+
112

105
56

8
6
6

6

1

36
36
36
-

Falls: total........................
On same level*........ .......
Against saw blades.*••••••••..
Against other objects........
To lower level..•••••»•«.........

28
27
25
2

•
-

3
3

25
21+
21+
-

Rubbed, abraded: total........ •••«.

55
13

31
•

•
•

23

12
11

2

-

21
10

6
7

-

5
6

-

1
2

Overexertion. ..............

7

2

h

1

-

Unclassified; insufficient data.....

b

-

-

b

-

By other objects.... •••••.... .
Caught in,

on,

or

83

2b
17
38

2

108
b

b6

1

b2

20
19
17

2
-

1

2
-

between moving

objeots: total
Lumber and parts of saw.•••••••••
Rolls, conveyor chains, etc......
Other objects ..........




23

10

5b

2
1+6
3

1

1

-

2

2
1
3
-

21+
19
18

1

16
13
23

1

55

21+
23

1

2

30
l

3
3
3
-

13
13
-

2
-

-

1
1
1
-

3

17

1

b
3

-

-

1

18
7
7
-

3

11

11

1
1

-

-

2

1

7
7
7
-

.
-

8

11

2

6

-

2

6
5

1
1

3
-

lb

2

-

17
9

1
1

2
-

b

b

-

1
1

1

-

-

•

-

3

1

-

Table 13*— Circular-saw accidents,
by activity of injured and type of accident, 1951-52

Type of accident

Activity

Total
number
of
acci­
dents

Caught
in or Over- Un­
Abrad- be­ 6X61*"1 clas­
On
ed tween tion sified
To
Objects
moving
thrown Saw
Total same lower
ob­
by blades Other
Total Saw
Other Total
level level
jects
saw
blades

Total•••••••••••< 1,021

Striking against Struck by moving objects

74o

16 k

112

46

6

28

27

1

55

23

7

4

136
101+

3k

6
1

2
2
2

21
19
3

20
18
3

1
1
-

W
38
2

13
10
2

6

4

100
96
1

k

3

1
1
-

-

10
85

10
85

-

-

1
Hi

1
13

1

1
31

3
3

1
-

1

-

2

738

Falls

725
669
22

502

502

1+93
8

493
8

-

16
582

•
U+8

U*8

-

23
26

22
15

22
15

-

-

-

-

5

-

5

-

1
-

1
-

-

k

2

-

-

56

9

9

-

32

h

28

-

2

2

-

8

3

2

-

109
97

92
87

92
87

-

10
9

7
6

1
1

2
2

2
1

2
1

-

3
-

2
-

-

-

12

5

5

-

1

1

-

-

1

1

-

3

2

-

-

107
96

102
91

102

-

3
3

1
1

2
2

-

-

.
-

-

1
1

-

-

1
1

-

91

-

-

8
3

8
3

8
3

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Adjusting or re­
placing: total
Blade........
Other.........

35
19

28
16
12

27
15
12

1
1
-

3
2
1

-

3
2
1

-

1
1

1
1

-

1
1

1
1
-

1
1

-

Other activities.
Unclassified...

23

9
7

8
7

1
-

3
9

2
2

.

1
1

3

•
-

3

5

.

1

3

6

Feeding: total...
Moving material
Onto tables..
To self-feed
devices
To blade.....
On top of
blade
Other........
Moving saw
blade
Off-bearing:
total
By saw operator
By other workmer
Cleaning: total•.
Saw table.••••«
Saw, except
table
Other.

16
22

1

1

1

-

3

Table ll;.— Injuries resulting from circular-saw accidents,
by violation or nonviolation of State safety requirement and extent of disability, 1951-52.

Number of disabling injuries
Total number
of injuries
Item
Number

Total..................•••••••
Violation of State requirement
Nonviolation of State require­
ment
Unclassified.«••••••••••••••••

-Resulting in—
Total
Death

Percent l/

Permanent- Temporarytotal
partial
disability disability

1,021

100.0

430

591

1

281

309

567

56.8

208

359

1

175

I83

431
23

43*2
—

213
9

218
Hi

—

96
10

l/ Percents are based on classified cases only.




Number
of nondisabling
injuries

122
k

-

42

-

Table 15. — Injuries resulting from circular-saw accidents,
by State, and violation or nonviolation of State safety requirements, 1951-52#

Number of injuries involving
nonviolation of State safety requirements

Number of injuries involving
violation of State safety requirements
Resulting in-

Resulting in- -

State
Total

Death or
permanentpartial
disability

Total
Temporarytotal
disability

No
disability

Death or
permanentpartial
disability

Temporarytotal
disability

No
disability

Total•••••••

567

176

183

208

1*31

96

122

213

State
State
State
State
State

No*
No#
No#
No#
No#

1#
2#
3«
1+#
5*

202

70
29
30

h3
ho

17h

92
33

76

31

73
27

1+2
11
11
12
10

l+o
18

26
13
1+5

89
67
31
7
-

State
State
State
State
State

No# 6 #
No# 7*
No# 8
No# 9*
No# 10

1h

6

h

15

h

-

h

5
3
7
7

State No# 11
State No. 12
State No# 13

2
2

_

_

-

2

-

-

-

156
87

26

6

2
2

-

1

5

1

3

62

hh

10

3

1
1

2

h

h

-

2

2

2
1
2

-

1+7
-

17

1

15

3

22

11
11+

9

2
6

7
5
1+
l

1

-

1
1

1
2

-

-

-

-

Table 16#— Injuries resulting from oircular-saw accidents,
by kind of saw and violation or nonviolation of State safety requirements, 1951-52•

Kind of saw

Item

Hand-fed
rip­
saws

Number

Total ...................... .
Violation of State require­
ment
Nonviolation of State re­
quirement
Unclassified............ .

Hand-fed
crosscut
table■ sews

Percentl/

Percentl/

Number

Other
and
unclassified

Percent]/

Number

Percentl/

555

100.0

162

100.0

139

100.0

165

100.0

360

65*6

85

53.8

U9

36.0

73

1*7.1

3l+#l+
—

73
1*

82
10

52.9

189
6

1/ Percents based on classified cases only.




Number

Swing
cutoff
saws

1*6.2
“

87
3

61+.0
-

-

-

43

-

Table 17*— Circular-saw accidents,
by type of accident and hazardous working condition, 1951-52.

Hazardous working condition

Inadequately guarded
Type of accident

Total
number
of
acci­
dents
Total

Total..................
Striking against objects: total
Hand held in path
of blade
While removing
scraps, etc*
Hand thrown
against saw bj
kickback*
Hand slipped from
lumber
While adjusting or
replacing blade*
While placing lum­
ber on table
Other...... •••••«
Other objects#.•.....
Struck by moving ob­
jects: total
Objects thrown by sai
Lumber, chips .•. ••
Other objects*«••«
Saw blades.•.••••••••
Other objects.•••••••

Lack
of
hood
guard

Lack
Inade­
of
quate anti­
hood kick­
back
guard
device

1,021

901

586

216

7i;0
738

733
723

531
531

257

255

181

Inade­
quate
antikick­ Other
back
devi ce

De­
fects
of
agen­
cies

Lack
of
goggles

En­
viron­
mental
haz­
ards

Hone
Place­ and
un­
ment
clas­
haz­
ards
sified

67

19

13

52

36

11

7

H*

192
192

-

-

-

11*
H*

-

-

1

2

180

75

-

-

-

2

-

-

-

-

176

122

%

-

-

-

5

-

-

-

-

138

137

116

21

-

-

-

▲

-

-

-

-

83

81

58

23

-

-

-

2

-

-

-

-

2l*

21*

20

1*

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

17
38
2

1h

8

6
9

-

-

-

-

-

-

27

-

3

36

H *1
99
96
3

38
H*
12
2
21*
-

16

19
19
19
-

1*
1
1

12
7

6
6
6

1*

15
-

61*
61*
61*
•

8

161*
112
108
k

1*6
6

1*1
l

1
-

1

-

2
1

1

6
1
5
-

-

_

1
1
1

1*

-

-

1

8

1

1

-

1

FalIs* total
On game level.••««.««
Against saw blades
Against other ob­
jects
To lower level•»«...*

28
27
25

21*
21*
21*

16
16
16

8

-

-

-

-

-

-

3
1

2

1

_

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

2

-

Rubbed, abraded: total••
By splinters..... .
By other objects....

55
13
l£

3
-

.
-

l
-

3

-

—

-

23

10

1

10

3

6
7

6

Overexertion............
Unclassified*..... •••••

Caught in, on, or be­
tween moving objects:
total
Lumber and parts of
saw
Rolls, conveyor
chains, etc.
Other objects..... .




_

1

X

j

.

2
2

20
13
7

30
-

1

-

30

2
2

-

2

-

7

3

-

2

2

6

1

-

2

-

-

1

-

2

1

3

-

-

-

-

6

-

-

-

1

2

-

1

1

3

7

-

-

-

-

-

-

2

-

3

1

1

h

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

1*

44

-

-

Table 18*— Circular-saw accidents,
b y hazardous working condition and agency of accident, 1951-52*

Agency of accident

Saws

Hazardous working condition

Total
number
of
accidents
Total

Points
of
opera­
tion

None

Unclas­
sified

Lumber

Other

7

3

11

Other
parts

Total.......................

1,021

973

928

U5

27

Inadequately guardeds total*
Lack of hood guard*******
Inadequate hood guard*•••
Lack of antikickback
device
Inadequate antikickback
device
Other* ........

901

901
586
216

889
586
216

12
—

•
—

_

586
216

—

—

•
—

67

67

67

—

—

—

—

—

19
13

19
13

19
1

12

-

-

-

-

Defects of agencies: total
Hough, splintered•••••••••
Improperly designed or
constructed (except
guards)
Other* ........... •••••••*

52
15

33

h

29

16

3

•

•

9
28

7
26

1
3

6
23

1

2
1

-

-

Lack of goggles*........ .

36

35

35

-

-

1

-

-

Environmental hazards.•«••••

11

k

-

h

6

1

-

-

Placement hazards***.*••••••

7

-

-

-

5

2

-

-

No hazardous conditions•.•.•

3

-

-

-

-

-

3

-

Unolas sified•••••••••*••••••

11

-

-

-

-

-

-

11




15

-

45

-

Table 1 9 •--Circular-saw accidents,
b y activity of injured and hazardous working condition, 1951-52.

Hazardous working condition

Inadequately guarded
Activity of injured

Total
number
of
acci­
dents
Total

Lack
of
hood
guard

Lack
of
Inade­
quate antihood kick­
back
guard
device

1,021

901

586

216

Feeding: total..........
Moving material.•••••.
Onto table..••••#••«
To self-feed devices
To blade..•••••••••.
On top of blade••«•.
Othe r...............
Moving saw blade.....

725
669

639
598

kn

Off-bearing: total.....
By saw operators......
By othe r workmen......
deeming: total....
Saw table.•••••••
Saw, except table
Other....... . •••

Total

386

22

12

8

16

10

2

537
23
16

3kk

582

67

19

li*0

66

127
3

65

18
18

117

10

1
6

la

25

13

109

102

7k

25

97

93
9

70

23

107
96

102

8

8

65
58
5

36
32
3

3

3

2

1

Adjusting or replacing;
total
Blade..... ..........
Other.

35
19
16

31
17

23
15

6

14

8

6

Other activities•
2
3
Unclassified....•.......

12

8

2

22

15

5

7




23
26
56

12

91

22

h

Inade­
quate
antikick­ Other
back
device

1
1
63

13

De­
fects
of
agen­
cies

52

Lack
of
gog­
gles

En­
viron­
mental
haz­
ards

36

11

Place­
ment
haz­
ards

None
and
un­
clas­
sified

li+

6

k
2

5
13

2

1

2

2
1

k

1

1

b

1

2

2
2

2

2
2

1

1

1

2

2

k

1

1

3

2

h

Table 20*--Circular-saw accidents,
by type of accident and unsafe act, 1951“*52<

Unsafe act

Total
Type of accident

Total .............. ........
Striking against objects:
total
Saw blades.... ..... .....
Hand held in path of
blade
While removing scraps,
sawdust, etc.
Hand thrown against saw
by kickbacks
Hand slipped from lumber.
While adjusting or re­
placing blades
While placing lumber on
table
Other...........••••••••
Other objects••••••••••••••
Struck by moving objects:
total
Objects thrown by saw......
Lumber, chips...... ••••••
Other objects.........

of
acci­
dents

Total

1,021

39k

135

7ho
738

333
332

257

156

Taking
wrong Taking
hold
inse­
of
cure
objects hold

Other

Total

Failing
to
Failing
to use
adjust
safety devi ces
cor­
devices
rectly

75

9

100

61

18

29

2+5

112

127

151
151

38
38

17
16

218
218

12+8
12+8

6l
6l

9
9

75
75

2
1

7
7

18
18

1h

73
73

31

120

2+

7

127

5

81

57

23

1

2

2

51

28

17

6

31

1

2

3

6

16

8
2

-

-

5
-

b

-

31
-

52
2+5

16
11

20
5

10
27

6
2

38
35

31
26

7
9

22+

1

_

1

1

_

1

17
38
2

b
3
1

3
-

16b
112
108

2+2
16
15
1

h6

2b

6

2

b

Unclas­
sified

178

138
83

_

3
-

1
-

1

3
9
-

1
5
-

2
2
-

b
b

20
-

7
6
6
-

7
6
5
1

20

2b
23
20
3
1

9
8
8

h4
*

33
31
28
3
2

1

1

8

2
-

-

1

_

-

-

-

-

3
2
1
-

2
1
-

2
-

-

-

1
-

-

-

-

_

-

-

-

.
“

6
7
-

-

-

13

b
-

1
_

.

_

_

_

1
-

2
-

1
2
“

6
13

2+8
2+6
2+6
-

5
1
1

5
2
2

7
2
2

16
12
12

2+

2
1

2+
1

2+

-

•

5
2+

10
10
10
-

2

_

-

-

8
2
2

1

7

1

6

b
b
b

•

-

3
8
-

-

b
b
b

_

_

21

8
8
8
-

_

9
9
1
-

None

262

3

55
23
7

Failing
to
Other
wear
safe
attire

30

66

Rubbed, abraded*. .......... .
Caught in moving objects•••••
Overexertion........ .
Unclassified....... .

Taking
unsafe
posi­
tions
or
pos­
tures

b5

71

28
27
25
2
1

Other

Oper­
ating
or
working
at
unsafe
speeds

181*

181

Falls: total..... ..........
On same level.............
Against saw blades•••••••
Against other objects••••
To lower level............




Using
hands
instead
of
equip­
ment

_

b
\

Making safety
devices inoperative

Using unsafe equipment;
hands instead of equipment; etc.

5
5
3
2
“

-

3
2
1
-

5
1
-

-

3
2
1
“

b
1
17
2
-

3
2
2+

b

•Table 21 •— Circular-saw accidents,
by activity of injured and unsafe act, 1951-52#

Unsafe act

Activity of injured

Making safety
devices inoperative

Using unsafe equipment;
hands instead of equipment; etc.

Total
number
of
acci­
dents

Total

Using
hands
instead
of
equip­
ment

Taking
wrong Taking
inse­
hold
of
cure
objects hold

Other

Total

Failing
to
Failing
adjust
to use
safety devices
cor­
devices
rectly

Other

One ra ting
or
working
at
unsafe
speeds

Taking
unsafe
posi­
tions
or
pos­
tures

Failing
to
wear
safe
attire

Other

None

Unclasr
sified

1,021

J9 k

135

181+

k5

30

262

178

75

9

100

61

18

29

1+5

112

Feeding: total#........ •
Moving material#•••••.... .
Oito table.............
To self-feed devices##.••
To blade...... .......#••
On top of blade.........
Other.. ........... .....
Moving saw blade......... .

725
669
22

272

306

1+1
37
2
-

196
19k

1*0
na
3
-

52
52

1
1

2k

k

-

6
2

6
1
3

21
19
1
17
1
2

33
28
1
1
21
2
3
5

78
73

-

51
1+8
1+
8
36
3

10
7

-

30
28
5
2

582
23
26
56

176
152
2
1
139
1+
6

23
21

1+
1+
2l+9
8
7
3k

66
62
60
2
1+

Off-bearing: total........ .
By saw operators....... . ••
By other workmen..........

109
97
12

20
20
1

20
19
1

k
k

k
k

-

-

2
2
-

10
7
3

2
1
1

3
2
1

1+
3
l

6
6
-

Cleaning: total#•••••••••..••
Saw table.# ............. .
Saw, except table.........

107

b9

_

-

1+8
1
-

-

-

Total......................

O t h e r ..........................
A d j u s t i n g or r e p l a c i n g : total
B l a d e . .........................
Oth e r . ........ ............... .
O t h e r a c t i v i t i e s # # # # .........
tJnclas sif ied# ............... •••




16

96
8
3
35
19

16

23
22

51
50
l
1+
3
1
3
1

3k

1

-

3

3
16
2
2

-

1
1
-

183

13k
k

k

2

•
2

38
36
2

25
25
-

k
k

-

-

-

20
18
2

-

-

-

-

-

1
1

.

-

-

-

2
1

_

.

-

-

-

2
2

3
2
1
1
-

6
6

11
9
2

1
-

lk

1

k
k

31
25

-

10
8
2

-

k

-

-

-

2

-

1
1
-

1

_

-

-

1

-

1
1
-

-

-

-

-

-

-

k

1

56
7
5
5
17
lk

3
2
1
1

2

1

1

.

1

1

-

-

-

16

1

-

-

-

-

-

-

2

1

1

-

10

-

-

l

1

1

k

2
1

1
-

1
1

1
2

6
1

3
1

2
1

1+

1+
10

2

26

48

APPENDIX B
Excerpts

from

American Standard Safety Code
for Woodworking Machinery —
1.
1.4

Definitions
4. 1 “ S h a l l " a n d “ S h o u l d . "

1.
as

mandatory,

be

understood

the

to

or

forming

is

accomplished

1.4.3

Push

1.4.2 P o i n t

strip
and

of

word

"should"

mean

that

other

is

used

to

1.4.4

upon

cutters.

(See

the

cutting,

"push

stick"

with

shall

a notch

pieces

of

term

"push

block"

shall

Appendix

shaping,

pushing

material
mean

short

mean

cut

a narrow

into one end

through

saws.

a s h o r t b l o c k of

s i m i l a r to t h a t o f a p l a n e
for

shall

boring,

stock.

short

r e a r end, w h i c h is u s e d

understood

" p o i n t of o p e r a t i o n s ”

which

material

provided with a handle

the

at

term

soft

“ s h a l l " is to be

advisorye

push

The

Block.

point

The

Stick.

or

The word

as

The term

of Operations.

wood

which

wood,
at

General

and a s h o u l d e r

stock over revolving

Al.4.4. )

2. P l a n t L a y o u t

2 . 1 Machinery
2. 1. 1 M a c h i n e L a y o u t

(a)
space

in

Machines

should

w h i c h to h a n d l e

f e r e n c e f r o m o r to w o r k m e n
that

it

aisle

will

as

to

not
be

Woodworking

(b)

floors

benches,

tables,

not

prevent
apply

or
or

to

for

hazard.

machinery

stands

portable

or
hand

with

machines.

foundations.

overturning
to

or

material

necessary

liable

stantial
to

be

be so l o c a t e d t h a t t h e r e

the

of

shall
Small

adequate

unintentional

to

should

stand

Appendix
be

w i l l be s u f f i c i e n t

least possible i n t e r ­

Machines

anyone
[See

the

be so p l a c e d
so

secured

shall

strength

or

near

an

A 2 . 1 . 1(a ) .]

firmly

units

in

and

movement.

be

to

designed
This

sub­

secured
rule

so

to
as

doe s

tools.

NOTE:
Wherever plant layout perilts. It is advisable to locate heavy-duty aachines
on the ground floor.
Csee Appendix A2.1.1 ( b ) 2
. 9/Approved by the Aaerican Standards Association, 19 54.
Reprinted here are only
those sections of the Standard applying to circular savs.
The coaplete Standard aay be
purchased froa Aaerican Standards Association, 70 East 45th Street, New York, N. Y.
Price $1.00.




49
( c)
both

Machines

natural

tensity
point

and

will

of

fall

on

operation

reflected

glare

should

artificial
the

work.

should

and

be

located,

l ight,

be

so

that

Supplementary

provided

shadows,

with

light

where

including

respect
of

to

illumination

necessary.

moving

sources

sufficient

shadows,

of

in­

at

the

Direct

or

should

be

avoided.
NOTE:
For specific requirements see Aierican Standard Practice for Industrial L i g h t ­
ing, A l l . 1-1952.
See Appendix

( d)
and

Provision

should

be

made

for

the

removal

of

shavings

dus t .

NOTE:
For specific requirements see American Standard Regulations for the Insta l l a ­
tion of Blowers and Exhaust Systems for Dust, Stock, and Vapor Removal, Z 3 3 . 1-1950.

2.2 Floors and Aisles
2.2.1
pair

and

Floor

shall

unevenness,

2.2.2

and

prevent
si ip

loose

slipping.

floors

shall

protruding

be

nails,

kept

in

good

splinters,

re­

holes,

boards.
Floors

shall

(See

be

in

the

provided

Appendix

working

with

A2.2.2

for

area

about

effective

all

means

suggestions

for

to

non-

floors. )

the

Aisles

Aisles.

width

of

the

way

t r a f f i c the m i n i m u m

the

width

be

from

Floors.

machines

2.2.3
than

free

Non-slip

woodworking

Al l

Maintenance.

be

of

painted

th e

on

widest
width

widest

the

for

one-way

of

aisles

or

some

plus

3

be

not

shall

v e h i c l e s or loads

floor,

traffic

v e h i c l e or load

plus

similar

3

shall
feet.

not

less

two-

less than twice

feet.

method

be
For

Lines

employed

to

shall
mark

aisleways.

3.

Machines

3.1 Machine Construction,
Appendix

Machine

Feed,

Speed,

and Control.

(See

Construction

The

(a)

should

be

designed

amount

of

fatigue

applies

ation;

Drive,

A3.1)

3. 1. 1

also

and E q u i p m e n t

these




to

h e i g h t o f th e
to

for

provide
the

auxiliary

supports

table

the

operator.
tables

should

be

or

or

best

working

(See

Appendix

supports

provided

s u r face of each

efficiency

so

for

that

and

the

A3.1.1.)

t h e w o r k in
large

or

machine

least
This
oper­

unwieldy

50
pieces

can

be

sensible
idle

at

firm

and

full

Arbors

the

can

Any

frame

be

be

and

mandrels
and

frames

remain
the

so

a

(h)

be

the

saw.

as

to

saw

the

by

the

saw

saw

the

with

be

the

fo r

in

saw,

shall

shall

pulleys,

Standards

gea r s ,

with

with­
used.
cast

saw

mounting

motor
a

or

so

for

the

medium

that
a

saw

It

that

tilting
that

of

they

without

t he

tables
it

will

angle

of

as to s l i d e

in

to

in

true

and

that

the

table

alignment

moving

parts

requirements

revision

exact

guide.

constructed
and

insure

with

shall

of

the

Power-Transmission
thereof

approved

by

Incorporated.

Appendix

mounted

A3. 1 . 2 . )
machinery

on

adjacent

the
to

s h o u l d be p r o v i d e d

machine

the

whenever

machine

pos­

with

power

the

metal

guarded.

woodworking
should

Standard

revision

Association,

base

properly

machine,

American

latest

motors

the

Mechanical

latest

(See

of

specific

Association,

separate

Power-driven
the

with

constructed

shafts,

the

Code

or

be

p o w e r for w o o d w o r k i n g

be

machinery,

National

thereof

including

electrically

g r o u n d e d in a c c o r d a n c e

Electrical

approved

by

the

Code,

Cl-1953,

American

or

Standards

Incorporated.
is

machine

be

the

position.




have

lugs

size

assembly

machined,

position

Drive.

off

by

regardless

so

Driving

(c)

with

th e

constructed

positions

any

Safety

be

Machine

the

run

to

s h a l l n o t be

constructed

table

so

accurately
all

accordance

B 1 5 . 1-1953,

on

so

For saws

be

1. 2

of

as

continuously

caused

or

saw.

shall

tables

belts,

in

Standard

or

from

and

table.

secured

All

(b)

the

with
fence

are

transmission

with

table

gages

individual

frame

shall

(a)
sible,

so

constructed

overspeed

the

saw

American

3.

free

play.

be

fences

that

guarded

Apparatus,

be

mounted

constructed

m e a n s to l i m i t

to

tracks

firmly

American

shall

avoid

Circular
with

(j)
be

to

is

saw that st rokes

tables

parallel

the

( i) H i n g e d
can

tool

control each stroke

equivalent

the

line

or

alignment

from

an

secured

arbors

with

grooves

be

free

or

with

Circular

in

saw

size

manner.
as

intended.

firmly

tilting

constructed

shall

be

cut-off

changing their alignment
or

nonfatiguing

so

largest

b e i n g a b l e to

or

than

( g)
can

and

be

the

automatic

mounted,

larger

when

bearing

operator

( f) S a w
on

a safe

shall

speed.

secure

(e)

the

in

machine

vibration

(c)

out

handled

Each

(b)

recommended

provided

with

a

that

each

disconnect

power-driven

switch

that

can

woodworking
be

locked

in

51
3.1.3 M a c h i n e

(a)
on

each

power
of

Control

A mechanical or electrical power control

machine

from

to

each

make

it

machine

without

( b) O n m a c h i n e s
shifter

Appendix

or

an

driven

were

to

m a d e to p r e v e n t
of

within

shall

be

provided

o p e r a t o r to c u t

his

position

at

off

the

the

point

easy

make

restart

controls

reach

making

of

used

(e)

it

shafting,

device

where

i n j u r y to th e
power

a

shall

locking-type

be

operator

failures,

On

shall

only
each

be

operating

operator

unnecessary
This

for

used.
might

provision

restarting

machine

provided

(Se e
result

shall

upon

be

restora­

or

he

him

not

is

to

should

at

his

reach

apply

to

be

located

regular

over

the

work

cutter

constant

pressure

motors,

positive

purposes.

operated

for

controls

while
for

does

setup

operative while repairs
they

and

after

and

the

adjustments.

controls
means

belts

positive

power.

location,

by

rendering

electric

such

controls

a d j u s t m e n t s are be i n g

or

devices

m a d e to t h e

in­

machines

control.

( f) E a c h
pected

operating

or

accidental

3.1.4

Self-Feed.

installed

attachments
covered

or

3.1.5

shall

Speeds.

marked

Automatic
the

have

not

be

shall

be

The
on

operated

the

of

feed

operating
all
at

feeding

nature

as to p r o t e c t

operating over 10,000

shall

treadle

protected

against

unex­

tripping.

wherever

guarded

permanently
or

leaving

m a c h i n e s from a u t o m a t i c a l l y

( d) P o w e r

be

the

A3.1.3.)

motors

tion

by

equivalent

( c) O n a p p l i c a t i o n s

to

for

operation.

belt

if

possible

devices

the

rolls

the

or

speed

other

shall

saws

other

than

blade.
W h e n a m a r k e d s a w is r e t e n s i o n e d
m a r k i n g s h a l l be c o r r e c t e d to s h o w t h e

be

over

p e r i p h e r a l feet per
a

on

will

machines

should

permit.

Feeder

moving

parts

o p e r a t o r from h a z a r d o u s

speed

circular

work

20

etched or o t h e r w i s e
i n c h e s in d i a m e t e r

minute.
that

so

points.

A saw

so

stipulated

marked
on

the

f or a d i f f e r e n t s p e e d , th e
new speed.
(See A p p e n d i x

A3. 1. 5. )

4.

4.1 Circular,

Rip,

Woodworking

Crosscut,

Resaw,

Machinery

and Swing Cut-Off Saws

NOTE:
It is recognized that the standards for saw guards in 4.1 are not perfectly
applicable to all operations for which savs are used.
The standards given are those
which woodworkers have agreed are wost generally useful. Since there are a considerable
nuiber of cases not satisfactorily iet by these standards, the enforcing authority
should exercise rather wide latitude in allowing the use of other devices which give
proiise of affording adequate protection.
It way be expected that by so doing further
progress in saw guarding will be encouraged.




52
4.

1. 1 G u a r d i n g

circular
of

saws

contact

table,

where

with

that
or,

be

arranged

so

the

if

no

to

4. 1 . 2 H a n d - F e d
(a)

by

a hood

which

cut.

The

hood

shall

mounting

material

the

of

the

material

strength
ation,

the

shall

be

made

unlikely

to

cause

wood.

operation

will

the

saw;

any

reasonable

of

and

line.

( b)

saw

or

than

the

blow

shall
the

saw

so

the

such

[Fo r

as

thrown

It

to

soft

The

of

the

the

material

offer

saw

be

made

to

or

of

and

force

be

no

as

to

in

true

adequate
oper­

it

more

as

will

that

alignment

hood

be

shatter

flammable

insure

to

to

teeth.

not

strength

and

con­

passage

saw

should

tending

hoods

any

designed

broken

in

con­

reasonable

so

will

in

to

e n o u g h so t h a t

adequate

various

not

saw

being

hood

remain

and

and s h o u l d

other

the

and

to

be

mounted

be

portion

material

on

so

or

that
is

back
The

the

to

its
with

resist
it

out

mountings,

see

throw

it

the
not

of

the

will

the

saw

oppose

the

thrust

table

when

of
is

see

Fingers

or

a
not

true

the

largest

required.
be

space
in

the

immediately

with

should

between

saw

On

is

be
the

mounted
with

completion
replaced.

A 4 . 1 . 2 ( b ) .]

fingers
of

thrust

spreader

connection

Each hand-fed

Dogs.

provide

alignment
and

be

thinner

side
The

tilted,

inch

shall

tendency

in

1/2

Appendix

to

be
the

shall

be

width

position.
is

shall

spreader

reasonable

spreader

non-kickback

or

of

than

spreader

with

out

saw

squeezing

and shall

sufficient

remain

or

more

spreaders,

provided

it

saw

The

any

rip
from

equivalent,
of

throw

provision

Non-Kickback

be

material

operator.

be

dadoing, or r a b b e t i n g

of

circular

prevent

shall

either

there

the

hand-fed

to

r i g i d i t y to r e s i s t

bend

operations,

shall




shall

is

s t e e l , o r its

or

when

discussion

to

of

back

kerf.

that
and

( c)

saw

or

Each

tempered

machine.

grooving,
of

shall

guarded

shall

splinters

so

be

of

shall

reliable,

thrust

spreader

attached
even

spreader
in

it

and

that

be

positive,

stiffness

be

placed

shall

that

incidental

nonexplosive,

mounting

a

tending

saw

shall

saw.

shall

above

material

hood

breakage.

Spreaders.

hard

adequate
or

but

flying

discussion

with

being

of

that

the

the

exhaust

A4. 1 . 2( aj .]

furnished
made

be

side

[For

Appendix

be

behind
an

guard

with

a r r a n g e d so t h a t

of

The

material

tooth

the

cut,

handling,
from

hood

or

with

saw

thickness

insertion

and

of

The

be

the

blows and stra i n s

whe n broken, should
than

enclose

shall

sawed.

rip

of t h e s a w

to

being

to

operator

contact

For

a possibility

beneath

required, with a

.

Tables

is

covered

hand-fed

portion

itself

being

resist

adjusting,

protect
It

to

circular

and

resistance

be

accidental

completely

tact

with

is

Behind

there

Saws

that

adjust

and

either

shall

system

and

automatically
siderable

saw

prevent

Rip

Beneath

are such that

of the saw

the

Each

Hoods.

a b ove the table

of

exhaust
as

Saws

portion

portion

hood,

of

conditions

the

or

saw

circular

dogs
to

so

pick

rip

located
up

the

all

53

material

or

to

designed

to

provide

materials
A4.

throw

being

it

back

toward

adequate

cut .

[For

the

operator.

They

shall

be

h o l d i n g p o w e r f o r al l t h e t h i c k n e s s e s o f
discussion

of

kickbacks,

see A p p e n d i x

1.2(c ).]
4.1.3

Hand-Fed

Each

(a)

hood
for

which

shall

circular

in

datory.
see

(For

Appendix
4.1.4

saws

for

fo r

circular
saws,

metal

as

to

the

shall

Trimmer

be

4 . 1 . 2 (a)

of

Saws)

guarded

by

for

a

hoods

saws

of

should

the

also

be

provided

requirements

of

4 . 1 . 2 ( b) .

with

mechanical

being

jigs

and

cut,

feed

but

fixtures

should

this

for

with

is

not

re­
man­

circular

s aws,

double

arbor

A4.1.3.)
Double

Each

to

the

Revolving

accordance
with

all

kind

of

with

the

all

the

requirements

r e q u i r e m e n t s for c i r c u l a r

saws

mounted

on

the

arbors.

Resaws

circular

above

Saws.

Arbor

in

c r o s s c u t s a w s or

according

guard

saw

all

material

discussion

4. 1.5 C i r c u l a r
of

(Including

saw

requirements

crosscut
meet

be f u l l y g u a r d e d

rip

(a)

the

trimmer

Revolving

shall

all

should
with

a

Saws

table

saws.

which

contact

Table

crosscut

circular

( c) H o o d s
main

meet

rip

( b) E a c h
a spreader

Crosscut

circular

the

resaw

saw.

against

shall

This

danger

hood

from

be
or

guarded
shield

flying

by

a

hood

shall

be

splinters

or

or

so

shield

designed

broken

saw

teeth.
Each

(b)

roller

or

fastened
thinner

securely
than

4.1.6
guard

tact

with

the

the

guard

the

bottom

(3/8

inch)

the

of

the

heavy

shall
or

nip

come

is

be

point

rolls

surfaces

increased

between

of

to

be

the

sectional

width

of

the feed rolls.

fed.




to

be

They
in

shall

than

be

with

a

spreader

be

slightly

the

saw

disk.

by

a hood

point.

The

metal,

inch

of

the

feed

rolls.

inch,
roll

and

be

the

5
the

located
contact

in

con­

shall

be

the

bottom

of

plane

formed

by

This

1/2

distance

the

lead

inches

in

edge
front

work.

self-feed

non-kickback

continual

guard

provided

than

coming

and

3/8

Each

shall

protected
from

less

front

provided
as

3/4

not

be

with

saws

shall

thicker

operator

any

d o w n to w i t h i n

to

self-feed

provided with a

spreader

preferably

shall

arranged

the

at

Fingers.

so

saws

of

( b) N o n - K i c k b a c k

and

The

be

Saws

and

hands

extended

than

slightly

material,

working

may

hood

saw.

and

rolls

inrunning

of

the

Circular

the

(other

t h e saw) s h a l l

kerf

Peed

prevent

constructed

of

saw

Hoods.

to

resaw

of

behind

the

Self-Feed

(a)

or

circular

w h e e l at b a c k

circular

fingers
in

for

front

with

the

of

rip
the
the

wood

saw
full
saw

being

54

4.1.7

Swing

applicable
radial

hood

saws

that
saw

see

Hood

that

will

end,

hood
it

will

cover

lower

to

fence,

and

the

of

and

remain

an

effective

shall
and

point

of

in

device
for

there

counterweight
through

the

devices
the

Limit

front

or

4.1.7

are

table.

be

be

also

(For

end

bar

of

bar,

w h e r e the g u l l e t s

edges
of

of

the

to

of

th e

th e

prevent
table
saw

saw

is

re­

top

of

the

drop

on

top

cut.

the

with

back

of

r o p e , cor d , or

any

will

the

pins;

by

and

either
or

the

a

bar
the

a

bolt

bolt

put

counterweight
to

it.

equally

from

beyond

a device

supporting

cotter

saw

teeth

broken

upon

other

or

and

provided
to

attached

the

saw.

Such

where

or

the

material

being

be

dropping

or,

a

the

travel.

bolts

chain

chains

lowest

on

will

counterweight,

bar,

the

rise

shall

with

of

the

material

its

from

a safety

Limit

provided

or

functioning

and

when

hood

with

saw,

automatically

automatically

provided

the

splinters

will
the

cutoff

point

prevented

the

of

and of such

that

hood

saw

provided

t h a t it w i l l

so

table

the

proper

shall

the

back

forward

the

be

positions

flying

the

Each swing

Stops.

be

from

moved

any

all

designed

a counterweight,

extreme

shall

of

the

half

a manner

table

at

shall

at

such

blade,

return

both

encircle

so

with

its

is

shall

through

(c)

above

upper

the

is

released

passing
not

be

the

to

in

operator

contact

saw

the

operation

of

saw

counterweight

does

the

the

depend
If

cut-off

of

shall

back

when

requirements

mounted

enclose

Counterweights.

not

spring.

swing

portion

when

table

saws

constructed

protect

turned

the

th e
be

Its h ood

the

( b)

Each

completely

and

The

Saws.

cut-off

4.1.9.)

.

shall

teeth.

Cut-Off

sliding

(a)

arbor
The

to

effective

swinging

a

forward

rise

above

beyond

position
the

table

top.
( d)

to
its

4. 1.8
the

Inverted

saws
saw

material

saw

that

4.1.9
(a)

of

at

the

Radial




Saws.

portion

upper
end

sawdust

remain

and

the

of

the

a manner

from

It

Hoods

the

flying

away

Cut-Off

provided

protrudes

and

close

such

be

cut.

clude

ator

Swing

shall

being

thickness

in

1atch or e q u i v a l e n t

th e

rear

device

of

th e

should

table

be

and

provided

to

prevent

rebounding.

cut-off
of

A

Latches.

c a t c h and r e t a i n

from

above

shall
in

the

top

The

the

th e

blade

arbor.

adjust

the

or

material

material
broken

part

above

itself

hood

down

to

shall

to

being

the
the
cut.

completely

a point

that

T h e u p p e r h o o d s h a l 1 be

and of s uch

operator.

table

swing

the

A4.1.9.)

upper

splinters,
the

of

with

Inverted

Saws).

that will cover

automatically

Appendix

Guards.

of

(Jump

a hood

contact

(See

saw

Saws

with

t h a t it w i l l

saw
The

teeth,
sides

of

and

the

in­

constructed

protect

etc,

will

en­

the

will

lower

oper­

deflect
exposed

55

portion
blade

of

by

the

a

thickness
to

give

blade

device
of

the

shall

that
stock

maximum

be

will
and

guarded

remain

protection

to

the

full

automatically
in

possible

diameter

adjust

contact

with

itself
stock

for

the

operation

saws

are

used

of

the

to

the

being
being

cut
per­

formed.
Spreaders.

(b)

spreader

should

(c)

be

Non-Kickback

ripping

shall

be

on

sides

o-f t h e

both

th e

saw

to

operator.
for

all

( d)

end

see

cause
when
to

will

by

the

Direction

in

shall

permanent

radial

fingers

the

to

being

it

saw

or

thrust

throw

provide

Return

or

toward

holding

[For

for

located

tendency

back

adequate

cut.

used

dogs

of
the

power

discussion

of

Devices

shall

beyond

be

the

provided

position

to

prevent

necessary

to

the
com­

operations.
shall

be

slightly
to

return

operator.

be

label

to

the

reading

label

of

Feed.

which

in

such

higher
gently

a manner

than
to

CAUTION!

the

the

Tilt

t hat the front

rear,

so

starting

should

turns.

conspicuously

marked

not
rear
as

the

R i p p i n g and p l o u g h i n g
saw

not

as

to

position
be

enough

less
of

than

the

1

1/2

guard

at

The
on

the

inches

s h a l 1 be a g a i n s t

direction

by

h ood.
3/4

approximately

of

the

saw

In a d d i t i o n ,
inches

the

shall

level

of

a
be

the

follows:

DANGER:

a

be

head

to

stop

repetitive

unit

a

rebound.

rotation

Such

and

blade

in

cutting

( e)

arbor,

Stops

the

ripping,

A4.1.2fc).]

Installation

direction

affixed

Each

oppose
or

material

adjustable

of

to

designed

(2)

released

cause

the

An

as

of

cut

the
the

so

Appendix

travel

Dogs.

or

material

be

Adjustable

the

of

saw
the

for

4 . 1 . 2 ( b ) .]

[See

Fingers

thicknesses

(1)
plete

up

They shall

kickbacks,

radial

provided with non-kickback

pick

the

forward

When

provided.

should

DO

NOT

be

colored

7.

RIP

OR

PLOUGH

standard

Operating

FROM

danger

THIS

END

red.

Rules

7.1 Inspection and Maintenance
7.1.1
maintaining

Inspection.

systematic

safety

equipment

permit

their




to

prompt

Emphasis

inspection

insure

the

correction.

of

is

placed

all

discovery

upon

the

woodworking
of

developing

importance

machines

and

defects

and

of

56
7.1.2

Maintenance

(a)
sioned
begin

Dull,

saws
to

shall

cause

fed

to

t he

t he

sides

the

saw
shall

well

badly

set,

normal

be

improperly

immediately

material

at

(c)
be

be

to

removed

stick,

speed.

immediately

Bearings

shall

jam,

Saws

to

or

free

improperly
before

kickback
gum

(See

kept

or

service,

which

cleaned.
be

filed,

from

when

has

it

is

adhered

on

Appendix

from

lost

ten­

they

A7.1.2.)

motion

and

shall

lubricated.

( d) A r b o r s o f a l l c i r c u l a r s a w s s h a l l b e f r e e f r o m p l a y .
(e) S h a r p e n i n g o r t e n s i o n i n g o f s a w b l a d e s o r c u t t e r s s h a l l
be

done

only

by

persons

( f) E m p h a s i s
cleanliness
the

around

effective

hazards

in

is

of

demonstrated

placed

woodworking

functioning

switch

upon

guards

in t h i s k i n d

importance

machinery,

of

enclosures,

skill

the

the

and

of

work.

maintaining

particularly

and

bearings,

of

as

regards

prevention

of

fire

motors.

7.2 Selection and Operation of Machines
7.2.1

Selection

(a)
as

to

Machines

necessitate

service.
be

The

assigned

of

Suitable

the

removal

specific

to

Machines

and

used

o p e r a t i o n s of such

s h o u l d n o t be
of

safeguards

operations

machines

for

suitable

involving

suitable

for

head,

tool

Tools

special

such

for

variety

the

hazards

work.

[See

usual
should

Appendix

A7. 2. 1( a) .]

( b)
mounted

No

on

machined

to

7.2.2

cutter

machine

size

and

Circular

(a)
Appendix

saw ,

a

All

arbor
shape

Rip

cracked

( b) T h e p r a c t i c e
collar

not

be

to

fit

th e

and

Cut-Off

saws

shall

collar
tool

shall

has

be

been

placed

or

accurately

arbor.

Saws

be

removed

from

service.

(See

form

of

what

inserting

is

wedges

commonly

known

between
as

the

saw disk and

a “ wobble

saw"

shall

permitted.
(c)

Push

p l a c e in t h e

shall

sticks

or

push

several sizes and

blocks
types

shall

be

cannot

provided
be

used,

at

as

the

in

be

provided

s u i t a b l e f or the

Combs (F e a t h e r b o a r d s ).

7.2.6
guard

to

the

A 7 . 2.2.)

the

jigs

or

unless

work

dadoing,

at

work

the

Combs (featherboards)
place

for

use

grooving,

when

jointing,

work

to be d o n e .

a

or

suitable

standard
moulding,

rabbeting.

7. 4 Clothing and Goggles Worn by Operators
7. 4. 1
(a)




Clothing

Gloves

should

not

be

worn

while

operating

machines.

57
Loose

(b)

decided

flowing

accident

garments,

hazard

and

sleeves,

shall

not

neckties,

be

worn

etc,

by

offer

operators

a
of

machines.
Where

(c)

anti-kickback
7.4.2
exists,

there

aprons

eye

Standard

7.5

by

t he

Selection

Safety

any

woodworking

the

hazards

of

or

for

he

machine

under

assist

18

in

any

dust,

flying

provided

and

Protection

or

operation,

chips,

used.

of

the

Heads,

the late st r e v i s i o n

Association,

etc,

(See
thereof

Incorporated.)

Operator
workman

shall

is

receive

and

th e

years

of

the

from

wor n .

from
be

the

Standards

machine,

Minors

(b)

operate

Code

of

and

danger
shall

inexperienced

th e

kickback

Organs, Z2-1938,

Training

an

of

provided

Where

American

and

Before

(a)

be

protection

Eyes, and R e s p i r a t o r y
approved

danger

Goggles.

proper

American

is

shall

safe

method

age

operation

permitted

careful

shall

of

of

to

operate

instructions

in

operation.

not

be

permitted

power-driven

to

woodworking

machines.

APPENDIX
(This Appendix is not a part of the American Standard Safety Code fo r Woodwork ing M a c h ­
inery, 01.1-1954.
It includes a discussion of the rules and recommendations for ways
and leans of putting the rules into effect an d illustrations of a few typical saw guards.)

(The numbers in the Appendix r e fe r to the p ertin en t
items in the standard.)
A l . 4. 4 P u s h

blocks

hardwood

3/4

or

permits,
to

the

give

should

inch

block

protection

be

thick

at

if

should

be

to

hand

the

least

made

at

3/8

of

least

inch

thick

softwood.
10

pushing

inches

down

on

if

made

Wherever
by

the

6

inches

of

space
so

as

space

in

work.

A2. 1. 1
A 2 . 1.1
which
from

to
or

lowing

In

(a)

handle
to

order

the

other

workmen

conditions
(1)

Rip

and

tance

or

clearance

equal

to

3

space

either

In
storing

feet

be

these




give

or

Crosscut

on

more
the

each

with

operator

the

machines

least
it

is

sufficient

possible

suggested

interference
that

the

fol­

minimum

dis­

maintained:

each
than

a production
at

to

material

fixtures.

the

shop

saw

Bench

or

working

or

longest

which
in

Table

side

a

uses

of

the

material
jigs

storeroom

The

Saws.

and

saw

table

should

be

handled.
fixtures,

should

be

definite

provided

for

58
It
that

no

where

is

he

plank

to

of

Undue

can

that

to

be

material

a

It

is

done

that

all

of

often

as

Practice

that

for

as

Incorporated,
proper

equipment,
cumulated
light.

gives

i .e.,
on

impaired

the

have

out

color

lamp

bearing
quired

a

tendency

on

the
the

preference

be

seeing

given

p o r t a n t or d a n g e r o u s
order

that

A 2 . 2.2

they

abrasive

material

the




of

also

of

equipment

less

re­

important

all

lighting
Dust
has

any

of

the
been

carefully
that

a definite
energy

suggested

light

ac­

of

indicate
has

amount

absorb
in

latest

adjustment

which

light

Standard

intensity

is

25

Association,

of

efficiency

be

accidentperhaps

the

is

the

colors

for

in

reflectors.

whose

the

The

girders

Too mu c h

or

It

down

and

pass

importance.

in

investigations

light

not

or

American

it

seen

vital

country.

general,

be

must

Standards

and

to

however,

building.

factor

In

floor

grains

which

making

of

task.

and

a contrasting

re­
that

that

im­

color

in

easily.

treatment

does

with

of

it

glue

and,

after

not

adhere.

(b) S o m e m a n u f a c t u r e r s
sive,

the

floors,

of

mind,

beams

maintenance

those

elastic

girders

smooth

slippery

floors

about

machines:

(a ) Paint
or

a

the

be

base.

is

is

cuts

p a r t s of e q u i p m e n t

will

Suggestions

woodworking

to

floor

may

foundation.

other

experienced

the

Recent

is

metal

eliminated.

or

the

A l l . 1-1952,

spoil

walls,

absorption

the

adjustment

system.

of

machine

in

quickly

to

to

American

or

or
in

illumination.

to

saw

it

workman.

beams

borne

intensities.

and

bulbs

ceilings,

for

of

given

reflectors

lighting
of

be

cleaning

Makeshift

worked

values

attention

sure

If

machinery

cork,

beams

lighting

the

be
the

heavy

machine

floor
be

men

Lighting,
by

the

lighting

accidents

approved

the

to t h e f o u n d a t i o n

the

insufficient

Industrial

thereof

must

among

improper

avoidable

bad

of

a

s p e e d c a n be

felt,

floor

Proper

belief

protect

the

fastened

to

with

a kickback.

high-speed

and

or

saw

line

position,

cushioning

machine

rip

m a c h i n e r y on the g r o u n d f l o o r ,

rubber,

independent

a

to

by

It

a
in

of

operating

base

be

Lighting.

percent

that

by

the

must

such

caused

girders

widespread
work

vision

high

fastened.

hold

case

heavy-duty

inserting

the

in

in

of

working

erected

extent

is

are

prevention

t he

by

material

A2. 1. 1 ( c )
a

be

noise

large

touch

cushioning

is

and

machine

or

bolts

machine

locating

the b o lt s that

by

a

material

between the m a c h i n e

t he

through

by

regularly

should

By

in t h e l o c a t i o n

is

v i b r a t i o n d u e to

vibration

which

hit

locate

(b)

the

eliminated
This

be

barricade

A 2 . 1.1
most

important

employee

might

necessary
or

also

other

non-slip.

now

the
make

or

pai n t and

glue

or

a paint

throw

paint
which

has

on

sharp

set,

includes

sand

remove
an

abra­

59
If

(c)

placed
than

a non-slip

about

1/ 8

the

inch

platform,

machine,

high

at

the

point

or

E x c e l l e n t m a i n t e n a n c e to a v o i d
Wood

The

chips
in

may

slippery.
for

rubbing

also
It is

collecting

floor,

or

the

chips

bevel,
be

so

be

material
to
or

on

or

and
to

top

a

sawdust

that

provisions

that

they

a

wooden

a wooden

smooth

should

will

the

hazard.

over

not

cleaned

floor

essential.

of

very

is

more

with

tripping

become

thoroughly

not
the

flush

t r i p p i n g h a z a r d s is

itself

sawdust

should

the

slipping

important

or

floors

a

floor

therefore

beveled

will

s liding of chips

the

non-slip

be

particularly

cause

or

cause

of

material

sawdust,

themselves

continued

floor

and

the

other

edge

floor.

may

that

or

should

be

floor,

so

m at,
edges

should

( d)

recessed

the

be

get

at

and
made

on

the

frequent

periods.

A3.1

In

order

the

proper

and

synthetic

to

attain

type of saw

the

safest

blade

and

should

be

most

used

efficient

for

operation,

plastics,

plywoods,

boards.

A 3 . I. 1
A3.1.1
height

of

For

(a)

the

various

machines

average

stature:
Saws

(hand
(power

machines

such
It
and

eliminates

A3. 1 . 3
be

hands

persons

of

1 ess - t h a n - a v e r a g e

be

in t h e a b o v e

made

expense
of

control

shafting
oiling

it

of

the

of
and

of

other

but
and

appearance
to

of

inches

etc,

due

operators

inches

initial

better

the
for

32

shafting,

general

there

circular

provided
the

from




by

for

that

floor

36

that

a

follows

the

individual

motor

power-transmission

has

a

great

many

individual

belting,
the

distances.

ad­

machine.

thereby improving

shop.

Then,

maintenance

of

too,

it

overhead

equipment.

Where

for

as

than

overhead

the

hand-fed

possible
his

line

injuries

transmission

ation

as

recommended
above

fed)

should

The

is

fed)

used

higher

offers

eliminates

lighting

that

Drive.

frequently

vantages.
also

are

it

operation

approximately

s u i t a b l e adj u s t m e n t s

is

of

Saws

equipment
It

efficiency,

point

Circular

A3. 1 . 2 M o t o r
drive

be

or

Circular

Whenever
stature,

maximum

table

with

is
an

operator

the

electrical

sa w s ,

work.

band

emergency
to

cut

control,

saws,

and

foot

off

switch

the

it

is

machines

power

which

recommended
of

like

will

without

oper­

make

it

removing

60 A 3 . 1.5
various
per

The

following

diameters

of

table

saws

when

shows
t he

revolutions

peripheral

per

speed

is

minute

for

10,000

feet

minute.

Diameter

of

Saw

(Inches)

Rpm

8

4774

10

3819

12

3183

14

2728

16

2387

18

2122

20

1910

22

1736

24

1592

26

1469

28

1364

30

1273

A4. 1. 2
A 4 . 1 . 2 (a)

( 1)

Circular-Saw

Hood

a.

Hoods

and

Mountings

Construction

Hoods

may

b . If m a d e

be

of

made

of

plywood,

aluminum
they

or

should

magnesium
be

of

alloy.

substantial

construction.
c.
of

Hoods

cast-metal

(2)
that

it

sible

is

hood

doubtful
are

(throat

if
For

Hood

piece

b. O t h e r
c.

Arm

be

(3)

used

be

if

table,
or

but




and

in

of

being

wood

at

bottom

for

so

many
will

operations
fit

serviceability

of

all

the

pos­

guard,

order:

attached

to

throat

piece

position)

attached
to

to

types

frame,

table
or

c a r ri age, or ta ble

or

frame

floor-stand

of

mounting

is

mounted

are

mountings

impractical.

Mountings

cut

mounting

operations.

of

mounting

following

attached

If

this

rabbeting

used
of

spreader

other

piece

teeth.

side-suspension,

when

Discussion

material

the
on

spreaders

mounting

only

are

type

locked

a.
even

in

liner

saw

efficiency

d . Ceiling,
should

one

mounted

should

thin

the

Saws

any

recommended

a.

have

protect

Mounting.

Hood

conditions.

mountings

should
to

is

the

hood

extends
not

beyond

practical

the
for

on

spreader,

sides

of

grooving,

the

it
saw

dadoing,

can

be

used

61
b.
of

the

If t h e h o o d

table,

it

can

beting

operations,

can

cut

be

fect
are

t he

that

c.

The

amount

properly

attach
the
or

on

the

same
out

easier

side

for

required

to s e e t h a t

to

keep

hood

in

the

material

being

should

be

e.
will
at

in

on

line

f• For
be

the

these
the

saw

will

so

shaped

of

the

the

of

that

that

right

work

that

attach

is

it

it

are

not

all

the
is

the

to

but, at

wrong

used

to

way

make

supervision

it
may

al t e r e d or a d j u s t e d

in

some

operations

that

the

hood

off

the

table

by

pinching

or

case

easy

times.

advantage
raised

af­

guards

position,

then ex t r a

at

in

side
rab­

of

will

if

prevent
the

cen­

binding

spreader.

saw

or

tilting-table

frame

the

that

are

saw

or

carriage

when

be

the

saw

saws,

the

hood

that

the

hood

so

or

the

saw

at
The

of

obtained,

value

the

smaller

level

table

of

saw.
than

a

If
the

but

location

of

the

with
to

same

each

is

tilted

saws,

hoods

and

should

should

be

size

for

as

motor

is

on

the
of

will

less

less
its
on

the

that

saw.

2

should

the

3

1/2

cases

used

saw,

so

spreader

location

regularly

permissible

the

than

than

When

each

follow

special

not

alignment

changed.

Each

it

not

some

depends

machine

maximum

be

In

is

location

that

true

motors

Spreaders.
saw

table.
it

saw

the

frame

new

to

saw

individual

the

with

spreader
a

equalizer

adjusted

toward
the

as

be

Circular-Saw

side

approximately

the
be

the

move

such

will

mounted

4. 1. Z ( b)
on

saws

they

provided

automatically

A.

cannot

so

whenever

should

it

hind

such

to

designed
saw

size

sure

the

hood,

being

the

multiple

mounted

machines

hood

wide

from

the
and

angle.

should
with

added
so

with

be

in

position

an

the

be

counterweight

tiIting-arbor

mounted

remain

an

the

be

reaches

or

to

dadoing,

the

If c o u n t e r w e i g h t s

be

of

attached

material used w i l 1 also
to

impossible

can

cut

of

should

way

arm

restrict

needed

lift

the

force

For

or

an

grooving,

quality

raised

d . It w i l l
hood and m o u n t i n g

material

ta b l e .

saw.
to

a

the

before

will

right

the

workman

upward

arm

Attachments

difficult

on

most

the

and

the

be

trifugal

on

supervision

with

the

the

of

design

of

used.

line

mounted

used

but this

mounting

time,

of

is

be

curve
inches

this

width

inches.
directly

with

a

saw

machine,

be­

blade

serious

c o n s i d e r a t i o n s h o u l d be g i v e n t o t h e p o s s i b i l i t y o f l o c a t i n g t h e
s p r e a d e r w i t h i n 1/2 i n c h o f t h e c l e a r a n c e of t h e s a w b l a d e r e g u l a r l y
used

on

the

spreader
The

if

machine,
the

design

of

the

attaching

the

difficult

or

dangerous

position.




even

machine

though

were

to

spreader

spreader
impossible

in
to

the

this

be

would

used

mounting
correct

mount

the

for

require

the

should

location
spreader

moving

maximum

provide
and
in

size

the
saw.

for

ease

in

should

make

it

incorrect

or

an

be

62
For

operations

w h i c h do n o t

consideration

should

hold

so

the

least
on

12

the

used

work

inches

saw

to

A 4 . 1.2
usually

on

saw

Improperly

and

rise

(3)

Improper

(4)

Improperly

(5)

Improper

by

table,

therefore
of

the
be

the

or

much

but

A

the

serious

fixtures

to

removed

at

are

spreader
saw

such

Kickbacks

saw,
gage
or

allowing

a

as

mounted

teeth,

may

as

grooving.

on

rip

saws

be

are

material

to

pinch

to

of

to

so

it

very

locate

is

the

that

in

Other

dogs

have

not

come

they

do

the

to

of

be

arbor
and

fingers

thrust

one

when

reversed,

kickback

for

power

position

where

is

upward

effective

material.

saw ,

saw

lumber
dogs

holding

located

when

the

grain

Kickback

be

thinner

the

oppose

fence

little

circular
of

or

twisted

very

are

material

to

than

mounting

or

rotation

saw

of

have

necessary

the

operator

operations,

designed

For

or

spreader

but

power

a spreader,

jigs

table

design

saw.

higher

conditioned

so

of

following:

alignment

are

the

kickbacks.

the

the

use

operation.

conditioned

thicker

with
the

of

of

no

the use of

the

certain

provide

material

holding

contact

and

of

to

from

dogs

much

good

point

in

one

Failure

either

ahead

by

(1)

on

the

frame,

(2)

of

in

the

to

hands

Circular-Saw

(c)

caused

Some

upward

from

permit

given

the

advantage

thickness
very

that

arbor

good

be

the

thrown

is

above

it

in

used

would

front

or

saw.

A4. 1. 3
(a)

on

should
It

Fillister

circular
be

rip

Piece.
saws

used.

This

should

be

about

thickness

of

the

cleats

brackets

or

o v e r the fr ont
to

the

fence

Special

fixtures
cial
and

or

when

A 4 . 1.9

Blade

radial

saw

be

use the hood

made

thick

of

or

being

cut .

ends,

so

the
ends

of

the

guard

strips,
wood

a

about

slightly
It

it

be

will

or

2

piece

inches

thinner

should

that
table

effectively

fillister

wide.

than

provided

either

fit

c a n be q u i c k l y

the
with
down

attached

gage.

of

should

irregular

this

Coasting

accidents

power

uncommon.)




at

to

narrow

be

pieces

principle

is

given
or

to

the

oblique

the

jig

use

of

jigs

angles.

for

A

cutting

or

spe­

wedges

stakes.

t he

of

inch

back

cutting

not

a piece

3/4

consideration

application
pointing

order

cutting

should

material

and

(b)

In

when

has

been

wood

The

After
is

shut

off.

practice

against

Power

caused

the

by

Shutoff.
rotation

(Coasting
of

time

stopping

rotating

A

blade

large

of

the

up

this
can

to

percentage

saw
five

rotation
cause

blade

minutes
by

injury

of

after
is

placing
to

the

63
operator
It

is

and

can

cause

recommended

warning

signal

the

blade

a

braking

that

to

indicate

that

to

crack,

device

the

warp,
to

blade

or

stop

is

lose

temper.

coasting,

still

in

or

motion,

a
be

provided.
A7.1.2 Maintenance.
accidents
properly
tions
at

nance

the

by

all

proportion
badly

and

material
It

is

instructions
of

large
dull,

saws,

operator.

follow

A

caused

tensioned

cause

the

from

is

to

stick,

the

of

sap,

circular

improperly

adhering
jam,

to

stall

or

should

be

band-saw

or

users

for

and

Such

saw,

that

manufacturers

wheels

gum,

and

filed,

saw s .

the

recommended

saw

Band-saw

accumulations

gum

strongly

from

saws.

by

of

set,

kickback

obtain

proper

kept

im­

condi­

clean

and

mainte­
and

free

of

this

resins.

A7. 2. 1
A 7 . 2.1
code

the

operations
guards
the

of

in

machines

insuring

the

a

will

making

Suitable
that
as

as
of

avoid

position

continued

use

of

of

and

by

will

safeguards

well

not

suitable

used

for

of

safe­

to

or

route

plan

adjustment

The

proper

reducing

also

be

removal

frequent

guards.

production

adjustments

the

It is
too

Under 7.2.1

should

necessitate

service.

to

increase

Machines.

machines

to

usual

way

altering

rule
of

of

made

variety

for

such

and

this

because

is

such

suitable

work

for

Selection

(a)

statement

the

of

regard

time

lost

reduce

accidents

to

work.

the

by

A7. 2. 2
A7.2.2

cracks
start

in

tinued
tually
moved
the
by

time

the

in

blade

can

crack

and

then

the

saw

the

saw
making

skilled

manufacturer
To

cracking:
saw

to

to

heat,

The

operate.
expand,

(2)
grinding)

If

The
to

cracking




and

teeth

prevent

slots

is

should
not,

the

If

is

and

If

the

saw

to

the

naked

balance
after

welding

the

on

sides

the
the

saws

both

for

the

wobble

and

is

re­
eye,

crack
of

or
the

blade.

In

either

repairs

are

made.

should

tensioned

con­
even­

apart.

by

for
will

are
may

visible

or

will

saws

larger

slotting,

saw

inspected

Most cracks

cracked

material
to

be

set.

grows

fly

employed,

be

the

or

either

retensioned

welding,

(1)

to

a crack

repaired

sawsmith
for

teeth.

saw

as

other

Saws should

filed

frequently

remove

be

prevent

is

then

be

are

saw

the

soon
to

should

the

of

as

Saws.

teeth

crack

usually

the

case,

a

of

the

fragments

service

slotting

the

gullets

cause

Circular

that

service,

from

Unless

Cracked

(a)

each

be

returned

to

at

which

it

causing

it

tensioning.

speed
vibrate

crack.
must

have

burning.

results.

sufficient
If

the

clearance

saw

gets

hot

(set
and

or

hollow

expands,

64

rim

saw

(3)
should

is

cause

The
be

saw

should

concentric

(4)

The saw must

(5)

Saws

not

cutting,

heat




and

must

be
it

be

in

with

perfect

the

be in p e r f e c t
kept
will

vibration,

sharp
pound

round.

In o t h e r

words,

the

eye.
b a l a n c e or c r a c k i n g will result.
at

all

itself

expansion,

and

times;
through
then

otherwise,
the

wood

cracking.

if

and

the
thus

-65-

APPENDIX C — SAFE OPERATING PRACTICES

The following two excerpts are examples of educational literature, pre­
pared by States and other organizations, covering safe operating practices in
circular saw operations.
From "Woodworking Circular Saws:
Universal Types" 10/

Protection for Variety and

The safe practices involved in circular saw operations will
vary slightly in accordance with the types of machines in use and
the operations conducted on these machines. For example, on highproduction operations or where jigs and fixtures are used, the safe
practices would be comparatively simple. On the other hand, the
safe use of a circular saw in a pattern shop or maintenance depart­
ment is somewhat more involved because of the variety of work con­
ducted on the machine under these conditions.
The following safe practice specifications are outlined as
examples of rules that should be considered:
1. Shut off power and wait until saw blade stops revolving be­
fore making adjustments.
2. Do not attempt to stop the travel of the saw blade (after
the power is shut off) on direct driven saws by forcing a
piece of material against the saw blade.
3. When changing saw blades, check collars to make sure that
they are free of sawdust and are in good condition to as­
sure the saw's running true on the arbor.
1;. Use only sharp and properly conditioned saw blades. Im­
mediately remove dull saws from the arbor and have recon­
ditioned.
5. Before using a machine, check to see that the saw revolves
freely, the blade is tight on the arbor, and that screws
and clamps of fence and gage are securely fastened.

6,

Use push sticks on operations where their use will elimi­
nate the need for the hand to be near the danger zone.

10/ Prepared by National Association of Mutual Casualty Companies,
1950,_ (pp. 28 and 29).




-

66 -

7. If the stock binds in the cut or is excessively hard to
feed, immediately check alignment of the rip fence and
condition of saw blade.

8.

Use only saw blades that are of a diameter within range
of the machine speed. Saw blades larger than that rec­
ommended for any one particular machine will run at an
excessive speed and those that are too small for the
speed of the machine will operate unsatisfactorily be­
cause of an underspeed condition.

9. Stock to be processed must have one straight edge and
be held securely against the gage or fence.
10. Never sight gage on ripsaw operations.
face and use the rip fence.

Plane one sur­

11. Maintain good housekeeping conditions around circular
saws. Keep the area free of scrap, sawdust, oil and
grease, or other tripping or slipping hazards.
12. Whenever possible, stand to one side of material being
cut. This is especially important on ripsaw operations
to prevent the operator's being in line with a possible
kickback.
13. Do not leave a saw running unattended. If lockout
switches are provided, use them to prevent unauthor­
ized use of machine.
Ilj. Do not reach over running saw blade to recover mate­
rial at the rear of the machine unless the saw blade
is fully protected by a hood guard.
15. Do not use hand to clear small pieces of scran away
from saw blade. Use a push stick or piece of scrap
stock.
16. Do not wax top of table with power on or with circu­
lar saw blade protruding above the table. The power
must be off and the blade stopped before attempting
this operation.
17. Do not allow bystanders to stand in line with the saw
blade 5 travel on the operator's side.




-67-

18. When sawing long pieces or heavy material, use a take-away
stand or roller table if available. Otherwise, a take-away
man or helper is necessary.
19. For protection against possible eye injuries, goggles or
some type of eye protection should be used.
20. Do not wear loose or ragged clothing such as neckties or
gloves when operating circular saws.
21. Do not remove or make inoperative any guard or safety de­
vice installed on a machine.
22. Do not operate a circular saw unless you are properly
instructed and authorized to do so.

From '‘Taming the Circular Saw'* H /
1. Be sure you know how to operate a circular saw before at­
tempting to do so.
2. Inspect a saw to see that it is sharp and free from cracks.
3. Use the right saw for the right job. Don't use a ripsaw
for crosscutting, or a crosscut saw for ripsawing.
I4.. Keep your body out of line with the board being sawed.
Stand to one side.
5. Do not be distracted*

6.

Concentrate on your work.

Use a pusher stick to push short, narrow pieces through
the saw.

7. Don't adjust the saw hood or gage while the saw is
running.

8.

Don't leave a saw running unattended.

9. Don't reach over a saw.
10.

Lock the power controls in the "off" position before chang­
ing saw blades.

11/ Prepared by State of California, Department of Industrial Re­
lations, Division of Industrial Safety, 1950.




-

68 -

11. Don't feed wood faster than the saw will cut.
12. Get help when sawing long material.
13. D o n ’t use your hands to remove scrap and dust from the saw
table. Use a brush.
lU. Keep the saw table clear of all scraps.
saw blade and be thrown back.

They may touch the

15. Keep the area around a saw free from loose material that
might cause tripping or falling.
16. Store circular saw blades in a place where there is no
likelihood of accidental contact with the teeth.
17. Get prompt first-aid treatment for even the slightest cut
or scratch.
18. When sharpening or gumming circular saws with an emery wheel,
use a free cutting wheel.
19. Don't let the teeth become case hardened, blued or glazed, for
they are then likely to crack or break.
20. When setting a circular saw, make sure that the set is in
the point of the tooth and not below the root of the tooth.
21. Make sure there is no end play or lateral motion in the arbor.
22. See that the collar and stem of the arbor fit perfectly.
23. Don't use wobbly saws.
21+. Use suitable eye protection.




U. S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 1 9 5 6

O — 371429