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Power Saw Injuries


Like lawnmowers and snowblowers, power saws are extremely useful tools.  However, they also can cause severe damage to the hands.  The severity of the injury depends on what is damaged in the hand and on certain characteristics of the saw.

Because the treatment and rehabilitation of these injuries is extensive, they obviously are best avoided.  Here are a few tips on preventing saw injuries:

  1. Bullet    Follow the safety instructions provided for your saw and use it only for projects for which it was designed.

  2. Bullet    Use the correct blade at the correct depth for what you are doing.  Also, use a sharp blade to prevent stalling and kickback.  Check blade guard operation before use.  Lower the blade of a table saw when finished with the project.

  3. Bullet    Let the saw reach full speed before starting and support the work so that it won’t shift.  Secure metal with a clamp or vise.

  4. Bullet    Switch off the power and unplug the saw if it stalls before trying to restart it.

  5. Bullet    Make sure that the work is not touching the blade when starting or stopping the saw.

  6. Bullet    Keep your finger off the trigger when carrying a portable saw.

  7. Bullet    Do not override safety guards; they are there for safety!

  8. Bullet    Stay focused and keep your eyes on your work.

  9. Bullet    Use a long stick instead of your hands to clear scraps away from the table.

  10. Bullet    Do not wear jewelry or loose clothing that can be caught by the blade.

  11. Bullet    DO NOT DRINK ALCOHOL before or while using a power saw.