Cement Saw Safety
Cement saws, also called concrete or masonry saws, are electrically powered circular saws designed specifically to cut through masonry. However, the materials cut by a cement saw can be hard and prone to breaking, so caution should be exercised while using them. Standard safety equipment should always be worn while operating a cement saw, and strict attention must be paid to both the saw and cutting material while the saw is in use to avoid possible accidents.
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Preliminary Checks
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A cement saw should be checked thoroughly before being used. The saw blade should be securely fitted and undamaged. A damaged saw blade must be replaced before the cement saw is used. The saw blade should also be clean and free from dust buildup. If too much dust builds up on the blade or in the machinery, the saw can stall or malfunction. The area to be cut should be thoroughly inspected to ensure there are no gas or electrical lines that may be accidentally severed while the saw is in use.
Safety Equipment
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Safety goggles should be worn when cutting any kind of material. A full impact-resistant face shield may be required if large pieces of material are likely to be torn loose by the blade. Similarly, a hard hat should be worn if there is any danger of large, hard materials becoming airborne as the material is cut. Gloves may protect the hands from being injured by small pieces of debris. Cement saws can be loud, so hearing protection must be worn at all times while a saw is in use.
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Kickback
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Cement saws are intended for hard, inflexible material such as concrete and masonry, and can only cut straight lines in these materials. Attempting to cut in a curve or zigzag can cause the blade to jam and kick back. Most cement saws are handheld, so this can be extremely dangerous, causing the saw to jerk out of the user's hand and cause serious injury. Kickback can also occur if the blade catches on the material and cannot proceed, so if the saw hesitates for any reason, the saw should be removed and turned off immediately.
Cutting Area
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The surface of the material to be cut must be clear of debris and other objects before cutting can begin. If debris accumulates as the material is being cut, cutting must stop and the debris must be cleared before cutting can resume. Debris that gets caught in the blade can be propelled toward the saw's user, potentially causing severe injuries and damaging the saw. If using a mounted cement saw, support the material at all times while keeping your hands away from the blade.
Dust
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Cutting masonry can produce large quantities of dust. Dust from concrete and masonry can be hazardous to a worker's health, especially if breathed in repeatedly and over long periods of time. Dust from masonry cutting has been implicated in a wide range of lung diseases, including cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a progressive and incurable disease restricting the ability to breathe. For this reason, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends that respirators be worn by all workers in an area where masonry is being cut and that dust reduction systems are installed in such areas as well.
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