Saber Saw (Download)
Saber Saws http://www.hometips.com/images/sunset/kitch_sink2.jpg 1 Description A Saber Saw is a small powered saw with a reciprocating motor that moves a small toothed blade up and down across the object being cut. Some use the term jig saw to describe a saber saw, They can be either handheld or mounted to a table. http://en.easthardware.com/product_image_6/2006624113762468.jpg 2 History Invented in 1946 by Albert Kaufmann Replaced the needle with a saw on his wife’s sewing machine Over 30 million units have been sold 3 Usages Used to cut through many different materials, with different blades for different materials. Commonly used to cut metal pipe, plywood, dimensional lumber, drywall, and in demolition. 4 Safety Concerns Common safety concerns with Saber Saws: Moving Sharp Blade Flying Debris Electrical Power Overheating of Blade Noise Hazard http://www.flickr.com/photos/34071625@N07/3172783403/ 5 Injuries and Fatalities There was only one death related to a saber saw that was investigated by OSHA from 1990 to 2009 Over 95% of the injuries concerning saber saws are related to hand injuries. Additional injuries besides cuts include electrical shock from poor electrical cords and burns from hot blades and cutting surfaces. OSHA CFR 1926.243(a)(2)(ii) 6 OSHA Regulations 1910.243(a)(2)(ii) Reciprocating saws, saber, scroll, and jig saws with blade shanks greater than a nominal one-fourth inch, and other similarly operating powered tools shall be equipped with a constant pressure switch or control, and may have a lock-on control provided that turnoff can be accomplished by a single motion of the same finger or fingers that turn it on. 1990-2009 OSHA Fatality Data 7 OSHA Regulations 1926.300(a) Condition of tools. All hand and power tools and similar equipment, whether furnished by the employer or the employee, shall be maintained in a safe condition. 1926.300(b)(1) When power operated tools are designed to accommodate guards, they shall be equipped with such guards when in use. OSHA CFR 1926.300 8 OSHA Regulations 1926.300(d)(2) All hand-held powered drills, tappers, fastener drivers, horizontal, vertical, and angle grinders with wheels greater than 2 inches in diameter, disc sanders, belt sanders, reciprocating saws, saber saws , and other similar operating powered tools shall be equipped with a momentary contact “on-off” control and may have a lock-on control provided that turnoff can be accomplished by a single motion of the same finger or fingers that turn it on. OSHA CFR 1926.300(d)(2) 9 Best Practices – PPE Safety Glasses Gloves Hearing Protection Closed Toe Shoes Respiratory Protection 10 Safe Work Practices Keep hands and fingers away from blade whenever saw is powered. Keep face a safe distance away from the blade and cutting surface when in use to avoid flying debris Keep power cord in good condition to prevent electrical shock. Wait for cutting surface and blade to cool after use before touching either. 11 Safety Tools on Saber Saws The handle includes a safety button and trigger switch to control power and speed of blade. The blade holder has a blade lock to prevent blade movement until the user unlocks the blade. A blade shoe is a plate that is used to keep the blade a specific distance from the work to ensure safe movement of the blade on each stroke. 12 Safety Procedures Wear safety glasses to protect the eyes Wear gloves to protect the hand and fingers. Use a stable working surface and clamp down the material that is being cut to prevent movement during cutting Never start the blade while it is touching the material being cut. Check to see if there is enough clearance for the blades movement beneath the cutting surface. 13 Safety Procedures Remove loose clothing or jewelry and tie back any loose hair. Never place a hand in front of the cutting path of the saw for a guide while cutting. Inspect power cord to insure it is not damaged and use a power source that has GFCI protection. The power cord should be laid flat along the ground and marked in order to prevent a tripping hazard. 14 Think Safety Work Safely 15