When it comes to miter saw safety, you can’t afford to make a single mistake. If you do, the end result could be some form of injury, such as a deep laceration or amputation.
Fortunately, if you’re always paying attention to your safety and well-being, you shouldn’t run into any issues when using a miter saw.
Here are a handful of miter saw safety tips to keep in mind at all times:
- Never remove a protective guard
- Wear the appropriate safety gear at all times, such as goggles and gloves
- Place the material being cut flat against the fence and table
- Let others know you are making a cut, so that they don’t crowd the area
- Don’t make a cut until the blade reaches full speed
- Don’t leave the saw until the blade stops spinning
- Never use the surface area to store tools
- Remove all excess debris before making a cut
- Use clamps to hold the wood in place, when possible
These are not the only things to keep in mind when using a miter saw, but these tips can definitely help you avoid trouble.
If you suffer an injury when using a miter saw, step away from the tool to assess the situation. You may find that you need to call for immediate help. You also want to report the injury to your employer, making it clear as to what went wrong.
Once you receive treatment and discuss your prognosis with your medical team, you can then focus on the process of applying for workers’ compensation benefits.
Source: Emory University, “Miter Saw Safety Rules,” accessed Feb. 07, 2018