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70 • OCTOBER 2013 • WORLD FENCE NEWS Safe operation of cutoff saws COURTESY OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY & HEALTH ADMINISTRATION (OSHA) Cut-off saws are high-speed cutting tools and very dangerous to operate; therefore, it is very important that you read and fully understand the contents of the owner's manual before using. • Never lend or allow anyone to use your saw until you are certain they can operate it safely. If they borrow the saw, lend them the operator's manual, too. • Never allow children to operate the saw. Be sure the user is mature physically and mentally before allowing them to do so. • Allow no bystanders, especially children and pets, in the working area. • Cutoff saws are heavy. You must be certain that your physical and mental condition is satisfactory to operate the machine. • Never attempt to operate the saw under the influence of drugs or alco- ler Deck Sea ce And teed Fen Guaran Specifically formulated for ease-ofapplication, Standard Paints exterior Wood DefenderTM stains help protect and beautify wood structures. With one coat you are assured of uniform application with no runs, drips or back brushing. Mildew resistant, Wood Defender stains contain ultraviolet inhibitors to stabilize wood color and provide long lasting wood protection. Our products, techniques and equipment are proven by hundreds of successful applicators that we have trained. INQUIRE ABOUT EQUIPMENT, START UP PACKAGES AND TRAINING REGISTER TODAY! PRO PACKAGE ST-250 940 S. 6th Ave. Mansfield, TX 76063 WWW.WOODDEFENDER.COM • (817) 477-5060 • (817) 477-5030 hol, or when fatigued. • Operating cutoff saws and other similar power tools over a long period of time exposes the operator to "whitefinger disease." This condition produces numerous burning sensations and interferes with the ability to feel and regulate temperature. Get medical advice at once if you experience these symptoms. • Personal protective equipment is essential. Protect your legs and lower body with sturdy long pants, your arms and upper body with a sturdy long-sleeved shirt, your feet with steel-toed safety shoes, your hands with non-slip gloves, your head with a hard hat or bump cap (depending upon conditions), your eyes with non-fogging vented goggles or face screen, your ears with ear plugs or muffs and a respirator for breathing protection in dusty conditions. Warning: Never cut any material containing asbestos without using a respirator specifically approved for that purpose. • Some materials throw off dangerous sparks when cut. You should wear non-flammable clothing free of fuel, oil, or grease under these conditions. • Check the saw for broken, loose, or damaged parts. Repair or replace before using. • Use only cutting wheels approved by the manufacturer. Unapproved, cracked, or warped wheels may shatter or break, exposing the operator to serious injury or death. • Adjust the wheel guard to deflect sparks, dust, and other materials away from the operator and flammable materials. • Be sure the wheel does not turn while the engine is idling. Adjust the carburetor if necessary. • Fuel the engine in a well-ventilated outdoor area. The engine must be shut off and cool before adding fuel. Do not smoke while fueling and wipe off spilled fuel immediately. Operating the saw • Start the cut-off saw on firm ground or other solid surface in an open area. Never attempt to drop-start the engine. • Clear the working area. Avoid operating the saw if the terrain is wet and/or frozen. • Hold the saw firmly with both hands when the engine is running. • Begin cutting at full throttle and continue at full throttle until the cut is finished. • Avoid standing in a direct line with the cutting wheel. • Use only downward pressure on the saw, as lateral pressure may cause the blade to break and shatter. • Do not change the direction of the cut once started, as this can also cause the blade to break and shatter. • Do not use abrasive-type wheels for rough grinding. • Do not cut above shoulder height. • Shut off the engine and remove the spark plug wire before adjusting or working on the saw. • Carry the saw with engine stopped, muffler away from your body, while protecting the cutting wheel from striking the ground or other objects. After using the saw • Remove the cutting wheel when transporting the saw. • Secure the saw to prevent fuel spillage and damage to the unit. • Store the saw, with cutting wheel removed, safely away from children. You can find additional safety information on a range of topics, including power equipment, forklifts, and preventing physical injuries at the OSHA web site: www.osha.gov. 11 - 6 Gauge Up to 20 ft. heights 3/8" to 1" mesh Aluminized Galvanized PVC - Extruded Fuse Bonded Extruded Bonded Send Us Your Ideas for Pete & Jake Cartoons! Do it today! All ideas considered! Full editorial credit given if used! • • • MEMBER E-mail to: World Fence News at editor@worldfencenews.com