Using a masonry saw or any piece of machinery for the first time can be intimidating. Even after you have made a few cuts with this type of equipment, it is normal to feel a bit anxious. One of the best ways to gain confidence with heavy duty power tools is to be familiar with the basic safety procedures that should be followed when using them. That’s why, in this post, we would like to share the top 3 masonry saw safety tips for relatively inexperienced users to relieve some of the nervousness that comes with trying new types of machinery.
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Basic masonry saw safety for new users (and pros, too!)
1.Protective equipment for masonry saw operators
Personal protective equipment is one of the most basic masonry saw safety tips, and one that anyone with experience in construction or heavy machinery will recognize. The simplest element of personal protective equipment is wearing appropriate clothing, shoes, etc. In other words, nothing loose or baggy that can get caught in moving pieces, sturdy shoes to protect your feet, long hair tied back, and so on.
Eye protection in the form of safety glasses or a face shield is also a must to keep you safe from any chips of stone or brick that turn into projectiles. Hearing protection is also advisable when working with loud machinery for extended periods of time.
Finally, respiratory protection is mandatory if you are using a masonry saw for dry cutting, without water flowing over the blade and stone to reduce dust. The dust produced when cutting masonry is extremely dangerous for lung health, so if you are not wet cutting, you need to take special safety measures to protect yourself and bystanders from it.
2.Masonry saw safety check before use
As with all machinery and tools, it is good practice to perform a brief safety check on your masonry saw before each use. This check should include inspecting any power cords for damage, making sure the water pump is working and the tank is filled, and looking for any signs of wear or damage on belts and other parts of the saw motor.
It is also very important to check that the diamond blade you are using on the masonry saw is suitable for the type of material you are cutting, that it is the proper size for your machine, and that it is correctly mounted. If the blade makes any strange vibrations when the saw is powered on, stop it immediately and determine the source of the problem.
3.Safety tips while using your masonry saw
The keys to using a masonry saw safely are to go nice and easy, prevent the blade from overheating, ensuring separation of water and electrical elements, and of course, staying away from the blade when it is in motion.
Avoiding placing too much pressure on your stone as you guide it towards the blade can prevent a good number of accidents. This prevents the stone from chipping and creating dangerous projectiles, and also reduces the risk of the blade overheating. The other two tips are (hopefully) common sense; everyone should know that water and electricity don’t mix, and neither do fingers and rotating saw blades.
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