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Table Saw Safety Tips

Table saws are designed to make straight cuts. The blade is in a fixed position and the material is fed through. Safe operating practices and proper training reduce the risk of injury. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration provides safety tips for table circular saws. Tips include using machine safety guards, wearing protective gear, ensuring electrical cords and switches are in good condition and avoiding material kickback.

  1. Use Machine Guards

    • Properly used machine guards prevent injuries to the saw operator and damage to the saw. Machine guards include kickback prevention fingers, a spreader, a casing around the underside of the blade, a saw dust guard and an emergency cut-off switch. Kickback prevention fingers hold the material down while sawing. Spreaders are used behind the blade to prevent material from squeezing against it. The casing around the underside of the blade protects the operator if he has to reach under the table. A saw dust guard prevents saw dust from flying directly into the operator's face. An emergency power cut-off switch allows the operator to instantly stop the blade if needed.

    Wear Protective Equipment

    • Eye and ear protection are required when operating a table saw. Safety glasses, goggles or face shields are required in be in compliance with American National Standards Institute guidelines. Ear plugs or muffs are required when the noise level exceeds 85 decibels.

    Check Electrical Cords

    • Electrical cords should be checked for fraying or exposed wires. Damaged wiring should be repaired by a qualified electrician before operating the table saw.

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