SOP 511.24: Occupational Safety and Health-Operating Power Saws

Division:: Facilities
Effective Date:: April 1, 2002
Reference Code:: IVN10-0006
Topic Area:: 511 Policy-Fire Services
PowerDMS:: View on PowerDMS
Length:: 1,102 words

Summary

This policy establishes guidelines for the safe and proper operation of power saws by Georgia Department of Corrections Certified Firefighters in state and county fire departments. It covers safe operating procedures, safety precautions, and maintenance requirements to prevent accidents, injuries, deaths, and equipment damage. Station Chiefs are responsible for training firefighters on proper use, and drivers must conduct daily inspections and ensure equipment is properly maintained.

Key Topics

power saws
safe operation
firefighter safety
equipment maintenance
blade safety
personal protective equipment
occupational safety
emergency incident operations
cutting procedures
fueling requirements
equipment inspection
hazard prevention

Full Text

|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|`Functional Area:`|`Reference Number:`|`Revises`
`Previous`
`Effective Date:`|
|`SUPPORT SERVICES/FIRE`
`SERVICES`|`IVN10-0006`|`IVN10-0006`|
|`Subject:`||`NEW`|
|`OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY &`
`HEALTH/OPERATING POWER`
`SAWS`|`OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY &`
`HEALTH/OPERATING POWER`
`SAWS`|`OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY &`
`HEALTH/OPERATING POWER`
`SAWS`|
|`Authority:`
`WETHERINGTON/HODGE`|`Effective Date:`
`4/01/02`|`Page``1 ``of`
`5`|

I. POLICY:

   This standard establishes guidelines for the safe and proper operation of
   power saws. It was promulgated to:

    A. Prevent accidents, injuries, or deaths that might result from the
      improper use or unsafe operation of a power saw.

    B. Prevent damage to a power saw that might result from unsafe operation or
      improper use.

 II. APPLICABILITY:

   All Department of Corrections Certified Firefighters in State and County
   Fire Departments.

III. RELATED DIRECTIVES:

   NFPA 1500

 IV. DEFINITIONS:

   NONE

 V. ATTACHMENTS:

   NONE

 VI. PROCEDURE:

    A. (General)

      1. Firefighters who respond to fire and emergency medical incidents
        shall be responsible for knowing how to properly and safely operate
        the power saws used by the Department.

      2. Station Chiefs shall train the Firefighters under their command in
        the safe and proper use of the power saws assigned to their
        apparatus.

3. A Station Chief shall immediately stop any unsafe or improper use of
  a power saw and shall take the appropriate action necessary to
  correct the situation.

4. Drivers shall inspect each power saw carried on their apparatus at
  the beginning of their tour of duty and after each use to ensure
  that they are clean, functioning properly, and safe to operate. Any
  power saw discovered to be unsafe or malfunctioning shall be removed
  from service and properly red-tagged.

5. Drivers shall also be responsible for ensuring that saws are
  properly fueled and that spare fuel containers are full of the
  correct gas/oil mixture and in the proper place on the apparatus.

B. OPERATING PROCEDURES

   1. Always carry a power saw with the engine stopped or the electrical
     power disconnected. The blade should be carried to the front with
     the muffler away from your body.

   2. Always keep both hands on the control handles, using a firm grip
    with your thumbs and your fingers encircling the handles.

  3. Make sure of your footing prior to operating a saw.

  4. Always turn off a saw when it is unattended.

  5. Have a plan of action before placing a saw into operation. The plan
    should include:

     a. The location and sequence of the cuts and openings.

     b. Wind direction-consider its effects on exposure an personnel.

     c. Escape routes-at least two means of egress.

  6. Always place the safety guard in the proper position for the use
    intended before operating the saw.

  7. Remember that power saw operations are safest when cutting on a
    horizontal surface near the ground level or on a vertical surface at
    or below waist level.

8. Operating a power saw above chest height is extremely hazardous and
  should not be attempted as a normal course of action. This type of
  operation should be conducted only under the direct order and
  supervision of a Station Chief. The Station Chief ordering this
  operation shall first consider the value to be gained vs. the
  extreme hazard to personnel.

9. The use of a power saw from a ladder shall only be done if no other
  alternatives are available.

10. Do not operate a power saw close to a highly combustible or
   flammable material due to the possibility of ignition from sparks.

  11. Do not operate saws in flammable or explosive atmospheres.

     12. When operating a power saw, avoid placing side pressure or
     twisting the blade. Never force the saw. If too much pressure is
     applied to the blade, the hazard of blade breakage (carbide tipped)
     or shattering (aluminum oxide or silicon carbide discs) is
     increased. A blade that breaks or shatters during cutting
     operations may cause serious injury to the operator or bystanders.

  13. The saw cut should only be as deep as necessary. Deep cuts may
     weaken supporting beams and lead to collapse. The experienced
     operator will know when he has reached a beam by the sound and feel
     of the saw.

  14. If conditions permit, scrape gravel and debris from the cutting path
     to reduce the danger of injury from flying chips and loose
     materials.

C. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

   1. A Firefighter who operates a power saw at an emergency incident or
     during a training session shall wear full protective clothing,
     including both ear and eye protection.

   2. A Firefighter who operates a power saw for the purpose of inspection
    or maintenance shall wear ear protection and safety shoes or boots.

  3. When operating a power saw, all clothing shall be close fitting and
    completely buttoned to prevent an accident due to moving belts,
    gears, chains, blades, etc.

4. Do not operate a gasoline-powered saw with a fuel leak. Remove the
  saw from service.

  5. Do not restart a saw in a small enclosed space after refueling.

D. FUELING AND MAINTENANCE

  1. Power saws shall be kept clean and in good serviceable condition.

  2. The cutting wheel, chain, or blade shall be examined at the
    beginning of each tour of duty and after each use for nicks or
    defects. These items should also be checked for tightness and shall
    be kept clean and properly lubricated. Defective items shall be
    replaced.

  3. Ensure that abrasive saw blades do not become contaminated with
    petroleum-based products. Such contamination may dissolve the resin
    that is used to bond the blade, thus causing the blade to shatter
    when used. New blades should be stored in plastic bags to ensure
    cleanliness.

  4. When fueling a power saw:

     a. Always turn the engine off.

     b. Make sure to use the proper fuel mixture. Many saws require a
       specific fuel and oil mixture.

     c. Wipe off the saw to remove any spilled fuel before starting it.

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