Safety Recommendations for the use of Diamond Saws

NEVER

• Permit untrained people to handle, store, mount or use diamond saws

• Mount or remove a diamond saw until the machine has been isolated from its power source

• Mount a diamond saw that cannot be identified or one which does not bear the correct marking

• Mount a diamond saw on a machine running at a speed higher than the maximum operating speed of the diamond saw or mount on a machine which does not bear its spindle speed

• Use diamond saws for cutting metal unless specifically designed to do so

• Mount a diamond saw that has been dropped, damaged or incorrectly stored

• Apply force to fit the diamond saw on the mounting device, fit diamond saws with oversized bores or alter the bore size

• Use drive pins or blotters to prevent slippage on hand-held diamond saws

• Tighten flanges with excessive force or use a hammer or extension

• Use damaged, distorted or dirty flanges and fastening screws

• Use a machine which is not in good condition or one with a damaged guard

• Turn on the machine until the wheel guard has been re-fitted, secured and adjusted correctly

• Stand in the line of the diamond saw when starting the motor after fitting or re-fitting a diamond saw

• Start the diamond saw in contact with the workpiece or any other object

• Work from a ladder or in a position where you do not have full control of the machine

• Force the diamond saw to cut or allow it to overheat

• Try to cut curves, turn in the cut or grind with a diamond saw

• Allow the diamond saw to bounce or be trapped or pinched in the cut

• Press against the diamond saw surface to stop it or put down a machine until the diamond saw has stopped running

• Leave the coolant running on a stationary diamond saw or leave the diamond saw running on an unattended machine

• Re-tip diamond saws which are not suitable for this

• Use diamond saws for dry cutting on hand-held machines, unless specifically authorised.

ALWAYS

• Observe the safety recommendations of the machine and diamond saw manufacturer

• Exercise care when handling diamond saws

• Keep the working area well lit, clean and tidy. Avoid slippery and uneven floors and ice or snow

• Ensure other workers in the vicinity and passers-by are protected from sparks and debris

• Store diamond saws on a full, flat surface, hung on a peg or in suitably constructed racks. Lightly lubricate to prevent rusting

• Visually check the diamond saw for damage such as core cracks and missing or deformed segments

• Check that the diamond saw is suitable for the application and that the markings are intact and legible

• Use the correct tools at all times when mounting or removing a diamond saw

• Observe direction of run markings

• Ensure mounting flanges are in matched pairs, clean, free from burrs and undistorted

• Ensure an adequate coolant supply to both sides of the diamond saw if cutting wet

• Ensure that the work piece is secure and cannot move whilst being cut

• Ensure guards are in position and correctly adjusted so that they do not foul the diamond saw

• Rotate the diamond saw manually to ensure that it runs true and freely before turning on the power

• Wear suitable protective clothing

• Observe the operating speed recommended by the diamond saw or machine manufacturer

• Run the diamond saw for at least 30 seconds at maximum operating speed after mounting or re-mounting diamond saws

• Ensure the diamond saw is running true and without vibration. Check frequently for undercutting or loss of tension

• Allow the diamond saw to come to rest naturally after turning off the machine

• Ensure machine spindle speed is checked periodically using a tachometer

• Ensure that the diamond saw is removed before transporting or storing portable and mobile machines.