Protecting Your Health with Walk-Behind Saws

Prioritize Your Safety

When you operate walk-behind saws for cutting materials like bricks, concrete blocks, pavers, and tiles, it's crucial to be aware of potential risks. Using these saws can generate respirable crystalline silica dust, which poses a severe threat to your lung health. Let's explore the exposure controls that can safeguard your well-being and future compensation payments in case of workplace accidents or injuries.

Step 1: Implementing Engineering Controls

To minimize the risks associated with using walk-behind saws, it's vital to follow these engineering controls outlined in the Managing respirable crystalline silica in construction and manufacturing of construction elements code of practice 2022:

Wet Cutting Outdoors

When you're working outdoors, employing wet cutting with a continuous water feed on the blade integrated into the machine is a highly effective method to reduce exposure to silica dust. Here's what you need to do:

Ensure the saw has an integrated water delivery system that directs a continuous stream of water onto the blade, wetting the material being cut to reduce dust generation.
Check that water flows at rates recommended by the manufacturer to minimize the release of visible dust.
Maintain the saw as per the manufacturer's instructions to minimize dust emissions.
Keep hoses securely connected and free of cracks or damage.
Adjust nozzles to direct water effectively onto the blade and cutting area.
Regularly inspect the saw blade to ensure it's in good condition without excessive wear.
Promptly clean up any slurry produced during wet cutting before it dries and releases silica dust into the air.

Indoors or Enclosed Spaces

When working indoors or in enclosed areas, the use of wet cutting with a continuous water feed on the blade integrated into the machine remains an effective method to reduce silica dust exposure. However, in enclosed spaces, it may not always maintain low exposure levels, requiring the use of respiratory protective equipment (RPE). Here's what you need to do:

Follow the same wet cutting procedures as outlined for outdoor use.
Be prepared to use P1 or P2 filtered RPE with a minimum protection factor (MPF) of 10 when working indoors or in enclosed areas.
Ensure that your RPE fits snugly and effectively by conducting fit-testing according to the specific make and model.

Step 2: Selecting the Right Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE)

The type of RPE required depends on various factors:

The type of engineering controls in use.
The duration of your work during the shift.
Whether you are working indoors or outdoors.

Remember that RPE is not necessary when conducting wet cutting outdoors, but it becomes crucial when working indoors or in enclosed spaces.

Fit-Testing

For tight-fitting RPE, you must undergo fit-testing according to the specific make and model. Detailed information on fit-testing and other RPE requirements can be found in section 7.6 of the Code.

Understand Your Rights

In case of workplace accidents or injuries, it's essential to be informed about your rights regarding potential compensation payments and support for your recovery. You may be eligible for compensation that covers various aspects, including lost wages, medical expenses, and more.

Seeking Additional Guidance

Your health is your most valuable asset. For more comprehensive information and resources regarding work-related respiratory conditions, exposure controls, and compensation, refer to:

Stay informed, prioritize your health, and ensure your well-being at the workplace. Your safety is paramount.