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17. AVOID ACCIDENTAL STARTING. Be sure your tool is turned off before plugging it in. Do not use the tool if
the power switch does not turn it on and off. Observe correct lockout/tagout procedures when performing
maintenance on the tool.
18. DO NOT FORCE THE TOOL. Your tool will perform best at the rate for which it was designed. Excessive
force only causes operator fatigue, increased wear, increased risk of binding or sudden breakage, and
reduced control.
19. KEEP HANDS AWAY FROM ALL CUTTING EDGES AND MOVING PARTS.
20. DO NOT ABUSE THE CORD. Never unplug the cord by yanking it from the outlet. Pull the plug rather than
the cord to reduce the risk of damage. Keep the cord away from heat, oil, sharp objects, cutting edges, and
moving parts.
21. DO NOT OVERREACH. MAINTAIN CONTROL. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. Maintain a
firm grip.
22. STAY ALERT. Watch what you are doing, and use common sense. Do not use a tool when you are tired,
distracted, or under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or any medication causing decreased control.
23. UNPLUG THE TOOL when it is not in use, before changing items such as blades, and before performing
recommended maintenance. Observe appropriate lockout/tagout procedures.
24. MAINTAIN TOOLS CAREFULLY. Keep handles dry, clean, and free from oil and grease. Keep cutting
edges sharp and clean. Follow instructions for lubricating and changing accessories. Periodically inspect
tool cords and extension cords for damage. Have damaged parts repaired or replaced.
25. MAINTAIN LABELS AND NAMEPLATES. These carry important information. If unreadable or missing,
contact Safety Speed Cut for a free replacement.
26. AVOID KICKBACK. Kickback is a violent reaction to a pinched or binding saw blade. It throws the saw
upward when crosscutting and throws the workpiece out when ripping. Firm control, proper support of the
workpiece, and concentration on the job are essential to reduce the risk of injury from kickback:
a. KEEP SAW BLADE CLEAN AND SHARP. A dull or improperly sharpened blade produces a narrow
kerf and is likely to be pinched by the workpiece. Any blade with a small set, even though sharp, may be
likely to kick back. A dull blade encourages you to force the saw, causing reduced control and blade
binding. The excessive friction generated can cause the blade to warp or bind. Use only blades that are
recommended for use with your tool. Do not use blades with mounting holes that are not the correct
size or shape. Never use defective or incorrect blade washers or bolts. Be sure the blade bolt is tight.
Select the proper blade for the application. Blade speed specifications must be at least as high as the
nameplate RPM.
b. DO NOT FORCE THE TOOL. Let the saw do the work. A saw is more easily controlled and will do a
better job when used in the manner for which it was designed.
c. SECURE WORK PROPERLY. If a piece is supported on both sides of the cut in such a way that it allows
the material to bow and pinch the blade, it may produce kickback. Do not cut pieces smaller than the
saw carriage. Support large panels properly.
d. IF THE BLADE BINDS, the saw or workpiece may kick back. Keep hands, body, and bystanders out of
the path of the blade and material.
e. STAY ALERT. Watch what you are doing and use common sense. Do not allow yourself to be
distracted. Do not operate the tool when you are tired or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Hold
the tool and material firmly and exercise control at all times. Position yourself and co-workers out of the
kickback path. Repetitive cuts that lull you into careless movements can also cause kickback. A brief
“stretch” may be all that is necessary to avoid a problem.
f. RESTARTING IN MID-CUT. If the saw is stopped in mid-cut, allow the blade to stop. Then back up the
saw (if crosscutting) or the board (if ripcutting)before restarting.
g. IF THE BLADE STALLS, DO NOT TURN THE SWITCH ON AND OFF. A dull blade or excess pressure
may cause stalling. Release the switch immediately if the blade binds or the saw stalls, and remove the
saw from the cut.
h. AVOID CUTTING NAILS OR OTHER FASTENERS. Inspect for and remove all metal fasteners before
cutting.
i. SUPPORT THIN MATERIAL. Large sheets such as paneling, Formica, etc., tend to warp or sag and
must be well supported over their entire length to avoid pinching the blade.
