There are many dangers in cutting construction materials, both from badly used equipment and the materials themselves. By taking the proper and appropriate precautions, you can significantly reduce the risks before and during the cutting.
We suggest you take the following advice:
Precautions before use
Ensure the blade type and specification are suitable for the material to be cut.
Check the blade for cracking, separate sections, and steel center below the segment for undercutting uneven wear, or any other defect.
- Check that the rotation of the machine spindle matches the direction of the arrow printed on the blade.
- Make sure the size of the blade bore matches the size of the spindle.
- Wear appropriate protective clothing, including eye protection.
- Check that the machine is in safe working order – essential safety guards.
- Ensure you have adequate protective footwear – safety footwear at the very least and complete metatarsal protection if possible.
Safety precautions during use
Do not use excessive force when cutting. This can damage the blade.
If there is too much heat, the product to be cut is tough. A blunt blade can be sharpened again by running it into soft abrasive materials such as bricks or blocks. If this problem recurs, stop using the blade and consult your supplier.
- Make sure the material being cut is secure.
- Check the blade frequently for signs of damage (see above).
- Ensure there is plenty of water on both sides of the blade when cutting wet.
Some precautions for cutting specific materials
Concrete is found in almost every building space. Although cutting diamond blades can work best, there are other issues to solve. Concrete dust can be harmful to the lungs and eyes. Wet cutting can solve the problem, and dust is safely removed in cold water.
When using any power tool with cold water, you need to be careful that it is adequately protected from the ground, insulation, and ground fault – especially if you are standing in a pool of water.
Whatever you are cutting, if it is on-site, you should consider what is in or behind the material, such as plumbing or plumbing. A blade that will happily cut concrete will do the short work of drains, wiring, and pipes.
Like cutting concrete, cutting ceramics releases harmful dust (silicon dioxide) into the air, which can cause lung problems, so you should wear gloves, goggles, and the right kind of mask when cutting ceramic material in addition to your regular hard hat. In many cases, ear guards may also be consulted.
Take care, and you will be safe and produce the best quality, accurate cut quickly.
Dave Simons is the technical manager of Hilber Diamond Tools, whose spectrum brand offers a wide range of cutting tools for everything from concrete excavation to tile cutting.
