Now, I know what you might be thinking: “Gary, why are you talking about safety? We want to hear about hustle and grinding and making it happen!” And listen, I get it. I’m all about the hustle. But the reality is that if you don’t take safety seriously, you’re not going to be able to hustle for very long. A serious accident in the workplace can not only harm you physically, but it can also harm your business, your reputation, and your ability to keep grinding.
So let’s talk about the double end overhead saw. This is a powerful tool that can help you get the job done quickly and efficiently. But it’s also a tool that can be extremely dangerous if not used properly. The saw has two blades that rotate in opposite directions, and if you’re not careful, it’s easy to get your fingers or other body parts caught in the blades.
So what can you do to stay safe when working with a double end overhead saw? Here are some recommendations:
- Always wear appropriate protective equipment.
This might seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised at how many people skip this step. When working with a double end overhead saw, you should always wear eye protection, ear protection, and gloves. If you’re using the saw for an extended period of time, you may also want to consider wearing a dust mask or respirator.
- Keep the saw clean and well-maintained.
Make sure to keep the saw clean and free of debris. Check the blades regularly to ensure they are sharp and in good condition. If you notice any damage or wear and tear, replace the blades immediately. Don’t wait until it’s too late.
- Use the saw in a well-lit area.
You want to be able to see what you’re doing when you’re using the saw. Make sure you’re working in a well-lit area so you can see the blades and the workpiece clearly.
- Don’t wear loose clothing or jewellery.
Anything that can get caught in the blades is a hazard. Make sure you’re not wearing loose clothing or jewellery that could get caught in the saw.
- Never reach over or around the saw blades.
This is a big one. It’s easy to get complacent when you’re using a tool you’re familiar with, but you should never reach over or around the saw blades. If you need to adjust something or reach for a tool, turn off the saw and wait for the blades to stop rotating.
- Use a push stick or jig.
When you’re cutting small pieces of wood, it’s easy to get your fingers too close to the blades. A push stick or jig can help keep your hands away from the blades while still allowing you to make precise cuts.
- Never force the saw.
If the saw isn’t cutting through the wood easily, don’t force it. This can cause the blades to bind or kickback, which can be extremely dangerous. Instead, stop the saw and adjust the blade or the workpiece.
- Always turn off the saw when you’re not using it.
This might seem obvious, but you’d be surprised at how many people leave the saw running when they’re not using it. Always turn off the saw and unplug it when you’re done using it.
- Keep a first-aid kit nearby.
Accidents happen, even when you’re being careful. Make sure you have a first-aid kit nearby so you can treat any injuries quickly.