Portable Band Saw Safety

• Cuts from exposed or moving band saw blades
• Pinch points between the blade, material, and saw frame
• Material shifting, dropping, or pinching the blade
• Flying chips, burrs, or metal fragments
• Blade breakage from damage, twisting, or incorrect use
• Cord, battery, or electrical hazards during cutting

Portable band saws are useful for cutting pipe, conduit, threaded rod, strut, tubing, and metal stock, but the moving blade can cause serious cuts if the material or tool is not controlled.

Workers should inspect the saw before use. Blade condition, guards, wheels, blade tension, trigger, handles, cord or battery, and housing should be checked.

The correct blade should be used for the material. Damaged, dull, loose, or incorrect blades can bind, break, or cut poorly.

Material should be supported before cutting. Pipe, rod, strut, or tubing can drop, roll, or pinch the blade when the cut finishes.

Hands and body parts should stay out of the blade path and away from pinch points near the workpiece.

Workers should let the saw do the cutting. Forcing or twisting the saw can damage the blade and increase the chance of kickback or blade failure.

Freshly cut metal may have sharp burrs and hot edges. Gloves and careful handling may be needed after cutting.

Safe portable band saw use depends on inspection, proper blade selection, workpiece support, hand placement, PPE, and removing power before blade changes or adjustments.

• Inspect the saw and blade before use.
• Use the correct blade for the material.
• Support material before cutting.
• Keep hands away from the blade path.
• Do not force or twist the saw.
• Remove power before blade changes or adjustments.
• Watch for sharp or hot cut edges.

• Is the portable band saw in safe condition?
• Is the blade correct and properly tensioned?
• Is the material supported against dropping or pinching?
• Where are hands during the cut?
• What PPE is needed for chips, burrs, and sharp edges?