Table Saw Safety

• Blade contact causing cuts or amputations
• Kickback from binding, poor feed control, or fence misalignment
• Hands too close to the blade during cutting
• Flying chips, splinters, or sawdust
• Workpieces shifting, twisting, or lifting during the cut
• Dust exposure and poor housekeeping around the saw

Table saws can make accurate cuts, but they are high-risk tools because the blade is exposed and kickback can happen quickly.

Workers should inspect the saw before use. Blade, guard, riving knife or splitter, anti-kickback devices, fence, miter gauge, power switch, cord, and table surface should be checked.

Guards and safety devices should be used according to the saw design and task. Removing them without proper reason increases the chance of injury.

Hands should stay away from the blade path. Push sticks, push blocks, featherboards, or other aids should be used when needed to keep hands at a safe distance.

The workpiece should be flat, stable, and supported. Warped, twisted, short, round, or poorly supported material can bind and kick back.

Workers should stand out of the direct kickback line when possible and should not reach over or behind the blade while it is moving.

Dust collection, eye protection, and good housekeeping help reduce visibility, respiratory, slip, and fire hazards.

Safe table saw use depends on inspection, guarding, correct setup, push tools, stable material, body positioning, and stopping if the cut begins to bind or feel unsafe.

• Inspect the table saw before use.
• Use guards, riving knives, and safety devices when required.
• Keep hands out of the blade path.
• Use push sticks or push blocks when needed.
• Support long or awkward material.
• Stand out of the kickback path when possible.
• Keep the area clear of sawdust and scrap.

• Is the saw and blade in safe condition?
• Are guards and anti-kickback devices in place?
• Is the workpiece stable and supported?
• Are hands kept away from the blade path?
• Could this cut bind, pinch, or kick back?