stone cutting service
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A Complete Guide on Using Circular Saws

Circular power saws are a basic tool used by builders, carpenters and home renovators. Here is a complete guideline and instructions for using power circular saws

Understanding Different Types, Sizes and Purposes: A variety of circular saws are used for many different purposes like the 5 inch trim saws, hand-held circular saws or the 7 1/4 inch saws, 8 and 10 inch saws and worm-drive saws. Among them, the hand-held circular saws are known as the backbone of the construction industry. They are used for cutting lumber up to a thickness of 2 ¼ inch. They are also used for ripping lumber and a variety of other purposes. Hand-held circular saws are available with a number of optional blades for cutting concrete, both ferrous and non ferrous metals, pipe, tubes and even cold-rolled steel bars. The 8 and 10 inch saws are used for cutting larger lumber lengths. Those can be up to 4 inches thick. All the different types of circular saws are specifically designed for different purposes. You must find one that is designed for any specific job you will be doing with them.

IMG_09012014_142827The Features: Before you start using any of the above mentioned types of circular saws, you must familiarize yourself with its important features. Most circular saws can be adjusted within a range of 90 degrees to a little less than 45 degrees. This makes angle cuts and cutting beveled ends possible. You will find a thumbscrew in most circular saw models that will allow you to maintain the correct angle of the saw blade while using. The depth of the blade can also be adjusted with the thumbscrew. A number of circular saw models also come equipped with ripping fence, dust ejector, laser tracking lights and blade guards to make them more efficient and also safe at the same time.

Basic Types of Circular Saws and Their Usage: Different types of circular saws come with different blade compositions, different number of teeth or cutting bits and also different blade quality. Compared to HSS saws or high speed steel saws, TCT saws with tungsten carbide tipped blades are more durable and are specially used for tough hardwoods. Carborundum made abrasive blades, diamond rim blades, special tempered alloy blades and Dado blades are also there for cutting different types of concretes and metals and before you opt for a circular saw you must find the one that best fits your requirement.

Quick Tips:

  • While using a circular saw always make sure that the material you are cutting is well supported. This ensures the saw blade does not come in contact with anything underneath while cutting.
  • Use a measuring tape and a square to mark the path of blade travel while cutting.
  • For minimizing kickback always set the saw to a proper depth.
  • Your saw guard must spring back to its place as soon as it is lifted off the work and must also slide up smoothly when you restart work again. Always make sure to put the saw guard in the down position before putting it down on something.
  • At the time of beginning your cut, keep your eyes on the right hand side of the blade and line it up with the mark you have put for cutting.
  • At the front of the saw, there are two guide notches for cutting perpendicularly or at an angle of 45 degrees. The notches are required to line up with the pencil marks for cutting.
  • While cutting always keep an eye on the guides. This offers a neutral position for keeping your eyes on the pencil line and to look away from the sawdust at the same time.
  • Always make sure the base of the saw is kept flat on the surface you are cutting.
  • While cutting with a circular saw always push the saw deep enough into the material to allow the blades to continue cutting. But you must not push it so hard it reduces the motor speed.
  • At the time of exiting the cut, always make sure that the lower guard has returned to its right position.
Concrete Removal Service
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Methods of Concrete Removal/Demolition

There are several conditions that call for concrete removal and replacement. Often, fixing it with a decorative topping or patching the concrete before resurfacing is considered a short-term fix. However, it will soon display the characteristics of damaged concrete that you tried to repair. Under such conditions, concrete demolition and replacement is mostly recommended to ensure that repair work is done from scratch and sturdy enough to last for long.

So, under what circumstances is concrete removal recommended? Typically, it is where there are widespread and deep cracks or the concrete slabs have sunk that you require prompt concrete removal and replacement.

At the same time, concrete slabs that have too much pitting and spalling on the surface or which shows the signs of frost heave are the ones where replacing the concrete can prove to be more economical and reliable than merely resurfacing the entire concrete.

Different Methods of Concrete Removal

Several methods are used in concrete demolition, which is the first and most important step in replacing the concrete in case of excessive damage and building it all over again.

1. Pneumatic and Hydraulic Breakers

Such type of boom mounted or handheld machine tools are frequently used for concrete removal, which involves pavements, bridge decks, and foundations. The level of work achieved by this method typically depends on the strength of the concrete, hammer size of the breakers, working conditions, and amount of steel reinforcing used in the concrete.

Machine-mounted pneumatic and hydraulic breakers can deliver from 100 to 20, 000 foot pounds at just 300 to 800 blows per minute. To ensure that the maximum amount of work is accomplished in a convenient and hassle-free manner, the breakers may also use remote control operation, telescoping boom for maneuverability and reach, and underwater concrete demolition capabilities.

2. Pressure Bursting

Where dust-free, controlled and relatively quiet concrete removal is desired, pressure bursting – mechanical and chemical – is the ultimate choice. Under mechanical pressure bursting technique, the concrete is spilt using a high-power and efficient splitting machine that operates on hydraulic pressure, powered by a motor. In case of chemical pressure bursting, expansive slurry is inserted into a particular pattern of boreholes.

The demolished concrete is then removed easily by hand or crane. Such methods ensure breaking up concrete structures with minimum dust and noise. Under both the methods, holes aredrilled into the structure and lateral force is applied against the same to split the concrete.

3. Dismantling

In this process, concrete elements are cut into smaller pieces using a saw, thermic lance or water-jetting technique, and then the broken pieces are removed by crane. Such a method ensures minimum impact on surrounding structures, emitting lesser dust and noise.

This is a fantastic technique for demolishing a certain portion of the structure, say slabs or walls.

Water-jetting can be used in cutting both contours and straight line and requires usingthe water catching system and abrasive during the cutting process. On the other hand, thermic lance works especially well on steel reinforcing and eliminates dust and vibration.

4. Ball and Crane Method

This is one of the most commonly used techniques in demolishing a building. Here, a ball, weighing up to 13,500 pounds and a crane is used in demolishing masonry and concrete structures. The ball is either swung or dropped onto the structure that needs to be demolished.

However, the process is not suitable for all types of applications and may create a lot of noise, dust and vibration. Only experienced and highly skilled crane operators should perform the concrete demolition method.

5. Explosives

When large volumes of concrete have to be removed, explosives are inserted into a series of pre-determined boreholes, which blast and cause the structure to break into smaller pieces. The method is indeed flexible and versatile pertaining to work output.

However, air blast and vibration may cause damage to the surrounding structure and it is important to take highest standards of safety measures during the process.

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How To Prepare A Wire Saw For Concrete Cutting

Wire saws, which are usually complimented with a high-performance hydraulic unit, are exceptionally powerful and easy to use, which can handle bulk jobs efficiently. Simultaneously, it comes in a compact and portable design, which is easier to transport from one place to another. Top-notch wire saws can be used for a wide spectrum of applications, both on the ground and mounted on walls. Here is a quick guide on how to prepare a wire saw for operation:

Preparing The Saw:

  1. Determine your cutting needs comprehensively before you assemble the wire saw. This is important to ensure that the saw can be operated with ease.
  2. The key feature of many top-quality wire saws is that they can be assembled for making either vertical or horizontal cuts. If you are looking to make vertical cuts, assemble the saw in standing position. When the cut is to be made on the floor or at floor height, it can be assembled horizontally. Often, it might be necessary to drill holes to allow the wire to go through the material that is to be cut.
  3. In front of the planned cut position, place the saw appropriately. Make small adjustments in the position and then secure it by screwing the anchor bolt down. When you have anchored the saw onto the floor, the adjuster feet needs to be screwed down so that it stands firmly. If the wire saw is not properly secured, it can overturn when the material, which supports the adjuster feet pair, is cut through.

Fit Idler Wheels

wire_sawingWire saws often come with idler wheels, which can be fitted to the machine to assist the precision cutting process. Use of these wheels reduces the number of sharp corners that the wire needs to be pulled around, thus, resulting in less wear and tear on the wire. It also makes the cutting process easier. The wheels also enable the operator to guide the wire in different directions without the need of actually moving the saw unit. Once you have finished the cut, the idler wheels can be used in capturing the wire. Make sure that you position the saw appropriately so that you can stand and operate on the cutter, without the risk of being hit by a broken wire.

Connect the Power Pack

Once you have assembled the saw appropriately, connect it to the hydraulic unit. Here are some tips on how to connect the power pack to the saw:

  1. First, connect the incoming power cable.
  2. Next, connect the incoming water hose of the wire saw to the water coupling located at the bottom of the motor front on the hydraulic unit.
  3. Using the cable provided, connect the remote control and tighten the cable connector screws appropriately.
  4. If the machine comes with a radio, connect the radio antenna instead of the cable, by inserting it into the same socket as that of the cable.
  5. Check if the emergency stop power on the hydraulic unit and the remote control have been triggered or not; simply by moving them in the direction of the arrow.
  6. Confirm what the display shows by pressing the membrane key ‘OK’.
  7. As provided in the instructions, set the pressure reduction block on the power pack
  8. Next, set the hydraulic hoses and water on the power pack and lock the couplings by turning the sleeve so that the slot moves away from the ball
  9. Now connect the hydraulic hoses on the wire saw in the same manner as on the power pack
  10. Connect the water hose to the water coupling located on the saw unit
  11. Confirm that the hoses are connected appropriately

Thread the Wire

Next, thread the wire by following the instructions as provided by the wire saw and hydraulic unit.

Place Cooling Water

Attach the water spears to the outlets provided in the wire saw. The thread wire takes the water into the cut, facilitating concrete dust binding and ensuring that the wire is cooled more efficiently.

air powered rock drilling
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Quick Guide On Rock Drilling

There are unique sizes, shapes and colours that rock comes in; however, it is one of the hardest substances to drill into. Delightfully, rocks can be used for a number of purposes, especially in artistry and passionate craftsmanship, and construction. For beginners, trying their hand at masonry for the first time, soft rocks are easier to drill. On the other hand, professionals prefer hard rock for craftsmanship, and many types of construction, which are typically difficult to drill. However, if you have the right tools, drilling through rocks can be far easier. Here is a quick guide on rock drilling.

Things You Need

  • Sharp-tipped marking pencil
  • Diamond- or carbide-tipped masonry bit
  • Hammer drill
  • Sharp file to sand down rough edges

Instructions:

rock_drilling1. Select the type of rock that fits your need. Simultaneously, keep in mind the level of difficulty that you will face in drilling a hole through the rock.

2. Next, determine where you want to drill the hole in the rock. Using a sharp-tipped marking pencil, mark the places in the rock to guide you while drilling through it.

3. Select the type of drill and drill bit. If you are working on a softer rock such as sandstone or limestone, which is less than 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, it may be fitting to use a masonry drill. For harder rocks, such as granite, you may need a diamond-tip drill bit. If the size of the rock is suitable, you can use a drill press; otherwise, it would be better to select a stronger drill and use it with plenty of water for cooling.

4. Get your cordless hammer drill ready for action by using a freshly charged battery. If you are using an electric handheld hammer drill, make sure that it has an extension cord that reaches the location of the rock.

5. Now, begin to drill through the rock. If the rock is too small, it is important to submerge it in a small container of water to have a better view of the drilling process. For larger rocks, you will need water to be poured continuously over the drilling area as you drill through. Water is needed to cool the drill bit during the drilling process, since rock drilling generates a lot of heat due to friction in the drilling process.

6. Now, position the tip of the drill bit precisely on the mark that you have made on the rock. Slowly lower the tip of the drill bit, making sure it is straight and aligned. Next, press it down on the surface of the rock and keep it vertical and steady.

7. Apply less pressure at first as you start drilling through the rock. As you apply increased downward pressure, you will drill at a faster rate by letting the tip of the drill bit penetrate smoothly into the surface of the rock. Increase the rotational speed of the drill, and apply pressure further. Make sure that you keep the drill bit perfectly straight and aligned until the desired depth of hole is achieved.

8. Keep adding water to cool the bit as you drill through the rock. Remove any particles that may be created during the process. Once the hole is created, use a sharp file to sand down the rough edges, if any.

Warning

Make sure that you wear safety eyeglasses while drilling rock.This is because if the rock or a drill bit breaks during the process, sharp pieces can go flying, creating hazards.

Secure the rock firmly in position while drilling, keeping your fingers away from the drill bit.

Tips:

If the rock is too small, it can be difficult to hold it in position steadily. Hence, it is a good idea to use clamps to hold it in place while drilling.

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New Projects Updates And Company News

Wet weather makes it tough for September but MegaSaw still manages to look after clients and get the work done. Rain hail or shine, MegaSaw look after their clients’ needs.

Critical Confined Space Project

MegaSaw concurs another Confined Space project for one of its good clients. Our specially trained Confined Space operators had to cut and stitch drill a section of concrete wall and floor in a sewer pump station on the peninsula. All precautions had to be taken using a tripod and safety harnesses as well as poisonous gas detectors to monitor the air quality.

Warning to All Contractors

A MegaSaw Warning on Dirty Diesel Fuel…..A bad batch of diesel fuel has caused havoc with 1 MegaSaw van after fouling fuel lines and blocking injectors. The problem was diagnosed quickly and fixed straight away. Lucky MegaSaw has spare vehicles and machinery so their is no inconvenience to their clients.

Footy Tipping Competition

Footy Tipping…..Unfortunately for the Fellas, Steph the office girl won the footy tipping by 7 picks. Disgraceful guys.

Diamond Tools Conference

For the 5th year MegaSaw gets invited to the Husqvarna Diamond Tools Conference. Only top performers in our industry get an invite to this event and MegaSaw up there again.

Core Drilling Job

MegaSaw core drills holes into a big granite rock feature at The Narcropolous in Springvale. A good client is landscaping a new area for people to be put to rest in. I hope we didn’t disturb anyone?

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Five Essential Tips For Core Drilling

Core drilling is the process by which core is extracted from specified places of the concrete slab or wall for doing strength tests.

It is recommended to hire professional concrete drilling or sawing company for core drilling or concrete cutting tasks. Hence, if you wish to give a try on your own, here are some tips to help you to become the best choices available and ensure the success of your core-drilling project.

Choose the Right Drill Machine

There are different kinds of drill machines available for use on concrete. You may choose to either rent them or purchase them for good. Core handheld drills allow the creation of holes, which are up to a diameter of 3 inches. However, for successful spring testing of concrete you need to drill a hole, which is at least 3.7 inches in diameter. For this reason, you will need to use rig-mounted or drill stand units. For those who are considering the purchase of such units it is necessary to go for multifunction purposes. This way you can ensure the best value for the money spent. You can use them for dowel-hole drilling or electric/plumbing holes.

Find Suitable Stand Attachment

Based on where you need to drill holes specific stands are required. For example, for doing it on slabs having flat surfaces just use vacuum stands that use suction power to keep it attached to the floor. In such cases, you do not need to drill anchor holes. For core drilling in the walls, securing the stand on it is necessary. Presence of safety chains with stands prevent accidental slipping.

Consider Your Power Options

For powering the core drill one can go for one of the three available options. This includes electric, hydraulic, and air-powered sources. The work environment along with the availability of power on the jobsite determines the type of source ideal for your requirements. Units available in the market allow appropriate speed choices related to concrete hardness and hole-size.

Consider the Drill Depth

Regular core drilling requirements can be dealt with successfully using simple 1-foot long bits. For drilling requirements higher than this, utilisation of barrel bits will do quite well. The barrel bits are bit extensions allowing deeper core drilling compared to the size of existing cutting bits. You can move to increased depths based on requirements, using such drilling extensions. Consider the type of extension you may require for getting the best results in specific scenarios.

Choosing a Diamond Bit

For choosing the appropriate core diamond bit, users need to consider the aggregate hardness and psi of the concrete surface to be used for drilling purposes. In to get the best effects the core diamond bit needs to be in complete proportion to the drilling material or surface. The basic rule of thumb is that construction workers should use a soft diamond bond for core drilling on hard surfaces or materials. Similarly, they should use a hard diamond bond for core drilling on soft surfaces or materials. There is no single solution available that affects all and one needs to consider their choices based on the current situation and drilling require for ensuring project success.

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Advantages Of Diamond Concrete Cutting

In the field of concrete cutting there is an array of different technologies and developments for years, but for some time using diamond studded blade for concrete cutting purpose has become a widely accepted advanced dimension in respect of better maneuverability and work process. Presently almost all advanced concrete cutting machines uses diamond cutting blades instead of traditional cutting blades thanks to a wide range of advantages. While diamond concrete cutting is smarter and less labor intensive and time consuming, traditional cutting mechanisms require huge amount of labor, requires more time and involvement and consequently more costly as well.

Precision and faultlessness is another aspect that gives diamond cutting an edge over the traditional method of cutting. While traditional cutting technology causes vibration in the greater structure making various areas vulnerable to develop cracks in the subsequent procedure, diamond cutting is absolutely vibration free and causes no damage to the greater structure. Moreover in contrast to traditional cutting diamond cutting procedure causes least amount of operational hazards and offers far better and more precise accessibility to areas that were hitherto unreachable through the traditional cutting mechanism.

Smarter and faster

Diamond Concrete Cutting is electric fast and convenient with multiple features in comparison to traditional cutting methods. In diamond cutting features are well set for different concrete surfaces and cutting requirements while in traditional cutting it is dependent on real time observation and maneuvers. Diamond cutting cuts any metal while in traditional cutting special metal cutting is required. Most important of all in diamond cutting only a few technicians or operators are required in contrast to traditional cutting which is more labor intensive and requires guided maneuvers at every step of the operation.

Precision And Work Excellence

After all if you consider the excellence of the cutting work and precision then diamond cutting is far advanced than traditional one. Being automatic and incorporating multiple features for different surfaces and requirements diamond cutting provides great precise cuts and concrete extraction while tradition cutting often results in uncontrolled cuts and openings when performing the task. Consequently in diamond cutting limited patchwork is required in contrast to traditional cutting methods.

Difference In Causing Disruption

Often the cutting process with a diamond cutting machine cannot be known by the people living in the block beside thanks to its almost noiseless operation. Moreover, diamond cutting causes much less destruction in the building as it is absolutely precise. On the contrary traditional cutting procedures creates great noise, causes huge rubbles, breakages and air pollution with dust. This tremendous disruption caused by the traditional cutting methods made diamond cutting method so popular with the environmental point of view.

Damage To Overall Architecture

Any traditional method of concrete cutting causes the structure experience the tremendous vibration in several parts and even can contribute to the permanent damage to the inner beams and structures. On the complete contrast diamond concrete cutting with its widely acclaimed precise cutting does not cause any vibration and so the chances of the architecture to experience damage are much less.

Accessing Various Parts And Areas

Diamond cutting is made to fit various types of surfaces and nooks and corners as per the cutting task while traditional cutting is often just gross and cannot be carried with sharp precision to shape cutting work to the desired effect. Traditional cutting can only access the gross areas while diamond cutting can reach most inaccessible parts of the structure to perform the cutting task as per requirement.

Observing all these benefits of diamond blades over traditional, MegaSaw utilises diamond blades and machines to avail all these advantages for any kind of concrete cutting, drilling and sawing work.

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Safety Measures Using Hand Held Concrete Saw

Today, lots of choices are available in saws. It comes with cordless electric motors, gas engines, or saws powered by pneumatics or hydraulics. All these equipments, by their nature, are highly hazardous tools if used recklessly. Safety, hence, is the most important aspect you need to consider before actually working with a saw.

Safety Issues

The foremost thumb rule is not to assume that anyone operating this equipment is well versed with the safely issues procedures. Each saw comes with a complete list of general safety rules that is compulsory to be followed, spanning from ensuring that electrical tools are unplugged prior to changing blades to just facilitating the tool it is meant for not something else.

Equipment Type

Hand-held cutting saws are meant to be used only where the larger self-supporting saws are not compatible.

Work Area

Hand-held saws is ideal to be used when the operator’s hands are lifted at waist height while holding the equipment when cutting horizontally and between the collar bone to the height of knee when vertical cutting is in progress. Operation beyond these guidelines may create hazards of injury to the operator.

Basic Safety Tips

Safety TipsIf the operator is using a non-trigger tool there must be a holder to grab the equipment properly. A proper grip for both left and right handed operators is imperative. Lighter the saw, better it is, as it will reduce risk of strain injury. Aptly balanced equipment must be packed with anti-vibration hand-grips to offer the best comfort to the operator and great support.

Improperly balanced equipment may require the operator’s to place his hands in risky positions close to the blade or it may vibrate unusually while using thus risking harm to the operator’s nerves, joints and circulation. Right diamond cutting should be put to use for the material being cut to void apply more force by the operator to perform the task.

Safety with Right Primary Checking

To cut concrete horizontally, the saw should move right to left and left to right without lifting or changing the blade or guard. It should have an automatic cutoff switch. If you are going to cut pipe make sure that they are having ample support and are properly chocked. Let the workers working in the close vicinity of the site have the information that drilling or cutting is about to commence. Put the ‘Noise Warning’ and ‘Danger Diamond Drilling’ indications in conspicuous places. Instruct the people helping the operator to stay away from any hazard of rapid saw movements or expulsion of fine pieces.

Fuelling must be done after switching off and keeping of the work space.The cutting area should be cleaned and have even surface. Executing concrete cutting & sawing indoors, ensure that the operator is using compressed or hydraulically-driven saw and also ensure that proper ventilation system is available.

Manually no cutting should be performed above shoulder height. Something placed at greater height should be performed using scaffold. Check for the hoses and right level of oil. Check the conditions of ground to ensure safety of operator. Put all electrical cables safely to the ground level. Make sure the engine is properly warmed up and the blade has started running at the right speed prior to commencing the cutting process.

Facilitate the handles instead of the belt guard to support the device. Cutting and drilling task must not be performed near combustible material, wet slurry, fumes, and electrically-powered device. Immediately stop the equipment if an unauthorized person enters the work area or in case you find fault with the machine or blade.

Safety While Operation

When the task is going to start using the saw, first mark the cut line using a waterproof crayon or permanent marker. Stand firmly placing one foot apart from other and one in front of the other, the balance of the body and the back should be close to vertical angle.

In case of cutting a pipe, keep the saw forward as the cutting should take place in the lower quadrant of the blade. Cut the top of the pipe by rotating the pipe between the cut. After using the saw for some time and changing to a second blade, ensure to align the blade in sync with the earlier cut before starting the cutting process. Operation should be done at optimum blade revolutions and a swishing sound can be heard from the blade when cutting properly. Ensure to release the triggers when the blade gets stuck up or jams due to any reason.

Maintenance Tips

The overall functioning condition of the equipment must be checked by the operator before actually commencing the cutting to make sure that the cutting device, leads, blade, guards, and hydraulic hoses are in best condition. The device must be checked and maintained thoroughly by the right technician. Just ensure that defective equipments may put the operator along with the people working in the close vicinity in danger.

Above stated are some of the safety measures that are requisite for operating hand held concrete saw. Following these safety measures will help the operator and the other people working in the same environment to maintain a good working environment and avoid any hazard to the lives of these people.

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Risk And Hazards Associated With Concrete Cutting

People who regularly work with concrete and masonry drilling and cutting equipment are at high risk of wide range of hazards, like silica dust, saw kick back, toxic exhaust fumes, collapsing walls, blade fracture, electrocution, noise pollution, vibration, slips, falls etc.

These devices are vulnerable to the violent pressures unleashed when the blade of saw jams inside a cut compare to fixed saws. These forces are usually considered as kick-back, pull in or push back and are quite tough and often impossible to control leaving the operator at risk of potentially lethal injury from such an uncontrollable circular saw.

Supervision, instruction, and training are imperative in all concrete and masonry cutting and drilling operations.

Risks and Hazards

Some hazards are quite common and widely witnessed in all types of concrete cutting and drilling, albeit there are some hazards specific to particular types of devices, like:

Push-Back, Kick-back, or Pull-in – These are potentially fatal forces, experienced suddenly and often become difficult to manage. Such conditions can lead to injury when quick cut concrete saws and hand-held are facilitated. It may also wrench the saw from its fittings leaving the saw running on the ground freely.

Obstructions in the Concrete Being Cut – Such obstacle can lead to sudden back-push, back-kick or pull-in movements of the device. They occur when the blade comes in contact with some resistance within the masonry or concrete like from reinforcing steel mesh, bars, or brick ties.

Pinched Cuts – These cuts are witnessed when the material, being cut moves from its place, leading to increased the risk of kick-back etc.

Off-line Cuts – Such situation can make the saw to pinch or bite that may lead to push-back, kick-back, and pull-in movements. These occasions are mostly experienced working with hand-held saws.

Blunt Cutting Edges – This situation is witnessed by relying on a saw blade having a wrong diamond cutting bond. In this situation the bond holds the cutting diamonds together too hard and it leads to delay in cutting process that may lead to the surface diamonds getting blunt.

In this situation, some additional force is applied particularly with hand-held saws, thus catapulting the probability of push-back, kick-back, or pull-in.

Worn, Damaged Saw Blades, or Inappropriate Blade – These can make the blade to vibrate, wobble, shatter, or fragment and often fly off. Blades get disintegrated when force is applied if the blade is dull and when any obstacle is met, which may lead to incorrect cutting groove.

Hazardous Dusts – Such dusts are generated by cutting and drilling equipments that perform dry operations and does not apply water for cooling purpose of the cutting parts to bed the dust.

Cutting Concrete Pipes – For this activity, some special safety procedures should be taken to prohibit the pipe from moving while cutting, specifically when a handheld saw is used. A hazard during pipe cutting can be counted to be the pressure from the increased flange at the pipe-end resulting in closing and pinching the saw blade, resulting in blade shatter or kick-back injury.

Toxic Fumes – In the lack of proper ventilation, petrol motor emissions packed with carbon monoxide and other harmful gases can generate to hazardous levels.

Electric Cables, Water or Gas Pipes – Exposing utility services, particularly in existing structures, can expose the operator to the risk of electrocution, slipping, and open to toxic gases or often explosion too.

Power Cords – When linked with electric-powered cutting devices and other equipments, these may often be damaged. Reservoir of water coolant and suspension could lead to electrocution because of an exposed wire.

Uneven Surfaces – Such situation can enhance the risk of tripping and stumbling of the operator, leading to an unusual movement of the saw resulting in kick-back.

Wet, Slippery Surface – This condition of having slurry or water on floors can make the operator slip and fall.

Vibration – Whole body or arm vibration, if borne for a long time by using drilling and cutting device, may result in nerve, joint and circulatory damage.

Working Alone – Working without any assistance may be a risky bet as this activity would require assistance in case of any urgency or injury.

Noise – High decibel of noise emerged from concrete cutting or drilling is a potential workplace hazard.

It is suggested that an appropriately experienced and qualified engineer should conduct an on-site assessment prior to performing any cutting or drilling of a pre-tensioned or post-tensioned structure of a building or structure.

The evaluation report should be documented and presented before the person contracted to perform the task.

Identify Hazards and Control Risks

Identifying the hazard and assessing the risk for every type of concrete cutting and drilling tasks is required to develop and implement control measures for every piece of equipment and every job.

Control measures should include safe working tactics, should be conceptualized in consultation with everyone at the workplace, including workers, employers, managers, supervisors, in charge of workplaces, contract people, and health and safety representatives.

When working with such hazardous equipments, it is essential to follow certain laid down safety measures. Some of the most successful safety rules include – control measures must be daily reviewed and analyzed by communication and consultation, safety and health committee meet ups, regular check of equipment and work safety measures, keeping track of accident and near-miss records, injury and lost time data; and repair and maintenance reports.

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