G. We recommend you discuss the possibility of
A. OSHA AND THE METAL CUTTING BAND
color coding the various parts of your machine with
SAW MACHINE
your area inspector.
A1. As of this writing OSHA regulations do not
B. SAFETY DURING INSTALLATION
carry a single set of standards for metal band
sawing machinery such as those applying to
B1. Many metal cutting band sawing machines are
presses. Instead, metal band sawing machinery
top heavy and should always be handled as such.
falls under the general safety regulations. This
Use tag chains when moving a machine with fork
means that each inspector makes his own decisions
lift trucks or cranes.
as to whether or not a machine is safe and properly
B2. Do not lift the machine by the cutting head
guarded.
when moving with fork lift trucks or cranes. Lift
A2. In this manual we will present the safety points
the machine only by connecting to the base or bed.
we have found to be of importance to many in-
B3. When moving the machine, be careful to place
spectors.
slings and chains where they will not damage
hydraulic hose, tubing, fittings or electrical
equipment.
B4. After installation, make sure the machine has
been grounded with the grounding wire, and that
the energized conductors are properly attached to
the switch terminals (and not accidentally crossed
with the grounding wire). Check the voltage before
A3. The general regulations provide many rules for
using the machine to be sure of the proper con-
your guidance. Listed below are the most common
nection.
safety problems in the field. However, let us stress
that this is our interpretation, and that your area
B5. Install the machine to comply with any area
inspector is the proper person to contact for an-
code as well as the national electrical code.
swers to your questions. He may require safety
C. SAFETY DURING OPERATION
devices other than those suggested here, based on
more recent rulings or regulations.
C1. The operator should always keep his hands and
feet clear when operating a metal band sawing
A4. Many states also have codes similar to OSHA,
machine to prevent injury from moving parts or
but with different interpretations. Therefore, we
while loading or removing metal pieces.
will limit this discussion to the national
requirements. You should check with your own area
C2. Reports show that many accidents while
inspector for further regulations.
working around metal sawing machines are caused
by dropping work pieces on the toes, and in some
A5.
cases over half of the reported accidents were from
A. The machine should be installed in accordance
this cause.
with the national electrical code and any area codes
C3. Never place round barstock or cut pieces on a
that are more restrictive.
stock support table without some type of retaining
B. Be sure to ground the machine with the
device to keep them from rolling off the table.
grounding wire. This wire should be green.
C4. Use some type of supporting or catching device
C. Sawing machines should have all guards in place
for the cut off work pieces, whether long or short.
and maintained in good condition.
They can drop off unexpectedly and injure feet and
legs.
D. A guard should be used to cover the saw blade
from the cutting head to the blade guides.
C5. Never use pedestal type single roller stock
support devices (stock stands) with heavy loads.
E. Most metal sawing is below the 90 decibel noise
They are very unstable with large bars and tip over
level. However, when using high blade speeds,
easily. These devices are designed for light loads
check for excessive noise and consult your regional
that can be lifted manually and placed on the roller
OSHA Office for proper employee protection when
by one operator.
over 90 decibels.
C6. When cutting thin pieces from large blocks
F. Be sure to train employees who operate and
(such as die blocks) always remember these thin
maintain the machine in accordance with this
work pieces are likely to tip over when cut off. Take
manual and the other manuals supplied with the
steps to support them or they can cause injury.
machine.
2