6 Safety Tips to Follow When Using a Tile Saw

When laying tile, you may want to use a tile saw. It's an invaluable tool that will allow you to quickly and easily cut tile. Also known as a ceramic tile cutter, it features a rotary blade. Pressing a piece of tile against this rotary blade will result in a clean cut. If you're going to use a tile saw, however, you should follow these six safety tips.

#1) Ensure Proper Ventilation

You should use a tile saw in a well-ventilated environment. All tile saws create dust. Inhaling this ceramic or porcelain dust is a safety hazard. Keeping your workspace well ventilated will promote cleaner air by keeping levels of dust in check.

#2) Wear PPE

There are certain forms of personal protective equipment (PPE) that you'll need to wear when using a tile saw. They include safety glasses or goggles, a dust mask, gloves and hearing protection. PPE is essential to protecting against injury. Regardless of the type of tile saw you use, it will protect you from bodily injury.

#3) Read the Manual

Always read the manual before using a tile saw for the first time. The manual should contain instructions on how to set up and use the tile saw. It will likely feature safety precautions and best practices as well.

#4) Keep Away From Water

Another safety tip to follow when using a tile saw is to keep it away from water. Water and power tools don't mix. Most tile saws are corded, meaning they connect to a wall outlet or extension cord (which then connects to a wall outlet). Therefore, exposure to water may result in damage to your tile saw or bodily injury in the form of electric shock.

#5) Maintain a Strong Grip on the Handle

You should maintain a strong grip on the handle when using a tile saw. Most tile saws have a handle. As you feed the tile into the blade with one hand, you should hold the tile saw by the handle with your other hand. Maintaining a strong grip will stabilize the tile saw so that you are less likely to injure yourself.

#6) Inspect the Blade Guard

Before powering up the tile saw, take a minute to inspect the blade guard. Like many other cutting tools, tile saws typically have a blade guard. It consists of a piece of hard material that separates your hand from the blade. If the blade guard is damaged or missing, don't use the tile saw.