Portable Circular Saw Safety 101

A portable circular saw (abbreviated PCS) is a high-powered cutting tool that's used by construction workers on a regular basis. Featuring a razor-sharp blade powered by an electric motor, it allows workers to cut wood and other suitable materials with minimal effort. Like all power tools, however, there's an inherit risk of injury when certain safety precautions are not taken.

The good news is that PCS-related injuries are somewhat rare, with a lower-than-average rate of injury when compared to chainsaws and other cutting tools. But when an injury does occur, it's often serious or even life-threatening. Workers should familiarize themselves with the following safety tips to reduce their risk of injury when operating a portable circular saw.

Don't Wear Loose-Fitted Clothes

Why shouldn't PCS operators wear loose-fitted clothes? It may seem harmless enough, but wearing a long shirt, jacket or other apparel may result in fabric getting caught in the PCS blade, which in turn can pull your hand or arm into the spinning blade. When operating a PCS, workers should wear fitted clothing that doesn't dangle or hang off their body. Jewelry should also be removed before operating a PCS, as it can have a similar effect as loose-fitted clothing.

Personal Protective Equipment For PCS

Wearing the right personal protective equipment (PPE) will also reduce your risk of injury when operating a PCS. One of the most common types of PCS-related injuries involve the eyes. The Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that nearly 2,000 work-related eye injuries occur each day which merit professional medical attention, some of which are the result if improper PCS use.

Wearing a pair of shatter-proof, high-grade safety goggles will protect you eyes from shooting debris created by a PCS. Of course, ear plugs or noise-cancelling headphones should also be worn to prevent hearing loss, as certain portable circular saw models are incredibly loud.

Beware of Kickback

As the name suggests, kickback occurs when the tool's blade becomes  stuck inside the wood or material that's being cut; thus, resulting in tension buildup before it kicks back towards the operator. Try to get into the habit of checking your PCS blade before use to ensure it's sharp. A dull blade is one of the most common causes of PCS kickback.