REQUIREMENTS FOR THE SAFE OPERATION OF BAND SAWS

A) SAFETY GLASSES MUST BE WORN AT ALL TIMES WHEN IN THE AREA OF THE BAND SAWS!

Failure to comply may result in revocation of shop privileges.

B) Know how to stop the saws under all conditions before you attempt to start the machines.

C) WARNING!! Loose clothing, long hair, personal stereo wires and jewelry may become entangled in rotating equipment leading to serious injury or death! Make certain that such articles are removed or securely fastened to avoid entanglement.

D) WARNING!! Saw blades can be extremely sharp. Saw blades are also made out of steel that is very spring like in nature. If you are not careful when handling the blades, they may spring out and you may get cut severely! Report all injuries immediately!

E) Use extreme caution when removing chips! Always use a brush to clean the saws. Do not use compressed air to blow the chips off of the machine or your clothes. Never clean the saw while the blade is moving.

F) Since the vertical band saws do not have power feed, you will have to feed stock into the blade by pushing with your hands. ALWAYS KEEP IN MIND THAT IF YOUR HANDS SLIP, YOU MAY GET CUT! Keep your hands out of a direct line with the blade! If possible, push the material with a block of wood, and keep your hands behind the block.

G) Never attempt to measure parts while they are still on the saw, always remove them to a safe location.

H) Before changing saw blades, make certain that the power to the drive motor is shut down. If you are not sure of the procedure for changing blades, ask you supervisor for detailed instructions. Remember, saw blades are selected based on the thickness of the material being cut. If you don’t know how select the proper blade, ASK!

I) The spindle must be completely stopped before attempting to change drive belt position on the motor and spindle pulleys. The belt should always be level and not cross from one pulley level to another.

J) WARNING!! Make certain that the workpiece is properly supported before beginning to cut. As the cut is completed, part of the workpiece may have to sag to prevent pinching the saw blade. Under these conditions, the part may fall the floor. Watch that hands, feet, power cords, or other items will not be struck by the falling part. If you are not sure that your setup is safe, have your shop supervisor check it out before you begin cutting.

K) Make certain the vise on the horizontal band saw is tightened securely on the workpiece before beginning to cut.

L) Before powering the saw up, make certain all loose tools have been removed from the machine and put in the proper location. M) When sawing thin pieces of metal or small parts, saw into a wood block before beginning to cut your workpiece. The close fit of the wood block around the saw blade will prevent the small parts from getting pulled into the saw.

N) DO NOT attempt to cut round stock while holding the material in your hand! The saw will grab on the material and spin it causing a loss of control. You may get injured severely! Always hold round stock clamped in a V block.

O) Always set the saw guide to the minimum clearance over the top of the workpiece.

P) MAKE CERTAIN THAT THE SAW BLADE HAS COME TO A COMPLETE STOP BEFORE ADJUSTING THE SAW GUIDES!

Q) Never cut materials harder than brass or aluminum on the vertical band saw.

R) Apply coolants (rarely needed on our saws) to the blade in a safe manner. The use of spray bottles is highly recommended.

S) Watch for oil or grease spilled on the floor. This is an extreme slip hazard and needs to be reported immediately!

T) If the workpiece begins to vibrate, makes excessive noise, or the saw blade gets jammed, stop cutting immediately.

If you do not know how to operate a machine or do not fully understand the instructions you have been given, ask a supervisor until you are certain about what is required. IF YOU DON’T KNOW, ASK!

In signing this statement, I acknowledge that I have carefully read and fully understand the serious nature of working with machine tools. I also realize that other, undefined hazards will always exist in the machine shop environment therefore, MY OWN SAFETY IS ULTIMATELY MY OWN RESPONSIBILITY.

Signature: ________________________________________

Date: _______________________

Student I.D. #: __________________________

Print Name: _______________________________________