Date: June 25, 1990 Info Alert # 2 INFORMATION ALERT HAZARD SUMMARY: CRITICAL INJURY - UNGUARDED CUT-OFF SAW A worker received serious injuries to his left hand when he reached across the path of a 15 inch saw blade and inadvertently stepped on the foot pedal that activated the hydraulically controlled radial arm that moves the saw blade across the wood. This worker had received no instruction in the operation of the saw. The worker operated the machine for about 10 hours before being injured. LOCATION(S) AND SECTOR(S) WHERE HAZARD MAY BE ENCOUNTERED Sawmills, lumber mills, pallet manufacturing, etc. where cut-off saws are used. APPLICABLE SECTION(S) OF INDUSTRIAL REGULATIONS This serious injury could have been prevented if the machinery were properly guarded as required by section 28 which states: "Where a machine or prime mover or transmission equipment has an exposed moving part that may endanger the safety of any worker, the machine or prime mover or transmission equipment shall be equipped with and guarded by a guard or other device that prevents access to the moving part." NOTE: "Information Alert" is produced by the Industrial Health and Safety Branch, Ministry of Labour for use by Ministry inspectors, health and safety associations and other interested groups or individuals in Ontario. The goal of this publication is to communicate hazard information as soon as it becomes available to prevent serious injury to workers. Reproduction and use of these alerts is encouraged.