* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
*                                                                   *
*                         INFORMATION ALERT                         *
*                                                                   *
*  Produced by:  Ontario Ministry of Labour                         *
*  Provided by:  Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety *
*                                                                   *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


INFO ALERT:  36

DATE:  April 23, 1993


*** HAZARD SUMMARY: CRITICAL INJURY - RADIAL ARM SAWS ***  

A worker operating a radial arm saw lost his thumb and fingers on his
left hand when he pulled the saw across with his right hand while his
left hand was in the blade path.

Injuries from radial arm saws are generally serious, involving contact
with the exposed saw blade.  Their operation often calls for
adjustments of the articulated arm and head; which can create
additional hazards for the operator if the corresponding modifications
to the guarding system are not made.


*** LOCATION(S) AND SECTOR(S): ***

All sectors:  notably woodworking shops and retail lumber outlets.


*** SUGGESTED PRECAUTIONS: ***

Radial arm saw injuries can be prevented by ensuring that the saw
blade is properly guarded and by providing instruction to the worker
in safe operating procedures.

It is essential that these saws be equipped with:

     .    upper and lower blade guards

     .    an anti-kickback device

     .    a guarding system which will ensure that the travel of the
          blade does not present a hazard to the worker.

For a checklist of guarding and other safe operation guidelines see
the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, Safety
Infogram E04, p.3 (part of the Woodworking Machines Infogram series (a
set of ten)).


*** APPLICABLE SECTION(S) OF THE OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFEY ACT AND
THE INDUSTRIAL REGULATIONS: ***

Section 14(2)a of the Occupational Health and Safety Act states:

     "an employer shall provide information, instruction, and
     supervision to protect the health and safety of the worker."

Section 28 of the Regulations for Industrial Establishment 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 Occupational 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 injury to workers. 
          Reproduction and use of these alerts is encouraged.


Disponible en fran¨ais