What is the most effective way of isolating the cutting area or safeguarding people in the vicinity from risks arising from the work?
– Barricades and signs may be needed to warn people who may be at risk from the cutting operation. Selecting the equipment Do not use hand-held concrete cutting saws unless the larger self-supporting types are impractical for the work. Do not use petrol driven equipment in badly ventilated areas. Where there is a choice of appropriate types of machines, use the one which creates less noise. Make sure operators are supplied with, and use, appropriate hearing protection. Where it is necessary to use a hand held machine, select one which: • is as light weight as is practical for the type of work, so as to reduce manual handling risks • is well balanced and has hand grips that are comfortable to use (poorly balanced machines may require operators to place their hands in dangerous positions near the cutting blades to support the machine) • has the least vibration when in use, so as to reduce the risk of damage to the operator’s blood circulation • has the best type of guarding around the bl
