Further Safety Instructions For All Saws; Cut-Off Machine Safety Warnings - GMC GTS1500 Manual

Further safety instructions for all saws

Guard function
a) Check guard for proper closing before each use. Do not operate the saw if guard
does not move freely and enclose the blade instantly. Never clamp or tie the guard
so that the blade is exposed. If saw is accidentally dropped, guard may be bent. Check
to make sure that guard moves freely and does not touch the blade or any other part, in
all angles and depths of cut.
b) Check the operation and condition of the guard return spring. If the guard and the
spring are not operating properly, they must be serviced before use. Guard may
operate sluggishly due to damaged parts, gummy deposits, or a build-up of debris.
c) Assure that the base plate of the saw will not shift while performing the 'plunge cut'
when the blade bevel setting is not at 90°. Blade shifting sideways will cause binding
and likely kick back.
d) Always observe that the guard is covering the blade before placing saw down on
bench or floor. An unprotected, coasting blade will cause the saw to walk backwards,
cutting whatever is in its path. Be aware of the time it takes for the blade to stop after
switch is released.
Additional circular saw safety
WARNING: Before connecting a tool to a power source (mains switch power point
receptacle, outlet, etc) be sure that the voltage supply is the same as that specified on
the nameplate of the tool. A power source with a voltage greater than that specified for the
tool can result in serious injury to the user, as well as damage to the tool. If in doubt, do not
plug in the tool. Using a power source with a voltage less than the nameplate rating is harmful
to the motor.
a) Do not allow anyone under the age of 18 years to operate this saw
b) When operating the saw, use safety equipment including safety goggles or shield, ear
protection, dust mask and protective clothing including safety gloves
c) Hand-held power tools may produce vibration. Vibration can cause disease. Gloves may
help to maintain blood circulation in the fingers. Hand-held tools should not be used for
long periods without a break
d) Whenever possible, use a vacuum dust extraction system to control dust/waste
e) Do not attempt to cut material thicker than detailed in the Specifications section of this
manual
f) Adjust the cutting depth to the thickness of the workpiece i.e. less than a full tooth of the
blade should be visible below the workpiece
g) Ensure work is correctly supported. Large panels may sag under their own weight and
bind the saw blade. Supports must be placed under the panel on both sides, close to the
line of cut and near the edge of the panel
h) Ensure all supports and power cables are completely clear of the cutting path
i) Always secure the workpiece to a stable platform, ensuring body exposure is minimised,
and avoiding blade binding or loss of control
j) Always stand at an angle to the tool when operating
k) Be aware that the blade will project from the underside of the workpiece
l) Do not reach beneath the workpiece where the guard cannot protect you from the blade
m) Note the direction of rotation of the motor and the blade
n) Inspect the workpiece and remove all nails and other embedded objects prior to starting
work
o) Do not apply any sideways or twisting force to the blade whilst cutting
p) If a cut does not extend to the edge of the workpiece, or if the blade binds in the cut, allow
the blade to come to a complete stop and lift the saw out of the workpiece
q) Do not attempt to free a jammed blade before first disconnecting the machine from power
r) Do not move the saw backwards at any time whilst cutting
s) Beware of projected waste. In some situations, waste material may be projected at speed
from the cutting tool. It is the user's responsibility to ensure other people in the work area
are protected from the possibility of projected waste
t) If you are interrupted when operating the saw, complete the process and switch off before
diverting your attention
u) Check the lower guard for proper closure before each use. Do not operate the saw if the
lower guard does not move freely and close instantly. Never clamp or tie the lower guard
into the open position. If the saw is accidentally dropped, the lower guard may be bent.
Raise the lower guard with the retracting handle and make sure it moves freely and does
not touch the blade or any other part, in all angles and depths of cut
v) Always observe that the lower guard is covering the blade before resting the saw on a
surface after use. An unprotected, coasting blade will cause the saw to move backwards,
cutting whatever is in its path. Be aware of the time it takes for the blade to stop after the
trigger switch is released
w) Periodically check that all nuts, bolts and other fixings have not become loose, and
tighten where necessary
The tool must be used only for its prescribed purpose. Any uses other than those
mentioned in this manual will be considered a case of misuse. The user, and not the
manufacturer, shall be liable for any damage or injury resulting from such cases of misuse.
The manufacturer shall not be liable for any modifications made to the tool nor for any
damage resulting from such modifications. Even when the tool is used as prescribed it is not
possible to eliminate all residual risk factors.

Cut-off machine safety warnings

a) The guard provided with the tool must be securely attached to the power tool and
positioned for maximum safety, so the least amount of wheel is exposed towards
the operator. Position yourself and bystanders away from the plane of the rotating
wheel. The guard helps to protect operator from broken wheel fragments and accidental
contact with wheel.
b) Use only bonded reinforced or diamond cut-off wheels for your power tool. Just
because an accessory can be attached to your power tool, it does not assure safe
operation.
c) The rated speed of the accessory must be at least equal to the maximum speed
marked on the power tool. Accessories running faster than their rated speed can break
and fly apart.
d) Wheels must be used only for recommended applications. For example: do not
grind with the side of cut-off wheel. Abrasive cut-off wheels are intended for peripheral
grinding, side forces applied to these wheels may cause them to shatter.
e) Always use undamaged wheel flanges that are of correct diameter for your selected
wheel. Proper wheel flanges support the wheel thus reducing the possibility of wheel
breakage.
f) Do not use worn down reinforced wheels from larger power tools. Wheels intended for
a larger power tool are not suitable for the higher speed of a smaller tool and may burst.
g) The outside diameter and the thickness of your accessory must be within the
capacity rating of your power tool. Incorrectly sized accessories cannot be adequately
guarded or controlled.
h) The arbour size of wheels and flanges must properly fit the spindle of the power
tool. Wheels and flanges with arbour holes that do not match the mounting hardware of
the power tool will run out of balance, vibrate excessively and may cause loss of control.
i) Do not use damaged wheels. Before each use, inspect the wheels for chips
and cracks. If power tool or wheel is dropped, inspect for damage or install an
undamaged wheel. After inspecting and installing the wheel, position yourself and
bystanders away from the plane of the rotating wheel and run the power tool at maximum
no load speed for one minute. Damaged wheels will normally break apart during this
test time.
j) Wear personal protective equipment. Depending on application, use face shield,
safety goggles or safety glasses. As appropriate, wear dust mask, hearing
protectors, gloves and shop apron capable of stopping small abrasive or
workpiece fragments. The eye protection must be cap-able of stopping flying debris
generated by various operations. The dust mask or respirator must be capable of filtrating
particles generated by your operation. Prolonged exposure to high intensity noise may
cause hearing loss.
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