Trainer outlines cutoff-saw safety rules for public-works and fire crews

Mike, a safety trainer with the Utah Local Governments Trust, outlined detailed safety procedures for cutoff ("demo") saws during an online Trust webinar, saying the tools "are the backbone of a lot of our public works, a lot of our fire, operations" and stressing that "big power plus big blades equals big risk." The presentation aimed to reduce serious injuries by teaching blade selection, pre-start inspection, correct start and cutting technique, and required personal protective equipment.

The webinar presenter said the Trust had two very serious demo-saw injuries within a few weeks in recent years and warned those incidents "could've had 2 fatalities" if outcomes had been a millimeter different. He framed the safety guidance as a four-step program: know the tool, know the hazards, know how to use it safely and know the required PPE.

On blades, Mike described two main types and their uses: diamond blades (for asphalt, concrete, stone, clay, brick and pipe) and abrasive blades (for ductile cast iron and…