Circular saws, portable

Safety guards must never be removed when a tool is being used. For example, portable circular saws must be equipped with guards. An upper guard must cover the entire blade of the saw. A retractable lower guard must cover the teeth of the saw, except when it makes contact with the work material. The lower guard must automatically return to the covering position when the tool is withdrawn from the work. 

A self-adjusting guard Is one which adjusts itself to accommodate, for example, the passage of material. A good example Is the spring-loaded guard fitted to many portable circular saws (see Figure 12.13). 

On a fairly long-term contract, joiners are working with medium density fibreboard using hand-held circular saws and portable electric planers in a temporary site unit. 

Are portable circular saws equipped with guards above and below the base shoe ... 

All portable, power-driven circular saws having a blade diameter greater than 2 inches shall be equipped with guards above and below the saw base plate or shoe. The upper guard shall cover the saw to the depth of the teeth, except for the minimum arc required to permit the base to be tilted for bevel cuts. The lower guard shall cover the saw to the depth of the teeth, except for the minimum arc required to allow proper retraction and contact with the work. When the tool is withdrawn from the work, the lower guard shall automatically and instantly return to the covering position. 

Are portable circular saws equipped with guards above and below the base shoe Are circular saw guards checked to assure they are not wedged np, thns leaving the lower portion of the blade unguarded ... 

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