DIAMOND SAW FOR CUTTING OFF WITH A PETROL SAW
Terminology: Diamond saws may also be named as diamond cutting-off wheels or diamond blades.Diamond saws improperly used can be very dangerous: wheels run at up to 100 m/s on petrol saws and can eject parts at a speed of 360 km/h (225 mph) in case of breakage. FEPA has designed this page to provide the essential safety recommendations for use of diamond blade on petrol saws, with diameter 300mm to 400 mm.
Abrasive Products
These recommendations focus on diamond saws for petrol saws. It only covers straight cutting. It applies to flat diamond saws: segmented and continuous rim.Diamond saws are available as continuous rim, or segmented.
Safety recommendations for the use of diamond saws for petrol saws
FEPA General Safety Principles
What is a safe product? What should I look for?
■ FEPA recommends that only products conforming to EN 13236 and marked as such should be used.
■ Diamond saws not bearing EN 13236 may not conform the highest safety standards
■ All saws should be examined carefully for damage or defects before fitting on the machine.
How should I handle and store the wheels?
■ All abrasives diamond saws are fragile. They should be handled with care.
■ Store either on a flat rigid surface, or in specially designed racks.
How should I fit the wheel on the machine?
■ Follow carefully the instructions given in the machine handbook.
■ Never fit a wheel which is loose or too tight on the spindle.
■ Tighten only with the tool supplied with the machine.
■ Ensure the wheel is properly gripped to prevent slippage, but do not tighten with excessive force. Never use a hammer.
■ Keep flanges and screw threads clean and free of burrs and rust.
■ Replace distorted or damaged flanges before fitting the wheel.
■ Refer to the FEPA recommended mounting check list.
How should I protect myself?
■ FEPA recommends the use of following personal protective equipment (often written PPE) :
- Eye protection
- Ear protection (ear sets)
- Hand protection (gloves)
- Lung protection (dust mask, also called respirator)
■ Never remove the protective machine guard and make sure it is properly adjusted to deflect debris away from you.
■ Ensure that no other person is at risk, especially near the machine while working.
How should I handle the wheel after use?
■ Before storing the machine or transporting it to another location, always remove the saw and store it as recommended.
■ Always carefully examine the saw for damage or defects, and destroy and discard if damaged.
■ When disposing of worn out or defective saws, it is recommended to damage them to prevent someone from removing them from waste and re-using them.
How can I get proper training?
■ It is a legal requirement for all employees involved in the use of abrasives wheels to be properly trained and also re-trained on a regular basis. They should consult their employer if they have not received this training.
■ The wheel manufacturer or supplier can advise you on suitable accredited training providers.
■ As a private consumer, you should read carefully the safety information found in:
- The cutting off machine handbook
- The FEPA general safety principles leaflet (see above)
- The FEPA safety leaflet for the use of diamond saws with petrol saws: soon available
This website is intended to give information on safe use of abrasives in compliance with European standards, and not to give advice on product selection. You should read the information given on the product or its packaging to determine suitability. For any specific question, contact the retailor who supplied you the product.