Built by a geologist
Rock Saw and Core Cutting Safety identification and geology
Rock saws and core saws can cause serious cuts, pinch injuries, and eye injuries from chips. Cutting also creates dust and slurry, and blades can bind if core is not supported. Noise and vibration are common, and water near power tools adds electrical risk. Use guards, clamps, and proper feed rates to prevent binding. Control dust with wet cutting and keep floors clean to prevent slips. This guidance is educational and is not a substitute for your employer's or site's safety training and rules. Do list: Inspect guards, blade condition, and water flow before cutting, Clamp core securely and keep hands away from the blade path, Use wet cutting and manage slurry to prevent slips, Use hearing and face protection for every cut, Keep cords and plugs away from water and wet floors. Dont list: Do not bypass guards or safety switches, Do not force the blade or cut unstable pieces by hand, Do not cut without ventilation or dust controls, Do not leave saws running unattended, Do not clean blades while the saw is energized. First aid: For cuts, control bleeding with direct pressure and seek medical care for deep wounds. For eye exposure, flush with clean water and get medical help. For electrical shock, shut off power if safe and call emergency services.. Regulations: Follow manufacturer instructions, lockout/tagout where required, and site machine guarding rules. Refer to OSHA/MSHA requirements where applicable and provincial OHS machine safety rules.. Hazard level: high. Ppe required: face shield with safety glasses, hearing protection, cut-resistant gloves as appropriate for the task, waterproof apron or coveralls, steel-toe boots. Common geological settings: Core shacks, sample prep rooms, mine geology offices with saws, and any drill program with routine core cutting and sampling.