Policy & Procedure
Meat Band Saw Use
Meat Band Saw Safety
At Risk Meat Band Saw Use
Safe Bands Saw Use
Safe Blade Clearance
• Band saws are a very useful tool when cutting meats. However, they are extremely dangerous. They can cut your hands or fingers just as easily as the meat you are butchering. • Contact with the blade is the most common cause of injury. Extreme caution is necessary because the operator's hands may come close to the saw blade, and a band saw cannot be completely guarded. • In the example above, the cook is cutting poultry. • Notice how far the blade is above the highest portion of the poultry being cut. This is too much clearance and is unsafe.
When using a band saw to butcher meat, consider the following: • DO NOT use a band saw unless trained and authorized to do so. • The first order of business when using a band saw is to KEEP YOUR EYES ON TASK . DO NOT allow yourself to be distracted when cutting. If distracted, STOP CUTTING and move your hands away from the blade. • Set the guard as close as possible to the thickness of the meat as possible • Maintain sharp blades. A sharp band saw blade requires less pressure to cut. A dull blade requires more pressure to cut, which can result in loss of control and a cut. • Make sure all top and bottom blade guards are in place before operating the band saw. • Use a push stick to control the meat for thinner cuts to keep your hands away from the blade. • When cleaning the band saw or changing blades, unplug the machine and wear cut resistant gloves. • If the band saw is not working properly, unplug it and report to your supervisor or maintenance before using.
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