A worker on a construction site was cutting concrete with a Stihl saw. During the cutting process the saw blade shattered causing fragments of the steel blade to travel at high speed across the site hitting another worker in the face, entering his eye. The IP is now in hospital after having surgery to his eye.

This incident is a timely reminder that all cutting equipment such as abrasive wheels, floor saws or table saws can be extremely dangerous if not properly cared for or used correctly.

When using this sort of cutting equipment it is vital that before use checks are carried out to ensure that there is no damage to cutting discs or abrasive wheels, they are the correct rating of disc for the equipment being used and that they conform to the British Standard BS EN 12413.

Each conforming disc will have the following information displayed, if it doesn’t it MUST NOT be used.

• The correct PPE should be used when carrying out any cutting or grinding. This will include a face shield or safety goggles which have an A rating which means that they can withstand high impact with a small object travelling up to 190 meters per second.


• The area that grinding or cutting takes place should be clear of other employees unless there is a suitable cordon or the other employees are also wearing suitable eye/face protection.


• It is also worth noting that any person carrying out work involving grass cutting or strimming should also be wearing eye or face protection to prevent stones or other objects from striking the face or eyes.