Hong Kong Regulations

FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (WOODWORKING MACHINERY) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 10

Fencing of circular saw

(1) The part of a circular saw below the bench table shall be protected by
fencing it with 2 plates of metal or other suitable material, one on each side
of the saw and such plates shall not be more than 150 millimetres apart and
shall extend from the axis of the saw outwards to a distance of not less than
50 millimetres beyond the teeth of the saw.

(2) If metal plates are used for the purpose mentioned in paragraph

(1), the plate shall-

   (a)  if not beaded, be of a thickness not less than 2 millimetres;

   (b)  if beaded, be of a thickness not less than I millimetre.

(3) Behind and in direct line with the circular saw there shall be a riving
knife, which shall-

   (a)  have a smooth surface;

   (b)  be strong, rigid and easily adjustable;

   (c)  be so positioned that the edge of the knife nearer the saw shall form
        an arc of a circle having a radius not exceeding the radius of the
        largest saw used on the bench;

   (d)  be maintained as close as practicable to the saw, having regard to the
        nature of work being done at the time, and, at the level of the bench
        table, be so positioned that the distance between the front edge of
        the knife and the teeth of the saw does not exceed 15 millimetres;

   (e)  for a circular saw of a diameter of less than 600 millimetres, extend
        upwards from the bench table to within 25 millimetres of the top of
        the saw;

   (f)  for a circular saw of a diameter of 600 millimetres or more, extend
        upwards from the bench table to a height of not less than 250
        millimetres.

(4) The top of a circular saw shall be covered by a strong and easily
adjustable guard, with a flange at the side of the saw furthest from the
fence; and such guard shall-

   (a)  be kept so adjusted that the flange shall extend below the roots of
        the teeth of the saw;

   (b)  extend from the top of the riving knife to a point as low as
        practicable at the cutting edge of the saw. (L.N. 238 of 1984)