Eastern Power Equipment
285 Route 9 PO Box 97 Barrington, NH 03825
Phone 603/664-7776 | Toll Free 866/664-7776 | Fax 603/664-7420 | email chuck@easternpowerequipment.com
Choose safety over speed for concrete and rebar cutting
Always remember that safety is paramount when it comes to operating concrete and rebar saws. Be sure you don’t err on the side of speed and sacrifice safety. Talk with your A.R.A.-affiliated rental professional to be sure you and your crew are up to date on safety and technology trends.
Safety trends
Hand-held vs. walk-behind saws
One trend to avoid is cutting concrete with a high-speed hand-held saw in a cradle, rather than using a walk-behind concrete saw. While there is a time and place for using hand-held, cradled saws, don’t be motivated for the wrong reason.
Be aware:
- Cradles become unsafe when they get older
- Cradles and high-speed hand saws do not have proper safety features for cutting concrete
- Cradles and high-speed hand saws were never designed for concrete cutting
- Walk-behind saws may be more expensive to rent, but safely deliver accurate cuts.
The blade debate
Another trend to avoid – using carbide-tipped blades for concrete cutting. This is a very dangerous practice.
OSHA stipulates that “toothed” blades cannot be used without a 360-degree guard. People have been killed using a carbide-tipped blade for the wrong applications, including concrete cutting.
Though diamond blades are a more expensive rental option, these operate well for a wider range of materials – resulting in superior results and a safer experience.
Technology trends
Diamond blades
While these blades are more expensive than traditional abrasive wheels, they produce superior results, and operate well in a wider range of materials.
Air filtration
There is a major technological change in concrete-saw air-filtration standards. EPA emission standards call for more cleaner-running products. This means concrete saw manufacturers are challenged to reduce the amount of dust that slows the filter down.
Today’s newer rental saws do just that. These excellent air filtration systems keep the saws in excellent shape much longer than older saws.
Dry-cutting concrete saws with onboard water capability are becoming very popular. The water tanks allow the dust to be misted away.
Safety accessories
When it comes to cutting concrete and rebar, make safety your number one priority. Most A.R.A.-affiliated rental centers that rent concrete cutters also sell safety equipment. Count on a one-stop shopping experience for your rental needs, as well as for safety necessities such as eye and ear protection.