Safe use of Chop Saws for flooring operations

Duration

3 guided learning hours

Purpose/scope

The purpose of this standard is to provide the delegate with the knowledge and skills to safely use Chop Saws in flooring operations.

Scope:

• the uses and characteristics of Chop Saws
• Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER)
• Health and Safety at Work Act
• mitigating hazards and risks
• pre-use checks
• electrical safety
• Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)
• settings and adjustments
• practical use of Chop Saws
• the principles of good practise

Occupational relevance

Training delivered against this standard would be relevant to the following occupational group:

• operative and craft

Delegate pre-requisites

There are no delegate pre-requisites as part of this standard, however a basic knowledge of flooring terminology and techniques would be beneficial.

Instruction/supervision

As a minimum, course trainers must be able to demonstrate that, in relation to this standard, they have:

• an award in education and training (or equivalent, as per requirements for approved training organisations)
• at least 2 years industrial experience relevant to the scope of the standard
• a verifiable CV

Delivery

All materials and equipment must be of a suitable quality and quantity for delegates to achieve learning outcomes and must comply with relevant legislation.

The learning environment, class size and delegate/trainer ratio must allow training to be delivered in a safe manner and enable delegates to achieve the learning outcomes.

The following delivery methods may be used in the delivery of this standard:

• face to face learning environment only (such as classroom/workshop etc.)

This standard is predominantly theoretical training.

This standard is considered to be set at a basic level.

Assessment

For the successful completion of training, the trainer must be satisfied that the delegate has achieved all learning outcomes.

Quality assurance

Assured

Quality assurance against this standard will require initial approval of the training organisation and their content mapped to the standard.

CITB will also conduct an approval intervention, either desk-based or centre visit, to ensure the training organisation can meet the requirements of the training standard.

Approved training organisations (ATOs) will be required to present information on records of training and assessment upon request to CITB for desk-based analysis. They will also be visited annually by the CITB quality assurance team.

Renewal

There are no mandatory renewal or recommended refresher requirements for this standard.

Classification

Lifetime

(Please note standards using this classification will only be grant aided once per delegate)

Approval date

October 2022

Review cycle 

On request or 5 years from approval date

Learning outcomes

Including additional guidance to support training delivery and final assessment

The delegate will be able to:

demonstrate a full understanding of the uses and characteristics of Chop Saws

Assessment criteria:

• explain the uses of the Chop Saw
• describe the materials that can be cut using a Chop Saw
• explain the risks associated with using a Chop Saw
• explain the hazards associated with using a Chop Saw

demonstrate a full understanding of the Provision and User of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER)

Assessment criteria:

• explain the purpose of PUWER
• explain how PUWER relates to use of Chop Saws
• describe how PUWER places responsibilities on businesses and organisations
• describe how PUWER sets the standard for inspection, testing and maintenance

demonstrate a full understanding of the Health and Safety at Work Act

Assessment criteria:

• explain the duty of employer to ensure the health and safety of their employees
• explain the duty of employer to ensure the health and safety of those not in their employment (third parties, other trades, sub-contractors)
• explain the duty of the employer to look after themselves and others that may be affected, by what the employee does or doesn’t do
• explain the duty of the employee to not interfere with equipment provided i.e. removal of guards

mitigate the hazards and risks associated with using a Chop Saw

Assessment criteria:

• explain the mitigation measures that should be taken for, but not limited to, the following hazards and risks:
  • electrical
  • vibration
  • noise
  • cuts/amputation
  • projectiles
  • entanglement

carry out pre use checks, and can explain the procedures for reporting any faults

Assessment criteria:

• plug is in good order, no cracks, is not taped up, no wiring visible between the main cable and the plug
• cable is in good condition, no cracks, not taped up, no exposed wiring
• PAT Test label visible, PAT Test within current limits
• check the blade is in good condition and is not warped, broken, missing cutting teeth etc.
• carry out a function check of the guard. Does it work easily? Is there a guard?
• is the workstation height suitable i.e. at waist height
• check the brake works with a short burst of the trigger
• able to explain what procedures should be followed should any faults be identified

carry out electrical safety checks, and can explain the procedures for reporting any faults

Assessment criteria:

• current PAT Test sticker/label on the tool
• damage (apart from light scuffing) to the cable, including fraying or cuts;
• damage to the plug or connector such as the casing is cracking or the pins are bent
• taped joints in the cable
• the outer sheath of the cable is not secured where it enters the plug or the equipment i.e. the coloured insulation of the internal cable cores were showing
• damage to the external casing of the equipment
• loose parts or screws
• evidence of overheating (burn marks or discolouration)
• able to explain what procedures should be followed should any faults be identified

identify the correct Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) and demonstrate how to use it

Assessment criteria:

• to include, but not limited to, the following:
  • hearing protection
  • gloves
  • safety glasses and goggles

explain the process and demonstrate how to change a blade

Assessment criteria:

• describe what part the manufacturers instruction manual has in the process
• describe what type of blade is suitable
• explain what should happen if there is no manufacturers manual

explain the principles of good practise

Assessment criteria:

• to include, but not limited to, the following:
• set up a workbench where possible
• workbench should be waist height and on a firm level surface
• hands are kept clear of the workpiece
• no stacked or multi-material cutting
• the Chop Saw and blade used must be suitable for the materiel being cut

Additional information about this standard

Health and Safety Executive – https://www.hse.gov.uk/work-equipment-machinery/puwer.htm 

Contract Flooring Association – https://cfa.org.uk/About-the-Contract-Flooring-Association/