The Brew Cabin

Posted: **Tue Sep 29, 2015 8:51 pm**

Hello, im a new fella to this forum.

I am not involved directly in the paving trade but do use stihl saws at work occasional cutting slabs, kerbing etc when required.

I looked online and found there was a course available for training in the use is ABRASIVE WHEEL ( stihl saw).

I asked my employer to put me on this course but was told I'm chainsaw qualified so I don't need it and that it would cover me for stihl saw???

My area of concern is not about cutting my toes off but COPD. Our stihl saw does not have dust suppression kit, is dust suppression kit compulsory, or, like ear defenders just for your own good?

Also whilst using a stihl saw and members of the public are around must you be qualified?

If something went wrong who would be responsible? The employer or the operator?

Sorry for boring question but basically I'm asking what is legislation for using stihl saw in public area to protect the user and the public?

Posted: **Tue Sep 29, 2015 9:21 pm**

Health a d safety says when cutting concrete water suppression must be used

Posted: **Tue Sep 29, 2015 9:22 pm**

Hi Andy
welcome to the Brew cabin!

dust suppression is mandatory, especially so if near the public

we have a stihl pump up water bottle which we use whenever we can

when using the stihl ear defenders,proper safety glasses (not sunglasses) and dust suppression are needed all the time

it DOES take a bit of getting used to ,but like hard hats once you get used to them its ok

if you are self employed it is your responsibility to supply your own PPE

if employed it is the employers responsibility

its not expensive a pump,glasses ear defenders and gloves cost less than Â£100

LLL

Posted: **Wed Sep 30, 2015 12:09 am**

There is no ticket for using the cut off saw anyone can use one.
The abrasive wheels ticket is for the changing of the blade (correct torque, size, direction, condition of blade etc)
If its defective or missing bits it should be reported to your boss to be rectified as they have a legal responsibility for yours and the publics safety
H and s ppe wise goggles, ear defenders, gloves, dust mask, boots and hose/dust compression bottle.
It all depends on if on books of self employed for how much you supply yourselve although I have been self employed with a company years ago who supplied all the ppe from boots to full waterproofs (mostly to cover there asses but also ensures that there are no reasons for any work to be delayed due to ppe issues)
In reality in some cases it falls on deaf ears normally followed by the words if you don't use the kit you don't have a job

Posted: **Wed Sep 30, 2015 6:45 pm**

As others have said. Dust suppression is a must.
There is no legal requirement to have a ticket for a chainsaw. Anyone can use one, but if you have an accident and you have not been trained, your boss is liable. For those of us self employed, the rules do not apply. If we injure ourselves, we are not going to sue anyone!
We do need a licence to do spraying however

Posted: **Wed Sep 30, 2015 8:53 pm**

I have a ticket for one. They are subject to regulation under PUWER.

The Brew Cabin

Stihl saw qualification,copd and health and safety - Health and safety and your responsibilie