How to ensure safety for brick cutting

Refractory
PR RFR P06-06 V1

1/5

Introduction
The purpose of this guideline is to recognize the specific hazards related to brick cutting and to outline the necessary requirements for this type of work: Flying objects: all brick cutting work may cause face or eye injuries caused by flying wheels (such as shattering of wheel due to operation of wheel run faster than its rated speed) or broken brick to the operators or nearby workers. Noise: brick cutting works may cause potential excessive noise levels of above 85 dB generated by both the equipment engine and the blade. Dust and particulates Such hazards can be eliminated or controlled by appropriate prevention measures. Unless these measures are taken, the hazardous situations can easily give rise to personal injury and/or property damage. This guideline is applicable to all the employees and contractors of Lafarge.

Prerequisites
Brick cutting operators should be registered and certified by the employer. Pre-testing may need to be conducted to verify their competency in the work requirements. Apprentices and helpers should work under the supervision of a qualified person. Trained electrician should inspect and tag the brick cutting equipment on a three-monthly interval (if under heavy usage), or at least once every twelve months. All the operators must be taught how to stop the machine quickly in case of emergency.

Procedure Template developed by

How to ensure safety for brick cutting

Refractory
PR RFR P06-06 V1

2/5

Basic rules 1.
General
Ensure that Personal Protective Equipment is worn, including a safety shield.

The operator must wear the proper PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) before allowed to work on the machine. A heavy duty rubber apron is required.

Electrical Precaution
The equipment should be connected to a properly grounded electrical outlet. Lock out and tag all machines before working on them. Disconnect portable machines from their power source before changing or adjusting the blade. This is to ensure inadvertent or accidental start-up. Dont use joint wire on the circuit.

Fire hazard precaution

Fire Extinguisher Suitable and appropriate fire extinguishers should be provided as a stand-by in case of any emergency. Do not operate brick cutting machine near flammable materials. Fire blankets shall be used to contain sparks.

Lighting
Sufficient lighting must be provided to ensure that a safe work environment.

Procedure Template developed by

How to ensure safety for brick cutting

Refractory
PR RFR P06-06 V1

3/5

2.

Specific Equipment selection

Cutting Blade Select the manufacturer recommended cutting blade for the job. Use only blades marked with a maximum operating speed greater than the blade shaft speed. Verify speed by checking blade shaft rpm and pulley diameters and blade flange diameters. V Belt Ensure the belt is in good working condition Water Tank It must be cleaned and filled with water. Shaft & Flanges Check for any damages before installing the blade. The correct size flanges must be used since undersized flanges may shorten blade life and cause blade breakage.

Above: A brick cutting machine with mechanical water pump and emergency stop button

Procedure Template developed by

How to ensure safety for brick cutting

Refractory
PR RFR P06-06 V1

4/5

Equipment Pre-Testing
Visually inspect all cutting blades prior to installation. Inspect each blade carefully before using it. If there are any signs of damage or unusual wear, do not use the blade. Mount the blade solidly and firmly. Wrench tightens the arbor nut. Make sure the blade is not contacting anything before starting the engine. After changing a new cutting blade, it is required that the cutting machine be run at operating speed for a few minutes prior to start cutting. Take note of any abnormalities and take necessary corrective actions. Do not allow anyone to stand in front or in line with the brick-cutting machine during this test. When first starting my grinding machine always stand aside until the wheel reaches its normal running speed. Thereafter, check for wobbling and vibration.

Cutting Operation
Operate the machine only in well-ventilated areas. Keep all guards in place before commencing operation. Do not allow blade exposure from the guard to be more than 180. Keep all parts of the body away from the blade and all other moving parts during operation. Fix brick properly on trolley for cutting. The equipment must be stopped during fixing. Dont stand directly in front of a cutting blade whenever a brick cutting is running. Dont force cutting so that the work gets hot. Maintain water level in water tank throughout operation. Dont cut brick without water (except basic brick). Ensure sufficient and consistent water is coming through nozzle. This will decrease the dust generated by almost 95%. Ensure rotation of blade as per wheel maximum operating speed. Protect the motor from water droplets. Dont mark bricks on trolley. Such works should be done away from the equipment. Off the machine main switch when it is left unattended.

A one-piece heavy-duty blade guard with a built-in lip for operator safety.

Procedure Template developed by

How to ensure safety for brick cutting

Refractory
PR RFR P06-06 V1

5/5

Appendix 1.
Brick Cutting Equipment Checklist Items To Be Checked Item Description Blade Guard The blade guard is complete. Blade Shaft Collars It is properly size to support the diameter of the blade being used. Blade Shaft and The blade shaft is tightly fit to the Bearing bearing and there is no obvious shift. There is no worn shaft area where the blade mounts on the saw. Rear and Front There is no excessive or uneven Wheels wear, which may cause the equipment to wobble from side to side. Blade Flange The blade flange is in good condition and matches the size of the blade. Conditions Yes No Remarks

Procedure Template developed by