HMS
🪚

Helensburgh District Men’s Shed Incorporated

SawStop Table Saw Training

Member training deck based on SOP016, Version 2.0, issued May 2026 and authorised by the Committee.

Agenda

What members must know

1

Purpose and risk focus

Why the SOP exists and who it applies to.

2

PPE requirements

Mandatory protection before any cutting starts.

3

Pre-operational checks

Workpiece, work area, guards, extraction and blade height.

4

Safe cutting sequence

Safety cycle, motor start, push sticks and handling rules.

5

Shutdown and housekeeping

Stop, wait, lower the blade and clean up.

6

Competency and emergency actions

Who may operate the saw and what to do if something goes wrong.

Purpose

This SOP protects people and the saw

SOP016 sets the mandatory safety requirements and operating steps for the SawStop Table Saw. It applies to both members and visitors so the machine’s braking system is protected and injury risk is reduced.

100
Minimum finger clearance 100 mm from the blade.
1
Metre of clear space required around the saw during operation.
24
Months between formal document reviews and retraining.
🛡️

Core training message

No member should operate the saw unless the checks pass, the PPE is worn, and the machine is being used exactly as described in the procedure.

PPE

Wear the required protection every time

👓

Eye protection

Safety glasses are mandatory whenever the saw is operated.

🎧

Hearing protection

Wear ear muffs or earplugs while cutting for noisy operations.

😷

Respiratory protection

Use a dust mask whenever the job produces significant dust.

🥾

Footwear

Enclosed, non-slip shoes are required in the work area.

Training cue: PPE is the first check, not the last. Do not approach the start sequence until all required protection is already in place.

Pre-start checks

Do not operate the saw if any check fails

Workpiece and area

  • Inspect all timber for nails or metal fasteners.
  • Remove every nail before processing.
  • Check moisture content; if it exceeds 15%, consult the manual and notify the duty manager before bypass mode is considered.
  • Keep at least 1 m around the saw clear of debris and unnecessary objects.

Machine setup

  • Confirm guard,riving knife and kick pawls are fitted correctly.
  • Check the rip fence position and lock it firmly if using.
  • Connect dust extractor and switch on.
  • Set blade height to no more than 6 mm above the workpiece.
Moisture limit
15%
Clearance zone
1 m
Blade above work
6 mm

Operating sequence

Follow the cutting procedure in order

1. Safety cycle

Switch the saw on and wait until the safety cycle completes and the green light is solid.

2. Start the motor

Only after the solid green light is confirmed, pull the paddle out to start the motor.

3. Make the cut safely

Use a push stick or push sled for all cuts so fingers stay at least 100 mm from the blade.

4. Let the blade cut

Do not force the workpiece. Feed it steadily and allow the blade to do the work.

5. Assistance

When assisting, support the workpiece only. Do not pull or push the piece through the saw.

Critical limits

Numbers members should remember

100
mm
Minimum distance for fingers from the blade.
6
mm
Maximum blade height above the workpiece.
24
months
Document review interval recorded in the SOP.

Quick risk emphasis

Pre-start discipline
100%
PPE compliance
100%
Use of push aids
100%

Shutdown

Finish every job with a safe shutdown

Shutdown sequence

  1. 1. Push the paddle in to stop the motor.
  2. 2. Wait until the blade has come to a complete stop.
  3. 3. Turn the saw off and lower the blade.
  4. 4. Clean the saw and the surrounding work area thoroughly.

Never do this

  • Do not pick up or move offcuts before the blade stops fully.
  • Do not leave the blade raised after the task is complete.
  • Do not leave debris around the saw for the next member.
  • Do not walk away before housekeeping is complete.

Competency and emergency

Operate only when trained and respond immediately to incidents

Area
Requirement
Member action
Competency
Only trained and assessed personnel may operate the saw.
Do not use the saw without confirmed competency.
Error or malfunction
Use the emergency stop or disconnect power immediately.
Stop work at once and isolate the machine.
Injury
Work must stop immediately.
Notify the Duty Manager without delay.
Near-miss or incident
All events must be reported.
Report the event to the Duty Manager.
Emergency stop or power disconnect
Stop work for any injury
Report all incidents and near-misses
✅

Member takeaway

Check. Protect. Wait. Cut safely.

For HMS members, safe use of the SawStop Table Saw means wearing PPE, completing all checks, keeping hands at least 100 mm away with push aids, and shutting down and cleaning up properly after every cut.

SOP016 Version 2.0 Issued May 2026 Review every 24 months
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