Main risks

• Cuts when handling blades from exposed cutting edges and teeth.
• Ejection of swarf, dust or small sparks when cutting, especially in metals.
• Blade breakage or ejection due to improper use, fatigue or incorrect installation.
• Jams, snagging or wandering that may cause kickback, loss of control or excessive vibration.
• Inhalation of wood, metal or other material dust; possible eye and respiratory irritation.
• High noise levels and fatigue from prolonged vibration.
• Burns from touching the hot blade after cutting.
• Damage to the workpiece, the tool or hidden installations (nails, screws, cables or pipes).

Safe use

• Disconnect the tool from the mains or remove the battery before changing or adjusting the blade.
• Choose a blade compatible with your tool and suitable for the material; check the length, fitment and tooth pitch recommended by the manufacturer.
• Inspect the blade before use: no cracks, bends, missing teeth or corrosion.
• Seat the blade fully in the blade holder and secure it; check for any play before starting the cut.
• Clamp and support the workpiece securely; keep hands and body out of the line of cut.
• Set the speed and, where applicable, the pendulum/orbital action to suit the material; start the cut without forcing and increase gradually.
• Avoid twisting the blade or using it as a lever; if it vibrates excessively, wanders or jams, stop the tool and correct the cause.
• Wear eye protection, respiratory protection appropriate to the dust generated and hearing protection; use cut-resistant gloves when handling or changing the blade (avoid loose gloves while cutting).
• Check for nails, screws, cables or pipes in the cutting path; use detectors where necessary.
• Allow the blade to cool before touching it and remove swarf only with the tool stopped.

Storage and maintenance

• Store blades in sleeves, tubes or cases that protect the teeth; avoid impacts and deformation.
• Keep blades dry and clean; remove resin or burrs and apply a light anti-corrosion coating where appropriate.
• Sort by material and tooth pitch to always select the most suitable blade and avoid premature wear.
• Regularly check the condition of the blades; discard any that are bent, cracked, blued or with very worn teeth.
• Do not attempt to straighten, sharpen or weld damaged blades.
• Store out of reach of children and separate from objects that could nick the teeth.

Restrictions of use

• Use blades only with compatible tools and for the specified materials; do not use them as a hand saw, lever or scraper.
• Do not use blades that are damaged, excessively dull or not firmly secured in the blade holder.
• Do not force curvature radii beyond the blade's capability or make cuts for which it is not designed.
• Avoid cutting materials that may release hazardous dust or fibres without specific control and protection measures.
• Do not cut metals or materials that generate sparks near flammable atmospheres.
• Do not work in areas where there is a risk of contact with live electrical conductors or pressurised pipes.
• Keep blades and the tool out of the reach of minors; use is restricted to adults who understand their operation.