Key risks

• Severe cuts and entrapment from contact with the disc and moving parts.
• Ejection of asphalt fragments, aggregates and shards at high speed.
• Inhalation of fine dust and cutting fumes, especially during dry work or in poorly ventilated areas.
• High noise and vibration that can cause fatigue and loss of control.
• Disc snagging or kickback that can abruptly move the machine.
• Hot surfaces on the engine, exhaust and disc with a burn risk.
• Gas emissions from combustion equipment, hazardous in enclosed spaces.
• Fire risk from fuel, sparks and spills during refuelling.
• Electrical risk in electric or battery-powered models, worsened by moisture or damaged cables.
• Slips and falls due to cutting slurry, water and uneven ground.
• Damage from accidentally cutting buried services (cables, pipes).

Safe use

• Before starting, check the general condition of the machine and the disc; do not use cracked, warped or unsuitable discs for asphalt.
• Secure and signpost the work area; keep bystanders at a distance and control access, especially on roadways.
• Wear eye protection or a face shield, hearing protection, robust gloves, non-slip safety boots and high-visibility clothing. Add respiratory protection when dust is present.
• Whenever possible, cut wet to reduce dust and flying debris, and manage the slurry to prevent slips.
• Check that the disc guard is correctly positioned and the cutting depth is set conservatively.
• Ensure adequate ventilation; do not use combustion engines indoors or in poorly ventilated areas.
• Locate and mark possible buried services in advance; avoid cutting over covers or items not intended to be cut.
• Adopt a stable stance, both hands on the controls and feet out of the line of the cut; advance progressively without forcing the disc.
• Keep clear of the plane of the disc and its trajectory in case of breakage or kickback.
• Keep cables, hoses and obstacles tidy and out of the path of the wheels and disc.
• Switch off and allow the disc to come to a complete stop before moving, adjusting or tilting the machine.
• Disconnect the power and prevent any unintended start-up before changing the disc or making adjustments.
• On combustion models, refuel with the engine off and cool, outdoors and away from ignition sources; clean up any spillage immediately.

Storage and maintenance

• Allow the machine to cool before storing; clean off dust, slurry and asphalt residues to prevent corrosion and seizure.
• Store in a dry, ventilated and stable place, protected from moisture and dust.
• Keep discs in their packaging or hung flat, dry and protected from impacts.
• Periodically check the condition of the guard, fasteners, wheels, drive and water supply system; replace damaged or heavily worn parts.
• Check that cables, connectors and batteries (if applicable) show no damage or corrosion.
• Keep air ducts and the corresponding filters clean to ensure adequate ventilation.
• Lubrication, tension settings and fluid levels as specified in the manufacturer’s instructions.
• For prolonged storage, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding fuel and batteries.
• Store fuels in suitable, closed containers away from sources of heat or sparks.
• Secure the machine during transport to prevent tipping and disc movement.

Restrictions on use

• Use restricted to adults with prior experience in construction cutting tools and under supervision when necessary.
• Do not use combustion engines indoors or in poorly ventilated spaces.
• Do not operate without a disc guard, or with damaged discs or discs not suitable for asphalt.
• Do not modify or bypass safety devices, limiters or guards.
• Do not use the machine on scaffolds, ladders, unstable surfaces or excessive inclines.
• Do not cut materials other than those recommended by the manufacturer, nor unintended metal reinforcement.
• Do not work when fatigued, distracted, or under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medicines that reduce alertness.
• Do not use electric models in heavy rain, with puddles, or with damaged cables/extension leads.
• Do not make deep cuts in a single pass if the machine loses stability; it is preferable to proceed in gradual passes.
• Do not allow people, animals or traffic in the line of the cut or in its immediate surroundings.
• Do not transport the machine with the engine running, nor lift it by the guard or the disc spindle.
• Do not use in potentially explosive atmospheres or near flammable vapours.