Solution Summary: Dual-trigger Portable Band Saw
A band saw designed with dual triggers to prevent unintended power activation as well as provide ergonomic benefits.
Description:
A dual-trigger portable band saw is designed with both engineering controls and ergonomic features. The tool can cut through a variety of materials while keeping both wrists in neutral postures that may help reduce stressful hand and wrist activities. It incorporates a dual-trigger design requiring two-handed operation to help prevent unintended power activation that could result in cut injuries.
Cutting conduit can be hazardous task for lacerations and ergonomic strains. Workers using single-trigger portable band saws can be at risk of cuts and laceration injuries if the trigger is accidentally depressed. Workers also place large amounts of strain on wrists when manually cutting conduit.
The general method of operation requires one hand to activate the switch on the auxiliary handle and the other hand activates the main handle’s variable speed trigger. However, some models utilize a blade speed control dial to tailor the speed of the unit. While there may be many makes and models of dual-trigger portable band saws with a variety of specifications, the examples below is not a comprehensive list on what may be available in the market:
DEWALT DCS376P2 20V MAX* 5" Dual Switch Band Saw Kit
- Handheld, Cordless
- Blade speed control dial
- Built-in LED light illuminating work surface
- Battery type: 20V MAX 5Ah Batteries
- Recommended Blades: 18 TPI Band Saw Blade
- 4-inch cut capacity for round material; up to SCH 40 pipe and double strut
- 5-inch x 4-3/4-inch cut capacity for rectangular material
- Weight: 23.67 pounds
- Dimension: 20 inches length x 5.6 inches height x 15.7 inches width
M18 FUEL™ Deep Cut Dual-Trigger Band Saw
- Handheld, Cordless
- CPT™ Constant Power Technology: maintains cut speed
- Variable speed dial and trigger
- Built-in LED light illuminating line of cut
- Battery Type: M18™ 18 Volts DC
- Recommended Blades: 44-7/8" x 1/2" x .020 Bi-Meta
- Weight: 13.77 pounds
- Dimension: 20.4 inches length x 5.1 inches height x 11.3 inches width
(Photo courtesy of Milwaukee Tool)
M18 FUEL™ Compact Deep Cut Dual-Trigger Band Saw
- Handheld, Cordless
- Variable speed dial and trigger
- Built-in LED light illuminating work surface
- Battery Type: M18™ 18 Volts DC
- Recommended Blades: 8/10 TPI Band Saw Blade
- Weight: 7.7 pounds
- Dimension: 17.9 inches length x 7.7 inches height x 11.6 inches width
(Photo courtesy of Milwaukee Tool)
Risks Addressed:
Stressful hand and wrist activity, and prolonged overhead work, can cause musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) such as muscle strains; tendonitis, which is inflammation of elbow, wrist, or shoulder tendons; or carpal tunnel syndrome, which is compression of a wrist nerve, resulting in finger numbness and loss of hand strength.
Contact with a band saw blade can cause cuts of the hands or any other parts of the body. If a major artery is cut, there is risk of significant blood loss or death.
How Risks are Reduced:
The dual-triggered band saw can help reduce stressful hand and wrist activity by providing more tool control and neutral wrist postures when operated with two hands. Additionally, the bandsaw minimizes the repetitive motion necessary to use a hacksaw.
Compared to single-triggered band saws, using a tool with dual triggers reduces the possibility of activating the band saw when one trigger is accidentally bumped against workers. It ensures operators keep both hands on the tool at all times
With regards to ergonomic benefits, researchers at Eastern Washington University studied muscle activity during the cutting of EMT (electrical metal tubing) using three different tools: hacksaw, compact reciprocating saw, and compact bandsaw. Twenty participants made cuts at or above shoulder level with muscle activity being recorded in the shoulder and arm. The bandsaw and reciprocating saw showed a significantly lower (p < .05) amount of muscle activity compared to the hacksaw, with the bandsaw having the lowest values. They concluded that the bandsaw and reciprocating saw may be good alternatives to a hacksaw during overhead cutting of EMT.
Additional Considerations:
As is the case with any construction tool and equipment, users should follow manufacturer safety recommendations and comply with any applicable local, state or federal regulations.
Contributors:
Jean Christophe Le, MPH - CPWR The Center for Construction Research and Training
Availability
DEWALT
To obtain information, visit 20V MAX* 5" Dual Switch Band Saw Kit
or contact 1-800-433-9258
Milwaukee Tool
To obtain information, visit M18 FUEL™ Deep Cut Dual-Trigger Band Saw and M18 FUEL™ Compact Dual-Trigger Band Saw Kit
or contact 1-800-729-3878
