Concrete saw

The significant friction generated in cutting hard substances like concrete usually requires the blades to be cooled to prolong their life and reduce dust.

Apart from some basic aspects, for example, what diameters of diamond saw blades the concrete saw can accommodate, its arbor size and the blade's quality, there are some other important aspects which should also be considered: Stones, rocks, sands and clays can contain large amounts of crystalline silica and are used to make kerbs, flags, bricks, tiles and concrete.

Cutting these materials produces airborne dust containing very fine respirable crystalline silica (RCS) particles.

[1] Serious health effects, such as lung cancer or silicosis, can result from exposure to RCS.

There are following ways to reduce or control the dust: There are some other risks during the cutting process which will also need to be controlled to protect the operator and the passers-by, for example, noise, flying debris, hand-arm vibration, manual handling, electricity and refueling.

A concrete saw being readied for use. The man in the background is preparing the hose to deliver water to cool the saw, whilst the operator is moving the saw to the required position. A substantial engine powers the unit.
Picture of kerf left by a diamond blade used to cut control joints in concrete.
Highway road workers using concrete saws and generating dust.