OSHA requires how many guards on portable circular saws?

For portable circular saws, OSHA regulations specify that there should be two guards in place to ensure safety during operation. The first guard is the upper guard, which covers the blade above the material being cut. Its primary function is to reduce the risk of contact with the blade during operation. The second guard is the lower guard, which is designed to automatically cover the blade when the saw is withdrawn from the cut, providing additional protection against accidental contact.

This requirement for dual guarding is particularly important because it helps to minimize the risk of accidents, such as contacting the exposed blade, which can lead to serious injuries. By having both an upper and a lower guard, safety is prioritized, and the risk of blade exposure is significantly decreased. This is crucial in construction and similar fields where portable saws are frequently used, underscoring the importance of adhering to OSHA regulations for worker safety.