Abrasive Wheels - Hand Held Cut Off Saw

Hand-held cut-off saws (often referred to as Stihl saws or disc cutters) are standard equipment on almost every construction and utility site. However, they are also responsible for a high number of severe site injuries due to kickback, disc shatter, and respiratory hazards. Our NPORS Abrasive Wheels (N017) course provides operatives with the essential skills to safely select, mount, and operate these powerful tools while managing the associated risks of dust, noise, and vibration.

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Description

Course Overview

Cutting through concrete, asphalt, or steel requires more than just a steady hand; it requires a deep understanding of the equipment and the environment. This one-day course ensures that your workforce is fully compliant with the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) and the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH).

Candidates will receive comprehensive, hands-on training on both petrol-driven and battery-operated cut-off saws. They will learn how to inspect discs for damage, safely mount different types of abrasive wheels, set up secure exclusion zones, and execute controlled cuts while mitigating the severe health risks posed by crystalline silica dust and vibration.

What You Will Learn

Upon successful completion, candidates will be competent in:

Disc Selection & Inspection: Understanding wheel markings and selecting the correct disc (diamond-tipped steel vs. abrasive aluminum oxide) for the specific material being cut.
Pre-Operational Checks: Inspecting the saw’s drive belt tension, spindle speeds, disc guards, and fuel/battery systems to ensure operational safety.
Safe Operation: Executing controlled horizontal and vertical cuts at various heights, and safely using cutter trolleys.
Hazard Management: Setting up public warning barriers, managing exclusion zones, and correctly applying water-based dust suppression systems.
PPE & Respiratory Safety: Identifying and using mandatory PPE, including FFP3 respiratory masks, impact-rated eye protection, and vibration-dampening gloves.
Maintenance & Storage: Safely refueling/recharging the machine, removing blades, and preparing the saw for secure transit.

Course Durations & Eligibility

Novice Duration: 1 Day
Class Ratio: Maximum 6 Learners : 1 Instructor : 1 Machine (Making this highly cost-effective for medium-sized site teams).
Refresher courses are also available.

Testing & Certification

Candidates must pass a theoretical multiple-choice exam (80% pass mark) and a rigorous practical assessment where they must demonstrate safe disc changing, controlled cutting, and correct hazard management.

Upon successful completion, candidates will receive an NPORS card/certificate endorsing them for Abrasive Wheels - Hand Held Cut-Off Saw (N017).