so long as the guard isn't missing / should be supplied then probably the jigsaw is fine to use. yes you need to prevent access to moving parts as much as possible but enough still needs to be exposed for it to do it's work. Think of a handsaw it has the best part of 2ft of expose cutting edge. but it would be impossible to guard it and for it to do it's job.

i would say so long as it's got relevant CE markings then it will be fine. There are a lot of equipment out there that has the potential to cause severe harm chainsaws, grinders, bandsaws & lathes all have exposed moving parts especially chainsaws that's where training and competence of the operator comes into play

So would you remove a chainsaw from service because of it's exposed moving parts when they are used everyday by Qualified operators.

Phil

Sorry but I can't agree that a CE mark means that equipment automatically meets the requirements of HASAWA and PUWER. The CE mark is intended to reduce the effects of trade barriers by setting a minimum standard, and equipment carrying a CE mark can't be prevented from entering or being sold in any EU state. It doesn't mean that it necessarily meets local standards of safety. In R v Bristol Magistrates Courts and others the majority verdict was to allow an HSE appeal that they could use the 1974 Act even though the equipment which had failed bore a CE mark.

So if you think your jigsaw is unsafe in use without a guard, and that a guard is a reasonably practicable way of reducing risk, you should get one fitted, CE mark or no,

John

My comment around CE marking was basically saying if you bought it from a dodge bloke out the back of his van or from ebay and it's come from china then you could be right to be concerned. If it's a recognised company bosch, dewalt, black and decker and you bought it from a normal retail outlet then it is going to be fine. perhaps it might be that you are not familiar with working or risk assessing such equipment. have a look in the average home loads of stuff with exposed moving parts or other hazards that are unguarded. electric hand whisk, irons, vacuum cleaners before you even get to the DIY tools in the house.

Phil

yes i agree with you john but the practicability can be an issue when guarding some equipment because by adding guarding you can make the equipment less safe or unusable. take the chainsaw you could add guarding but the sawdust would not be able to escape and jam the blade or you wouldn't be able to cut through the wood beacuse the guarding gets in the way.

i would say the jigsaw has been made as safe as possible. maybe by comparing different makes or models you might find one you are happier with. But the part more likely to do the damage is the blade on the other side of the wood when the operator goes cutting through the cable.

it's a case of weighing up reasonable practicable against equipment that is still usable. get the operator to read the manual and make sure they are aware of the dangerous parts are. i've used a range of such equipment from hand tools to heavy industrial equipment all have the potential to bite back if you don't treat such equipment with respect so training on the equipment is important.

Phil

!!!! No doubt I stand the chance of being accused of being 'obtuse' and/or provocative but am I missing something here?

I can think of any number of tools not dissimilar to a jig saw where it is impossible to prevent all access to moving parts without rendering the tool itself useless. How about a bench grinder(Summers/Frost), angle grinder, bench saw, band saw, cement mixer, drill (bench or hand) etc etc.

Perhaps a reality check required? I have been using jig saws and most of the above for more years than I can remember, and I am still here with all fingers and both eyes intact.

Can I suggest reading regulation 'in the round' (rather than homing in on selective parts) and indeed the accompanying guidance which adds a little more clarity (and a 'common sense' approach) in particular have a look at para 210

Dear o dear...its the end of the world, we have a jig saw in the workshop.

lets be sensible here... a jig saw is what it is, and in my experience practically impossible to guard completely. Ensure the toll is fit for purpose, inspected before use, replace blades when appropriate etc...and include it in your PAT programme.

Ensure all persons are competent and trained to use tool and move on.