Posted By Peter F. Guidance is that for anything less or for the last 300mm, a push stick should be used. There are is a lot of guidance out there. HSE Woodworking Sheet 16, British Woodworking Federation H&S in the woodworking industry to name two they also produce SSOW's for circular saws. I am quite sure others on this page will offer greater assistance.

Posted By Saz G Try cutting frozen blocks of fish or other food stuffs for 6-7 hours a day without gloves? It depends on what is being cut as another poster has suggested. In the food industry, there are hygiene issues to consider. The Bandsaw operator usually has to strip the blocks and then cut to size, not practicable to expect them to do so without gloves. I believe that as long as combined with a device (as previously mentioned) like a push stick that enables the operator to keep their fingers a safe distance away from the saw, then gloves (which if the correct type offer some protection from small lacerations)are acceptable IMHO, but it all depends on what is being cut. I expect some cutting requires precision and that may be another issue?