CSA Preface
This is the first edition of CSA B175.4, Portable, handheld, internal combustion engine–powered cut-off machines — Safety and environmental requirements, which is an adoption without modification of the identically titled ANSI/OPEI (American National Standards Institute/Outdoor Power Equipment Institute) Standard B175.4-2013. This Standard is part of CSA Group’s series of Standards on portable power saws.
It should be noted that this Standard specifies the safety and environmental requirements for cut-off machines (cut-off saws) typically used on construction projects and in infrastructure maintenance operations for cutting of materials such as asphalt, concrete, stone, and metal.
This Standard was reviewed for Canadian adoption by the CSA Technical Committee on Manually Portable Power Saws and Power Cutters, under the jurisdiction of the CSA Strategic Steering Committee on Occupational Health and Safety, and has been formally approved by the Technical Committee.
Scope and purpose
This standard applies to portable, handheld internal combustion engine-powered machines, which use a rotating cut-off (abrasive) wheel that is center-mounted on and driven by a spindle shaft, and designed for cutting construction materials such as asphalt, concrete, stone, and metal.
The requirements in this standard apply to machines using up to 406-mm (16-in) cut-off wheels. If the machine is designed for larger than 406-mm (16-in) cut-off wheels, the requirements of this standard shall be considered. The requirements listed may apply to machines designed for larger cut-off wheels.
Cut-off wheel design and safety specifications are not included in this standard.
The effective implementation date of this standard shall be two (2) years after the publication date and shall apply to all products built after that date. Manufacturers may also comply with the requirements of this standard any time after the publication date.
ANSI/OPEI B175.4-2013 and ANSI B175.4-2013 may be used interchangeably wherever referenced or required in this standard.
1.1. Purpose
This standard establishes safety and environmental requirements to reduce the risk of injury associated with the use of portable, hand-held internal combustion engine-powered machines using a rotating cut-off (abrasive) wheel.
