Cutting Tile: How to Avoid Safety Hazards

Wet saw tile cutter

Simple steps to protect yourself when cutting tile

Whether you’re an experienced contractor or a do-it-yourselfer, safety is something you should never take for granted. You may have cut thousands of pieces of tile during your career, but one simple mistake can send you to the emergency room and possibly keep you from working for months. Taking some simple steps to protect yourself when cutting tile can save you from a painful – and potentially very costly – injury.

Play it Safe

Always wear protective gear, whether you’re cutting porcelain tile, natural stone or glass. Wear the right shoes and the proper clothing, and use gloves, goggles and ear protection. It is especially important to take extra care when you’re working on any sort of wet surface, such as a cabinet or a slippery floor. Wearing the right gear alone will not keep you protected; you also need to be alert at all times. If you’re cutting natural stone tile, for example, there is a chance that your saw may unexpectedly jerk or snag due to some sort of unseen obstruction. Stay alert, inspect your tile piece before loading it under the blade, and listen to the sound of your saw.

Using a Wet Tile Saw

Wet Tile Saw – Safety Tips from Homerenovation.about.com A wet tile saw, of course, is an indispensable tool for professionals and DIY’ers alike when cutting tiles. It gets its name from the flow of water that runs over the tile when cutting. Not only does the water keep the blade cool and lubricated, it also reduces dust and the risk of chipping. When using this tool, however, it is imperative that you make sure to keep the saw properly lubricated and also keep your fingers away from the blade. Using a scrap of wood as a pusher helps to keep your fingers well away from the blade as you cut the tile. No matter how much experience you may have, you will never be immune from being hurt when cutting tile. However, if you take the right precautions your risk of injury will be substantially reduced. Make safety a top-of-mind priority no matter what type of materials you work with or what kind of tools you use. Need Help?  Talk to our trained consultants Whether you are building a backsplash for your kitchen, or tiling a custom shower.  A few extra minutes of safety, thought and care will go a long way to making your dream and reality.  For more information, our professionally-trained design consultants will assist in your selection and answer any questions. So drop by any of our Arizona Tile locations. We have the quality tile and natural stone you’re looking for, for any project.