CONSTRUCTION workers and DIY enthusiasts are being urged to ditch chainsaw discs being sold as attachments for angle grinders.
The serrated edge discs turn angle grinders in to small hand-held chainsaws, but Warwickshire Trading Standards officers say the two products are not designed to be used together and are likely to cause loss of control which could result in serious injury or even fatality.
The warning comes following reports of injuries arising from kickback caused by the chainsaw gripping the cutting surface and forcing the angle grinder to sharply turn or jump out of the hand of the operator. According to officers, angle grinders are not designed for use with such accessories since they do not incorporate the safety features required for electric chainsaws.
The standard for angle grinders specifically states: ‘Do not attach a saw chain woodcarving blade or toothed saw blade. Such blades create frequent kickback and loss of control’.
Officers also point out users may not be covered by their insurance for injuries sustained.
The products are typically, but not exclusively, being sold online.
Anyone who owns an angle grinder chainsaw disc must stop using the product and return it to where it was purchased for a full refund.
Any businesses selling these products must remove them from the sale immediately as they do not comply with the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations. 2008.
The sale of this equipment can be reported via www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer or on 0808 223 1133.
