blade which has a faster cutting speed or a longer lifespan can be selected. The power output of the concrete saw. If the concrete saw has a high power output, the diamonds on the saw blade will receive a higher impact when cutting is performed. In this case, the diamond concentration of the diamond saw blade should be higher, or its bond should be harder. Whilst if the saw has a low power output, the diamond concentration should be lower or the bond should be softer to make the blade become sharper to ensure the cutting speed needed. Dust control Stones, rocks, sands and clays can contain large amounts of crystalline silica and are used to make kerbs, flags, bricks, tiles and concrete. Cutting these materials produces airborne dust containing very fine respirable crystalline silica (RCS) particles. These particles are small and it is not always possible to see the RCS dust in normal lighting. Serious health effects, such as lung cancer or silicosis, can result from exposure to RCS. This is because fine RCS particles can penetrate deep into the lungs. There are following ways to reduce or control the dust: Wet cutting with adequate water supply. If possible, diamond saw blades should be used instead of abrasive saw blades to cut. Diamond saw blades normally cut more quickly than abrasive blades while requiring less water. The concrete saw should have a local exhaust ventilation (LEV) system, which can capture the majority of dust emitted during the cutting operation. When operating, the operator should always wear personal protective equipment (PPE). There are some other risks during the cutting process which will also need to be controlled to protect the operator and the passers-by, for example, noise, flying debris, hand-arm vibration, manual handling, electricity and refueling. See also Diamond tools Diamond blade References Saws