scope:

Description of Driving Event:

Technicians were trimming composite material using a table saw with a diamond-cutting blade. After trimming the employees took a break. When returning they discovered smoke in the room which appeared to be coming from inside the table saw. One technician disconnected the main power switch, while the other pulled the Fire Alarm. There were no injuries to personnel or damage equipment.

Root cause: An investigation found that the composite dust had accumulated in the base of the table saw. There was a failure found in the machine dust collection system, which would not allow the removal of dust/material during cutting. The smoke was ignited by heat or spark during the cutting process.