Safety Schmafety
If these folks were truly interested in improving <u>the product</u> (table saw) they would NOT be petitioning the Government for <i>their product</i> to be "mandatory."
Rather, they, and all current U.S. manufacturers, would be pushing for a Euro style splitter as the mandate.
Kickback, not cut "hot dogs", is the number one cause of serious table saw injuries. Some kickback induced injuries DO include cut hands, arms and digits IF said kickback drags the operator's appendage into the spinning blade.
Do I <u>think</u> about a cut finger? Yes. But, I'm obsessed about kickback!
I don't have a blade guard on my table saw. I do have the splitter installed and beyond that use jigs and featherboards where appropriate. My work-pattern and use or non-use of "safety" equipment tell the story - my safety focus is on kickback and its prevention.
And, finally, this observation from the LEFT leaning LEFT coast of CALIFORNIA - I don't want the government <u>telling</u> me I HAVE to do anything!
Dave Anderson, SoCal - Work Safely!