What is a key safety measure when cutting materials with a saw?

Ensuring that materials are stable and securely held is an essential safety measure when using a saw. When materials are unstable, they can shift or move unexpectedly during the cutting process, which can lead to inaccurate cuts or, more critically, personal injury. A securely held workpiece provides better control and allows the user to focus on the cutting task without the distraction or danger of the material slipping.

In contrast to this, cutting downwards only fails to account for the overall stability of the material. Making only one cut at a time doesn’t directly relate to the safety of the material being cut; it rather pertains to maintaining focus during the operation. Using a dull blade is also not advisable for safety; a dull blade can bind, leading to increased difficulty in control and a higher risk of accidents as users often exert more force when attempting to cut, which can lead to slips or loss of control. Stability is thus paramount to ensuring a safe and effective cutting environment.