What guarding requirement applies to portable, power-driven circular saws?

• A. Guards above the base plate only
• B. Guards above and below the base plate or shoe
• C. No guards required
• D. Guards on the left side only

Answer: (B)

Protecting the operator from the rotating blade requires guarding the blade all around it. Portable circular saws must have guards that cover the blade both above the base plate (the portion you see rising into the cut) and below it (the portion near the shoe) so that the edge cannot be touched from either direction when not cutting and as you guide the tool through the work. This dual coverage helps prevent contact with any part of the blade and reduces the risk of injury. A guard on only one side or no guard leaves portions of the blade exposed and could lead to serious harm.