Specific safety rules – RIDGID MaxSelect R885 User Manual
Page 5
5
SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES
ADDITIONAL SAFETY RULES
Check damaged parts. Before further use of the 
tool, a guard or other part that is damaged should 
be carefully checked to determine that it will operate 
properly and perform its intended function. Check for 
alignment of moving parts, binding of moving parts, 
breakage of parts, mounting, and any other conditions 
that may affect its operation. A guard or other part that 
is damaged should be properly repaired or replaced 
by an authorized service center. Following this rule will 
reduce the risk of shock, fire, or serious injury.
Inspect for and remove all nails from lumber before 
using this tool. Following this rule will reduce the risk of 
serious personal injury.
Do not operate tool while under the influence of drugs, 
alcohol, or any medication. Following this rule will re-
duce the risk of electric shock, fire, or serious personal 
injury.
Do not place battery tools or their batteries near fire 
or heat. This will reduce the risk of explosion and possibly 
injury.
Batteries vent hydrogen gas and can explode in the 
presence of a source of ignition, such as a pilot light. 
To reduce the risk of serious personal injury, never use 
any cordless product in the presence of open flame. An 
exploded battery can propel debris and chemicals. If 
exposed, flush with water immediately. 
Do not charge battery tool in a damp or wet location. 
Following this rule will reduce the risk of electric shock.
For best results, your battery tool should be charged 
in a location where the temperature is more than 
50°F but less than 100°F. Do not store outside or in 
vehicles.
Under extreme usage or temperature conditions, bat-
tery leakage may occur. If liquid comes in contact with 
your skin, wash immediately with soap and water, then 
neutralize with lemon juice or vinegar. If liquid gets 
into your eyes, flush them with clean water for at least 
10 minutes, then seek immediate medical attention. 
Following this rule will reduce the risk of serious personal 
injury.
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When blade is binding, or when interrupting a cut 
for any reason, release the trigger and hold the saw 
motionless in the material until the blade comes to a 
complete stop. Never attempt to remove the saw from 
the work or pull the saw backward while the blade 
is in motion, or kickback may occur. Investigate and 
take corrective actions to eliminate the cause of blade 
binding.
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When restarting a saw in the workpiece, center the 
saw blade in the kerf and check that saw teeth are 
not engaged into the material. If saw blade is binding, 
it may walk up or kickback from the workpiece as the 
saw is restarted.
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Support large panels to minimize the risk of blade 
pinching and kickback. Large panels tend to sag under 
their own weight. Supports must be placed under the 
panel on both sides, near the line of cut and near the 
edge of the panel.
Do not use dull or damaged blades. Unsharpened 
or improperly set blades produce narrow kerf causing 
excessive friction, blade binding and kickback.
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Blade depth and bevel adjusting locking levers must be 
tight and secure before making cut. If blade adjustment 
shifts while cutting, it may cause binding and kickback.
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Use extra caution when making a “plunge cut” into 
existing walls or other blind areas. The protruding blade 
may cut objects that can cause kickback.
Check lower guard for proper closing before each use. 
Do not operate saw if lower guard does not move freely 
and close instantly. Never clamp or tie the lower guard 
into the open position. If saw is accidentally dropped, 
lower guard may be bent. Raise the lower guard with the
retracting handle. Make sure it moves freely and does
not touch the blade or any other part, in all angles and
depths of cut.
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Check the operation of the lower guard spring. If the 
guard and the spring are not operating properly, they 
must be serviced before use. Lower guard may operate 
sluggishly due to damaged parts, gummy deposits, or a
buildup of debris.
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Lower guard should be retracted manually only for 
special cuts, such as “plunge cuts” and “compound 
cuts.” Raise lower guard by retracting handle. As soon 
as blade enters the material, the lower guard must be 
released. For all other sawing, the lower guard should 
operate automatically.
Always observe that the lower guard is covering the 
blade before placing saw down on bench or floor. An 
unprotected, coasting blade will cause the saw to walk
backwards, cutting whatever is in its path. Be aware
of the time it takes for the blade to stop after switch is
released.
Know your power tool. Read operator’s manual 
carefully. Learn its applications and limitations, as 
well as the specific potential hazards related to this 
power tool. Following this rule will reduce the risk of 
electric shock, fire, or serious injury.
Always wear safety glasses with side shields. Everyday
glasses have only impact resistant lenses. They are NOT
safety glasses. Following this rule will reduce the risk of
eye injury.
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Protect your lungs. Wear a face or dust mask if the 
operation is dusty. Following this rule will reduce the risk 
of serious personal injury.
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Protect your hearing. Wear hearing protection during 
extended periods of operation. Following this rule will 
reduce the risk of serious personal injury.
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Battery tools do not have to be plugged into an
electrical outlet; therefore, they are always in
operating condition. Be aware of possible hazards when
not using your battery tool or when changing accessories.
Following this rule will reduce the risk of electric shock,
fire, or serious personal injury.