Cutting Fiberglass Conduit Safety & PPE Guide
Feb 24, 2021
Fiberglass conduit is strong and corrosion-resistant, used successfully in industries like transportation (for bridges and tunnels), data centers, utilities, wastewater treatment, chemical plants, and mining.
Before conduit is selected and purchased, consideration must be given to the type of installation necessary for the project — above ground, below ground, buried, or concrete encased. Fast, easy installation is part of what fiberglass conduit an a good option compared to PVC-coated rigid steel or GRC conduits.
In addition to being lightweight and durable, field cutting for proper fit of adhesive joints is a necessary step of installation. Fiberglass conduit can be easily cut on the job site with a few simple procedures. All you need is the conduit, a few common hand power tools, and the right PPE (personal protective equipment).
PPE Safety Requirements
It is always important to follow safety protocol at installation, and that includes the most appropriate personal protective equipment, as dictated in our electrical conduit PPE guidelines detailed below. To prevent accidents, ensure that you have the following PPE on hand to protect skin, hands, eyes, and lungs:
- Long-sleeved clothing, such as a long-sleeve shirt
- Gloves
- Safety glasses
- Particulate mask (N95)
Tools To Facilitate Cutting
Field cuts can be made with the following tools:
- Fine-tooth hand-held hacksaw
- Portaband saw
- Chop saw with diamond cutting blade
- Abrasive blade cutter
Easy Step-by-Step for Fiberglass Conduit Field Cutting
Follow these steps for successful field cutting:
- Gather and put on the safety personal protection equipment (PPE).
- Measure and mark the fiberglass conduit with a contrasting colored marker (cut line).
- Cut with your choice of fiberglass cutting tools (hand-held hacksaw, portable band saw, chop saw or abrasive blade cutter)
- Finally, remove any cutting burrs or ridges with a 60-grit emery cloth before bonding
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