A. Justification 

Information Collection Request 

OMB 83-1 Supporting Statement 

Table Saw User Recruitment and Survey 

1. Circumstances Making the Collection of Information Necessary 

Table saws are stationary power tools used for cutting various materials- but primarily 

wood. Table saws are one of the most versatile woodworking tools and therefore a popular 

product among consumers for hobby and trade work. Based on a 2-year special study of 

emergency department-treated table saw-related injuries, CPSC staff estimates 76,100 

table saw operator injuries were treated in emergency departments between January 2007 

and December 2008. Of the estimated 76,100 table saw operator injuries, an estimated 

66,900 injuries (88%) were related to contact with the blade. For the 66,900 blade contact 

injuries, an estimated 20,700 injuries (30.9%) occurrea on table saws where the blade guard 

was in use, and estimated 44,500 injuries (66.5%),occurred when the blade guard was not 

in use. For all types of injuries to operators, t e Blade guard was not in use for 65.7 percent 

of injuries, with the most common reason for the absence of the blade guard as removal by 

the consumer (75% ). 

The voluntary standard for table saws is UL 987 Stati ary; and Fixed Electric Tools. UL 

987 addresses the blade contact hazard with a requireme t t at all table saws be equipped 

with a guard around the saw blade. The blade guard preven s tnadvertent contact with the 

blade; however, many users removed the blade guard from tfle table saw for a variety of 

reasons including obstruction of view of cut, hindering of cutting operation, and difficulty of 

installing the guard. 

In November 2 07, a seventh edit' on of UL 987 was published with requirements for a new 

modular blade guard that is d signed to be adjustable for more cuts, to provide clear 

visibility of the cutting edge, and to be easily installed and removed without the use of tools. 

The majority of table saws sold in the United,.$ ates since 2009 meet the UL 987 seventh 

edition requirements of tfle modular blade guard. 

In August 2011, the US Consumen Product Safety Commission (CPSC) published an ANPR 

for table saws. The following exce(pt from the briefing package summarizes CPSC staff's 

concerns about the modular blade guard system: 

We are concerned that the requirements in the voluntary standard for table 

saws, UL 987, Stationary and Fixed Electric Tools, which mandate a 

permanent riving knife and the new modular blade guard system, may not 

adequately address the operator blade contact injuries associated with table 

saw use. While we support the recent progress UL has made in improving 

the voluntary standard to address blade contact injuries by focusing solely on 

prevention of skin-to-blade contact, the standard requirements do not appear 

to address adequately the number or severity of blade contact injuries that 

occur on table saws, nor do they address the associated societal costs. In 

addition, while we believe that the new modular guard design is a significant 

improvement over the old guard design, the effectiveness of any blade guard 

system depends upon an operator's willingness to use it. 

1 
Currently, it is unknown if and how consumers are using the modular blade guard. Since the 

usage patterns are directly linked to safety of the user, data is needed to understand the 

usage of the modular blade guard to determine how effective the design will be in preventing 

future injuries. 

This population is a specific subset of all table saw users and is a hard-to-reach population. 

Owners of table saws that were purchased with a modular blade guard are owners that have 

purchased their saw within the last four years. Table saws purchased prior to this do not 

meet the needs of the study, and will represent a significant portion of current table saw 

owners. Consumers that have purchased a table saw equipped originally with a modular 

blade guard will be recruited through various advertisement strategies. This constitutes a 

convenience sample. No lists are available to generate a sample and other methods of 

drawing a random sample are not likely to obtain useful i tervi_ews for this subset of table 

saw users within the budget allocated to the project. Recruited pa icipants, who have been 

verified to own table saws with a modular blade guard, will be interview d to understand if 

and how the blade guard system is used. 

Recruitment of participants will be through various advertisement strategies designed by 

and executed by Westat, CPSC's contractor for this stage of the survey. Afterwerification 

that a participant does qualify (owns a table saw that was purchased with a modular blade 

guard), the second phase contractor, EurekaFacts, will proceed with a telephone interview 

gathering information about the participant's use of the modular blade guard, including if and 

how the modular blade guard is used. 

2. Purpose and Use of Information Collectfon 

The data collected from this survey will be used to help ORSC staff better understand if and 

how consumers are using the modular bla e guard system. This includes when consumers 

install and remove the blade guard, what type of cuts are being made, and what may be 

preventing the use of the blade guard. By unGerstanding more about if and how the modular 

blade guards are used, CPSC staff can make be ter-informed choices about the direction of 

the rule aking process. This data, along with testing results, subject matter input analysis, 

and ot er: study data, will be used as a whole by staff to develop a rule that will best prevent 

consu ers from injury while using table saws. 

81 ce the population o~ owners of table saws that were purchased with a modular blade 

guard is a specific and hard-to-reach population, this survey will be based on a convenience 

sample f recruited participants by various advertisement strategies. No results from this 

study will be generalized to the population. The goal is to help CPSC staff to understand 

more fully if and bow the modular blade guard system is used by consumers. 

As a part of their c ntract, Westat designed advertisements that they will place ·on popular 

websites, in woodworking magazines, and post in woodworking guilds with cooperation of 

the guilds. Respondents will have the option to go through a screening process either online 

or via the telephone. Respondents meeting the criteria of the study, owners of table saws 

with the modular blade guard system, will participate in the follow-up full-scale CATI survey 

about their use habits and opinions about the modular blade guard system. After completion 

of the full-scale CATI survey, the respondents will be sent the incentive of $50 in the form of 

a check. 

2 
The CATI survey instrument was drafted through a cooperative effort of CPSC staff and 

EurekaFacts, LLC. EurekaFacts performed cognitive interviews with 9 participants. The 

resulting final survey instrument was created based on the information gathered during 

these sessions. The description used for modular blade guard was a particular area of focus 

during these interviews. The description is used in the advertisements, screening 

instrument, and the final instrument. Other areas that might provide problems during the 

survey were identified and addressed, but these were limited. The overall results indicated 

the survey instrument does not pose any considerable challenges to the respondent. 

Eureka Facts will use this survey instrument in the full-scale survey of the recruited 

participants. They will receive a list of recruited participants on a weekly basis based on 

Westat's outreach and recruitment methods. Eureka Facts will contact recruitment 

participants based on the day/time indicated by the participants at the end of the screening 

process. After the first set of interviews has been completed, initial analyses will be 

cqmpleted to determine if there are any problems in the survey instrument. 

The budget for this project allows for the recruitment and full interview of 200 eligible 

respondents. Eureka Facts will generate a final report summarizing the data collected from 

this group of table saw owners. This allows CPSe staff to gain a better understanding into if 

and how the modular blade guard is being used by consumers. Any patterns that emerge 

can be considered in light with other testing, subject matter xpert analyses, and any other 

data gathered as part of the rulemaking process, to create a fuller picture of the potential 

effectiveness of the modular blade guard design. Any pat erns that emerge can also be 

address by CPSC staff in forming future studies with thi data as a basis. 

The results will be summarized into a final report, and provided o CPSC staff. The final 

database will also be provided to CPSC staff, where personal iaentifiers will not be linked to 

the survey results. All a~ta, i eluding information provided during the screeninf;J process, will 

be treated with sensitivity and security considerations commensurate with its level of 

confidential co tent. To the extent possible, the content will not include any personally 

identifiable infor ation. Security measures will include, but will not be limited to: 

• Carefully controlled access to the Contractors' server location associated with the 

cognitive interview recordings, and any/ interview recordings, contact information, 

and survey results. 

• For the duration of the study, the Contractors will maintain a password-protected list 

that links participants na es and personal contact information. 

• The participants' persona information and any recordings from the actual interviews 

or cognitive interviews will e destroyed within 60 days after the conclusion of the 

study. 

3. Consideration Given to Information Technology 

Based on the recruitment strategies, potential participants will have the option to go through 

the screening process via a web recruitment questionnaire, or completing the same 

questionnaire by calling the toll-free number provided as part of the advertisement 

campaign. After the verification that the respondent has a table saw that came with a 

modular blade guard system, the telephone interview will be conducted through CATI. 

Data, any written mid-study updates, and final reports will be submitted electronically to the 

CPSC Contracting Officer. 

4. Duplication of Information 

3 
CPSC staff is aware of only one study from 2009 conducted by industry, when the modular 

blade guard was new on the market. Thus, the number of owners of saws with the modular 

blade guard system was limited. Details to why the blade guard system was not used and 

other behavioral aspects linked to the system were not reported. Only owners of table saws 

with the modular blade guard system, who also had previously owned a saw without the 

system, were part of the study. This study does not answer the needs of CPSC staff to 

understand if and how the system is used by consumers. No other study is known to CPSC 

staff that collects data specific to the modular blade guard. 

5. Impact on Small Businesses 

During the participant recruitment stage, woodworking guilds will be contacted, and asked to 

post flyers, or include a flyer in their newsletter. This is voluntary for any entity contacted. 

The amount of time involved is minimal. The contractor: will provide all materials. No costs 

will be transferred to the small businesses. The small businesses themselves will not be 

participating in the survey data collection. 

6. Consequences of Not Conducting Collection 

7. 

Gathering this information will play a vital role in assisting CPSC staff during rulemaking 

efforts for table saws. Knowing if and how consumers are using the modular blade guard is 

crucial in determining whether this design could reduce Q_lade contact injuries on table saws. 

CPSC staff's ANPR briefing package considers the modul ar blade guard system, along with 

blade contact detection and stopping system, as possible rulem king solutions. If the blade 

guard is installed properly, it covers the blade, providing protection from the blade for the 

consumer. To understand its possible effectiveness in reducing the number of injuries and in 

turn determine the est suited ap~roach to the rulemaking effort, CPSC staff needs this 

information on if an how this modular blade guard system is being used. 

There are no special eire mstances in relation to collection of this information. The 

information will be voluntary and will not be used for statistical purposes. 

8. Agency's Federal Register Notice and Related Information 

A notice was published in the Federal Register on May 28, 2013 (78 FR 31897). Five 

comments were received. 

9. Payment or Gift 

The Contractor will provide a cash incentive of $50 to participants who complete the survey. 

The cash incentive will be provided for participants of the full study. Those who take part in 

the recruitment stage (that is, those contacting the contractor with an interest in 

participating), but are determined not eligible for the full study will not receive a cash 

incentive. 

4 
10. Confidentiality 

Participation in this study is voluntary. Individuals will receive informed consent at the 

recruitment stage and the interview stage. Participants will be informed that their identities 

will be kept confidential. No personally identifiable information will be .used in the final report 

and resulting data delivered to the CPSC. The Contractors will destroy confidential 

identifiers at the end of the study. 

Some interviews may be recorded as part of the quality control efforts of the study. These 

recordings will not be publically released. Demographic information collected will be 

generalized in all reports. No response will be attributed to a speci ic individual in the final 

report. Any recording of interviews will be disclosed to the responC:lent. 

Any data transfers containing PII between the contractor ap d CPSC staff who are 

coordinating the connection between recruitment and the full-scale survey will be done using 

password protected files. CPSC staff will destroy all files containing anY. PI at the end of the 

study. 

11. Questions of a Sensitive Nature 

This data collection does not contain any questions that are considered typically sensitive in 

nature. The data collection will include questions about the respondent's demographics, 

general amount of time the responde t us s the table saw, and if and how the modular 

blade guard is used. 

12. Burden of Information Collection 

CPSC staff estimates that the total time during the recruitment stage to verify if the 

respondents fits the study's target group of consumers will be no longer than 10 minutes, 

while the actual survey will last no longer than Z5 minutes. This creates a total time for each 

participant of 35 minutes, for each eligible respo dent. For the 200 anticipated eligible 

respondents, this is a total of 116 hours (200 x 0.58 hours). According to the September 11, 

2012, press release from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average compensational hourly 

rate is $29.23. The total cost of burden for this study is estimated at $3,391 . The table 

real<s down the estimated cost by type of collection. 

Numoer of Hours per Total Hours 

Recruitment '* + 

Telephone Survey 

Responden~ Response 

0.58 

*Hourly total compensation (wages+ benefits)= $29.23 

116 

Respondents 

Cost* 

$3,391 

** This does not include those that contact the Contractor, but are deemed ineligible for the 

study, due to the absence of the modular blade guard on their table saw. This is expected to be 

only a small number of responses, as the advertisements are written to recruit owners of only 

new saws that are equipped with the modular blade guard system. 

5 
13. Estimate of Total Annual Cost Burden to Respondents 

There are no costs to the respondents beyond time involved as detailed in Section 12. 

Respondents have the option of calling a toll-free number to start the recruitment process, or 

they may choose to utilize a web version. This eliminates any monetary cost to the 

respondents, leaving only the details of Section 12 as applicable. 

14. Costs to the Federal Government 

The estimated cost under the federal government contract is $276,585 for the costs of 

recruiting respondents and conducting the survey. In addition, one full-time CPSC 

employee will spend an estimated 600 hours of labor reviewing responses for a total 

estimated cost of $49,488, the equal to 600 hours at an hourly compensation rate of $57.08 

for a GS-14 Step 5 employee, with an additional 30.8 percent added for benefits for a total 

hourly compensation rate of $82.48. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, "Employer Costs for 

Employee Compensation," December 2012, Table 1, percentage of wages and salaries for 

all civilian management, professional, and related employees, http://www.bls.gov/ncs). 

Accordingly, the total estimated cost to the feaera governme tis $326,073 ($276,585 plus 

$49,488). 

15. Reason for Change 

This section is not applicable, as this is a new request fo 

16. Tabulation of Results, Schedule, Analysis Plans 

The contractors will deliver final reports including introduction, background, methodologies 

employed, results and conclusions to CPSC staff. The resulting database will be provided 

to CPSC staff. 

17. Exemption from Disg,laying OMB "Approval Date 

This section is not applicable, as no exemption is sought. 

This section is not applicable, as no exemptions are sought. 

6 
SCREENER FOR THE TABLE SAW STUDY 

RESPONDENT NUMBER j_j_j_j_j 

DISCLOSURE: [The information that you provide is voluntary and will be kept private to the extent 

provided by law.] 

I certify that the following answers are true and correct 1--'----------------

WEB SIGNATURE 

NAME ________________________ ~ PHONE ____ ~------~ ------

1. What is your age? 1-1--1 

AGE 

IF AGE 17 OR YOUNGER .................... 1 [END INTERVIEW] 

AGES 18+ ........................ ....................... 2 [GO TO 2] 

2. What is your gender? 

MALE .................................... ............... 1 [GO TO 3] 

FEMALE .......... ........................... 2 [GO TO 3] 

3. Do you own a table saw? 

YES ........ .. .......................... 1 [GO TO 4] 

NO ............ ............ ...... ........ 2 [END SURVEY] 

4. When did you purchase your table saw? 

I I [END SURVEY IF IT IS BEFORE 2009] 

YEAR PURCHASED [IF IT IS AFTER 2009- GO TO Q5] 

I did not purchase it (gift, barter) ....... .............. .. YES [ASK THE YEAR RECEIVED.] 

I I 

YEAR RECEIVED 

[END SURVEY IF IT IS BEFORE 2009] [IF IT IS AFTER 2009- GO TO Q5] 
5. Did you purchase/receive your table saw new or used? 

NEW .................... ..... ... .. ..... .. ...... 1 [GO TO Q6] 

USED ..... .. ... .. ............. ........ ... .. .... 2 [GO TO Q6] 

6. How old was your table saw when you purchased/received it? 

It was brand new .............. .. ... ...... .... ...... ...... YES [GO TO Q7] 

It was I I years old. [IF THE PURCHASE YEAR AND THE MANUFACTURER YEAR OF THE 

TABLE SAW COMBINATION IS LESS THAN 2009, END SURVEY] [Ex: Bought it in 2010, it was used and it was 4 

years old= most likely an 2006 model] 

Don't Know ..... ......... . .... .... .. ..... .... .... . ..... ... ... .......... ...... [GO TO Q7] 

7. How much did your table saw cost when you bought/received it? 

l_$ _______ 1 [GO TO Q8] 

PRICE 

I DID NOT PAY FOR IT ( gift, barter) ........ ......... .... .... ........ ... YES [GO TO Q8] 

8. Did your table saw come with a blade guard system? 

YES ................................................. 1 [GO TO Q9] 

NO ....... ...... .......... .. ........... ... 2 [END INTERVIEW] 

DON'T KNOW ..... .... ........ ...... .. 3 [GO TO Q9] 

2 
9. Which of the following best describes the blade guard that came with your table saw? 

The blade guard is a solid, hinged piece that moves up and down 

over the blade (Please see picture 1) .............. .... ....... .............. ...... 1 [END SURVEY] 

The blade guard has two hinged, side pieces that move up and down over the top and side of the blade, 

and can lock in the upper position (Please see picture 2) .. ....... .......... 2[GO TO QlO] 

None of these ........ ............ .. ........... ... .... .......... .. ... ........ ..... .. 3 [END SURVEY] 

I don't know ........... ......... ... .... .. ..... ......... ...... .... .. ......... ....... .4[END SURVEY] 

Picture 1 Picture 2 

10. Which of the following best describes where you most commonly use your table saw? 

At home for recreational purposes only ............................... 1 [GO TO Q 111 

At work only ............................. ..... ... .... ... ..... .... .. ..... .. 2 [END SURVEY] 

At home for recreational purposes and for work ..... ................ 3 [GO TO Qll] 

Other places, specify (e.g. recreational woodworker club) ... ..... .4[END SURVEY] 

I don't use the table saw ............... .. .. .................................. 5 [END SURVEY] 

11. When was the last time you used your table was saw? 

MONTH YEAR 

[IF IT IS MORE THAN A YEAR AGO, END INTERVIEW] 

12. What is the manufacturer name and the model number of that table saw? 

a. MANUFACTURER NAME 1-----------------:1 

b. MODEL NUMBER I I 

c. SERIAL NUMBER I I 

3 
13. How did you find out about this survey?[ SELECT ALL THAT APPLY] 

Craigslist ad .... ............. ... .. ..... ....... ....... 1 

From local woodworkers club ............. ....... 2 

Print Media (Newsletter, magazine) .......... ... 3 

Word of mouth ....... ... .... .. .... ................. .4 

E-mail. .......... ....................... ........... ... 5 

Other [Specify] ............. ..... ...... .... ..... ..... 6 

14. Someone will call you from Eureka Facts between [INSERT DATE] and 

[INSERT DATE]. What is the best phone number, time and day to reach 

you? This will take about 25 minutes of your time or less and Eureka Facts 

will send you a $50 check after the interview is completed. 

DATE: __________________ ~--

TIME: ------------------------- These are all the questions I have for you today, thank you for your time and have a great 

day. 

4 
Modular Blade Guard Use Survey 

Interviewer: Do not read aloud the "Don't know/Refused" option at any time during the 

interview. Only record this option if the respondent provides it him or herself. If the 

respondent indicates that they don't know the answer to a question, mark the 

appropriate answer or fill in "OK" in the space provided. 

I. Contact 

(1) Hello. May I speak with ? 

Do not read the choices aloud. Mark the appropriate choice. 

• Person is available 7Skip to Q3 

• Person is unavailable 

(2) When is a good time to contact him/her? Interviewer: Terminate interview until the 

recruited respondent is available. Do not substitute respondents. 

(3) Hello. I'm . I am with Ebre aFacts, a esearch company located in 

Maryland. We are performing a study for the U.S. Consu;ner Product Safety Commission 

to learn more about table saw blade guard use. You inc:Jicated that you'd be willing to be 

part of this study by contacting Westat based on their outreach effort. The survey should 

take about 25 minutes to complete, and if you qualif¥ nd complete the survey you will 

receive $50 to thank you for your time. Are you still interested in participating in this 

survey? 

• 

II. 

( 4) There is some informatio that we need to verify before we begin the survey. This will 

only take a few moments. 

Interviewer: Fill in the blank with the age provided by Westat. Do not read the 

choices. If age is not provided, then ask "What is your age?" and fill in the 

results in the "No" response and indicate the respondent's age. 

a) Yes 

b) No, the correct age is __ _ 

c) Refused 

(6) Our records indicate that the manufacturer of your table saw is . Is this 

correct? Interviewer: Fill in the blank with the information provided from Westat. 

If this information is not available from the screener, ask: Who is the manufacturer of 

your table saw? (If the respondent does not have this information, and cannot/will 

1 
not obtain it while on the phone, enter "Don't Know" and move to the next 

question.) 

a) Yes 

b) No 7 Who is the correct manufacturer? ____ _ 

c) Don't know/refuse 

(7) Our records indicate that the model of your table saw is . Is this correct? 

Interviewer: Fill in the blank with the information provided from Westat. 

If this information is not available from the screener, ask: What is the model name or 

number of your table saw? (If the respondent does not ave this information, and 

cannot/will not obtain it while on the phone, enter: "Don't Know" and move to the 

next question.) 

a) Yes 

b) No 7 What is the model of your table saw? - ""'=-.::.-.---

c) Don't know/refused 

Ill. The Participant's Table Saw 

(8) To begin, I have a few questions about your table saw. I am going to rea you 

descriptions of different types of table saws and ask you to identify which of the 

descriptions match the saw ttiat you own. 

Interviewer: Please read the definitions provided below to identify the type of saw 

owned. Terminate interview if respondent does not own at least one of the three 

saws identified below or says he/she only owns a hand saw, circular saw, band 

saw, jigsaw, sabre saw, or hacksaws, etc. 

• A benchtop portable bench saw is a lightweight and compact saw with an 

___ aluminum tabletop and is easily carried around. This saw is typically set on a 

Bench-top or other raised surface. Some models may include removable 

--stands or foldable legs. 

• A contractor saw is a medium-duty, semi-portable machine that ranges from 

200 to 350)),ounds. These saws usually feature a cast iron table top and 

have an OP,en, attached stand or base that reaches to the floor. 

• A stationary saw also called a cabinet saw is a heavy-duty saw that sits on 

the floor, has a large table top and has a closed cabinet stand that reaches to 

the floor. It is also sometimes referred to as an industrial table saw. 

Which type of table saw do you own? 

a) Portable bench saw 

b) Contractor saw 

c) Stationary/Cabinet saw (also known as an industrial table saw) 

d) Other Type (Please specify) 7 Interviewer: Note and 

continue if R identifies "hybrid saw." Terminate for any other type 

mentioned. 

e) None of these 7 Interviewer: Terminate interview. Inform the respondent 

that the $50 incentive is not provided for incomplete interviews. 

f) Don't know/Refused 

2 
(9) The blade guard of a table saw surrounds the portion of the blade protruding through the 

saw table top. The guard lifts out of the way when material is fed into the saw. Blade 

guards are commonly made of transparent plastic but sometimes of metal. A traditional 

blade guard has a single-piece hood resting over the saw blade. A modular blade guard 

system, also called a dual guard system, has two sections that operate independently on 

either side of the blade. 

Did the table saw come with a modular blade guard or a traditional blade guard? 

a) Modular/dual blade guard -?Verify that the respondent is considering 

only a modular blade guard system and not a traditional blade guard. 

b) Traditional blade guard -7 Verify that this is the accurate answer. 

Terminate interview if determined to be correct. They do not qualify for 

the study. They will not receive the $50 incentive. 

c) Did not come with a blade guarc}-7 Verify that this is the accurate answer. 

Terminate interview if determined to be correct. They do not qualify for 

the study. They will not receive the $50 i centive. 

d) Don't know/refused -?Verify that this is t e accurate answer. Terminate 

interview if determined to be correct. They do not qualify for the study. 

They will not receive the $50 incentive. 

(1 0) In what year did you J:?Urchase the table saw? 

a) 2009 

b) 2010 

c) 2011 

d) 2012 

e) 2013 

f) Other:--__,.; ---=--=---=-

g) Don't know/Refused_---'::.,--.....---

I I 

YEAR RECEIVED 

If it is before 2009 -7 Terminate interview. They do not qualify for the study. They will 

not receive the $50 incentive. 

If it is in/after 2009-7 GO TO Q11 

(11) Was the table saw new or used when you purchased/received it? 

a) New, -?Skip to Q 13 

b) Used -7 Go to next (Q 12) 

c) Don't know/Refused, -?Skip to Q 13 

3 
(12) About how old was your saw when you purchased/received it? 

a) Less than 1 year 

b) 1 year 

c) 2-3 years 

d) 4-5 years 

e) Over 5 years 

f) Other: ______ _ 

g) Don't know/refused 

If the purchase year and the age of table saw combination is less than 2009, end survey. 

[Ex: Bought it in 2010, it was used and it was 4 years old= most likely a 2006 model.] 7 

Terminate interview. They do not qualify for the study. They will not receive the $50 

incentive. 

(13) Interviewer: 

IF respondent purchased their saw 

table saw cost?" --------

IF respondent purchased their saw USED, proximately, how much did the 

table saw cost when it was new?" -------"-<~.,... 

Interviewer: If exact cost is unknown, try to g . Provide 

respondents 'wifli cost range categories. 

a) 

b) 

c) 

d) 

e) 

f) 

g) 

h) 

IV. Table Saw Use 

(14) When was the last time you used the saw? Was it ... [Interviewer: Read categories, 

begin at the most recent and stop at first "yes." Do not read "Don't know."] 

a) Within the last 30 days 

b) Within the last 6 months 

c) Within the last year 

d) Within the last two years 

e) Within the last three years 

f) Other _ ___,_ 

g) Don't know/Refused 

4 
(15) How often do you use your table saw? Are you using it... [Interviewer read 

categories, begin at the most frequent and stop at first "yes." Do not read "Don't 

know."] 

a) Every day 

b) 2-3 times a week 

c) Every week 

d) 1 to 3 times per month 

e) Less than once a month, but more than twice a year 

f) 2 times per year or less 

g) Other: ______ _ 

h) Don't know/Refused 

( 16) About how much time do you spend during a tyQical ::.e~;;:m:tr l when using your table saw? 

Are you using it .. . [Interviewer read categories, begin shortest length of time 

and go up and stop at first "yes." Do not read "Don't 

a) Less than 30 minutes 

b) 30 minutes to less than 1 hour 

c) 1 hour 

d) 1-2 hours 

e) 3-4 hours 

f) More than four hours 

g) Other: --------l:

h) Don't know/Refused 

V. Blade Guard Use 

(17) When you oought or received your table saw cl"d it come with the blade guard installed? 

D not read tile choices aloud. Mark the appropriate choice. 

Yes, -7Skip to Q 21 

No, it requiretl installation -7Go to next (Q 19) 

Don't know, :?Skip to Q 21 

(18) After you purchased r received your table saw, when did you install the blade guard? 

a) I installetl it before using it the first time, -7Skip to Q 21 

b) I installed it but only after using it first 

c) It has not yet been installed 

d) Other , -7Skip to Q 21 

e) Don't know/Refused, -7Skip to Q 21 

5 
(19) What was the reason why you operated the table saw without initially installing the blade 

guard? 

(20) Which of the following best describes the current condition of your blade guard? 

a) It is in good condition, with no parts missing 

b) It is generally in good condition, but some parts are missing 

c) It is damaged but usable 

d) It is damaged and not usable, 

e) Something else? Please specify ___ _ 

f) Don't know/Refused 

(21) Do you know of any circumstances that require the blade guard to be removed? 

(22) I am going to read a list of reasons why some ne/mi ht operate a table saw without 

using a blade guard. Thinking of the times you have operated your current table saw, for 

which of the following reasons was the blade guard ever removed or positioned out of 

a. 

b. 

c. 

d. 

e. 

f. 

g. 

h. 

i. 

j. 

th e way. ? B ecause 1 "t • • • INTERVIEWER : R ea d h eac ~ f an d wa1 "t f or th 

respondent to / sw' s or no for each option. ~ e 

(( \\ Yes No Don't 

know 

Slows down cutting '- ) Lc 

Makes it harder to keep th(labl~~ar 

of saw dust ' 

Makes cutting more diffi u[t or awkwara,) 

Makes cutting less precise or: lo"Y in 

quality 

Blocks my view of the wood while tting 

Blocks the lighting on the wood while 

cutting 

Makes it harder to control the wood while 

cutting 

It makes feeding the wood into the saw 

more difficult 

Some cuts are difficult or impossible with -?If yes, Go to Q 23 

the blade guard in place (next) 

Are there any other reasons why you If yes, please elaborate: 

removed the blade guard? 

Interviewer Note: If response to "i," is "No" or "Don't know", skip Q23 and go 

to Q24. 

6 
(23) You indicated that you remove the blade guard for certain types of cuts. For which types 

of cuts do you have to remove the blade guard? 

INTERVIEWER: This is an open-end question. Possible answers include nonthrough cuts, dado, rabbet, dovetail, recesses, grooves, notches, etc. 

Please describe ----------------------

(24) Thinking about all the times you have operated your current table saw, how often did you 

operate the table saw with the blade guard removed or positioned out of the way of the 

cut for any reason? 

Interviewer: Read all the choices except don't know, before obtaining the 

respondent's answer. 

a) Always 

b) Often 

c) Sometimes 

d) Rarely 

e) Never -?Skip to Q26 

f) Don't know/Refused -?Skip 

(24b) Interviewer Note: Read the following definiti 

A through-cut is any cutting operation where the height . saw blade is higher than 

the height of the wood bei g cut. The blade cuts the wood into two pieces. 

Have you ever removed the blade guard for a through-cut? 

(24c) Interviewer Note: Read the following definition to all respondents: 

A non-through c t is any cutting operation where the height of the saw blade is lower 

than the height of tfl wo d being cut. The blade cuts into, but not all the way through, 

the wood. The blaCI~ cuts a groove or channel in the wood that is the same thickness of 

the blade. 

Have you ever removed the blade guard for non-through cuts? 

a) Yes, If yes, Ask: Why did you remove the blade guard? 

b) No 

c) Don't know/Refused 

7 
(24d) Thinking about all the times you have operated your current table saw, how often do 

you perform non-through cuts? 

Interviewer, repeat the definition of non-through cut, if needed: A non-through cut 

is any cutting operation where the height of the saw blade is lower than the height 

of the wood being cut. The blade cuts into, but not all the way through, the wood. 

The blade cuts a groove or channel in the wood that is the same thickness of the 

blade. 

a) Always 

b) Often 

c) Sometimes 

d) Rarely 

e) Never 

f) Don't know/Refused 

(25) Interviewer Note: Read choices a-e before obtaining a 

After you remove the blade guard regardless of whether it for 

cut, when do you typically re-install the blade guard? 

a) After finishing the task for which it was removed, 

b) The next time you use t e saw, 

c) The next cut that can be do e Wi h the blade guard, 

d) Some other time 7 Go o 26 

e) Never 

f) Don't know/Refused, 

(26) When is that, typically? ____ Interviewer: Gain as much detail as possible. If 

needed, follow-up and ask: 

(27) When the table saw is not in use, where is your blade guard typically stored? 

a) On the saw, mounted in place over the saw blade. 

b) Near the saw, but not mounted on the saw (This includes anywhere in the 

workshop, out n t mounted over the saw blade.) 

c) In some otfle location. Where? - - - --------

d) Don't know/Refused 

8 
VI. Table Saw Experience 

(28) Which of the following best describes your level of expertise using table saws: casual 

user, hobbyist, regular user, semiprofessional, or professional? 

a) Casual user I Hobbyist 

b) Semiprofessional 

c) Professional 

d) Don't know/Refused 

(29) On a scale from 1 to 7, where 1 is the lowest skill level and 7 is the highest, how would 

you assess your table saw skills level? 

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 

(30) How many years have you been using table saws? 

(31) Have you ever used a traditional blade guard with a table saw? 

Interviewer: If needed, remind the responCienLof t e difference between a 

traditional blade guard system and the modular lllade guard system. A traditional 

blade guard has a single-piece hood resting over tbe saw blade. A modular blade guard 

system, also called dual guard system, has two sec 'ions- hat operate independently on 

either side of the blade. 

a) Yes -?Go to Q32 

b) No -?SkiR to Q3 

c) Don't know/Refused -?Skip to Q34 

(32) Please compare your use o the mod lar blade guard to your use of traditional blade 

guard. Have you used the modular blaae guard more or less frequently, or about the 

same as the traditional blade guard? 

a) More frequently 

b) Less frequently 

c) About the same 

d) Don't know/Refused 

(33) Assuming identical saws, do you prefer using a table saw with a modular blade guard, a 

traditional hood blade guard, or no blade guard? 

a) Modular blade guard 

b) Traditional blade guard 

c) No blade guard 

d) Don't know/Refused 

(34) Is there anything else you would like to add about your experience with modular blade 

guards? 

9 
VII. Safety attitudes 

(35) Based on your own personal experience, how dangerous do you consider working with a 

table saw to be? 

a) Not at all dangerous 

b) Slightly dangerous 

c) Moderately dangerous 

d) Very dangerous 

e) Don't know/Refused 

(36) In your opinion, to what extent does using the modular blade guard prevents hazards 

associated with operating a table saw? 

a) Not at all 

b) A small extent 

c) A moderate extent 

d) A large extent 

e) Don't know/Refused 

VIII. Incentive Verification 

Thank you for your time. Your answers will help identify 

patterns and will be used to help to reduce injuries on ta 

As appreciation for your time, we would like to send you a check for $50. Could yoli 

please provide your full name and mailing address? 

Interviewer: Fill in the blank with the respondent's name and address, and 

yerify it. If needed, assure the respondent of the confidentiality of the 

information Qrovided. 

Interview Termination script: 

Thank you for your interest in our survey. Unfortunately, you are not qualified for this study. 

Thank you for your time. 

Interviewer: Read only if R asks: Since you did not complete the survey you are not eligible for 

the $50 incentive. 

10 
Frequently Asked Questions 

1) What is the purpose of this study? I What is this study about? 

This study, sponsored by the U.S Consumer Product Safety Commission, is about 

identifying table saw usage patterns and finding out more about user experiences with the 

new modular blade guard. The study findings will be used to help reduce table saw 

In JUnes. 

2) What Federal Agency is supporting this work? 

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is the SQonsor of this study. The CPSC 

is charged with protecting the public from unreaso abl risks of injury or death 

associated with the use of the thousands of consume products under agency's 

jurisdiction. 

3) What type of information will be collected? 

The survey questions will be asking about your experiences with yo r table saw. 

4) What are the procedures I Rhases of the study? 

First, you will be asked a few screening questions to see if you are eligible to participate. 

If you meet the requirements, ~o ill e contacted by EurekaFacts for the full survey. 

5) 

6) When will you call me to do the survey? 

Someone from EurekaFacts will call you, at your convenience, between [INSERT 

DATE] and [INSERT DATE].You will have the opportunity to provide a convenient 

timeframe, if1t is determined that you qualif¥: for the study. 

7) Wh n will I receive the $50? 

You will receive a $50 check upon completing the 25 minute, full survey. Allow 2-3 

weeKs for processing. 

8) Who is Westat? 

Westat is a research c mQ yin Rockville, MD, that is under contract to the U.S. 

Consumer Product Safet Commission to recruit table saw users for this study. For more 

information about Westat, you may visit http://www.westat.com. 

9) Who is EurekaFacts? 

EurekaFacts is a research firm that will be conducting the full survey for this study. For 

more information about EurekaFacts, you may visit http://www.eurekafacts.com. 

10) Who should I contact if I have further questions about the study? 

You may contact Christine Horak, Director of Research and Analytics 

at EurekaFacts. Her phone number is (301) 610-0590. 
Receive $50 

Research 0 ortunit for Table Saw Users 

Westat, a social research company, working under contract with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety 

Commission, is looking for table saw users who use a table saw manufactured since 2009. 

If you are interested, please visit [WEB SITE] or call [TOLL FREE NUMBER] to see if you meet the 

eligibility requirements for this study. You will be asked a series of questions, including the 

manufacturer name, model number and the serial number of your table saw, prior to setting up the 25-

minute interview. 

All information you give us will be treated strictly confidential and you will not be put on a 

marketing/mailing list. 

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SUBJECT LINE: TABLE SAW USERS NEEDED FOR A RESEARCH STUDY 

_______ Woodworkers Club, 

Westat, a social research company, working under contract with the U.S. Consumer Product 

Safety Commission, is looking for table saw users who use a table saw manufactured since 

2009. 

To determine eligibility for the study, individuals will be asked be asked a series of questions, 

including the manufacturer's name, product model number and the serial number o the table 

saw. Those who meet the eligibility requirements and complete a follow-up 25 minute survey 

will receive a $50 check. 

We would like to mail you flyers to post i th common areas of your club. If you have a 

newsletter, we would like to discuss wheth r; thiS'a nouncement could be included. 

If you have any question, please send an e-mail•t 

Free Number]. 

All information you give us will be treated strictly co fidential and your members will not be 

put on a marketing/mailing list. 

1550 Research Blvd. 

Rockville, MD 20850 

www.westat.com 
CRAIGSLIST ADVERTISEMENT 

TITLE: TABLE SAW USER NEEDED FOR A 25 MINUTE INTERVIEW- RECEIVE $50. 

Receive $50 for an interview about table saw usage. 

If you are interested, please visit [Website] to see if you meet certain eligibility requirements for this 

study. You will be asked a series of questions, including the manufacturer's name, proouct model 

number and the serial number of your table saw, prior to setting up a 25-minute intervie~ 

If you have problems accessing the website, please send an e-mail to tablesawsafety@westat.com 

including your name, telephone number, and the best time to reach you. 

All information you provide will be treated stri tly confidential and you will not be put on a 

marketing/mailing ist ~