Where possible, you should minimise site-work by using sheets cut to length in the factory.
For cutting thin metal on site, we recommend that you use a power saw with a metal-cutting blade because it produces fewer damaging hot metal particles and leaves less resultant burr than does a carborundum disc.
Alternative cutting tools (electric shears and nibblers) are also suitable however extra care with the straightness of the cut may be required.
Cut materials over the ground and not over other materials where hot particles can fall and cause damage to finishes – especially COLORBOND® steel pre-painted finishes. It is best to have the exterior colour finish of a COLORBOND® steel pre-painted sheet facing down; however you must then protect the paint finish from scratching by your work supports.
If you must cut materials near sheets already installed, mask them or direct the stream of hot particles away. Reciprocating nibblers are also widely used in the roofing trade, and they produce an excellent cut.
The resulting small, sharp scraps, called swarf, can rust and damage finishes; and they can cause personal injury. Take special care to clean up these scraps (see Section: Clean Up).