Knots and knotholes are hazards that contribute to cutout accidents.

• A. True
• B. Not a hazard
• C. False
• D. Sometimes

Answer: (C)

In safety terms, the focus is on actual hazards that increase the risk of an accident during a cutting operation. Knots and knotholes are defects in the lumber that affect how a cut behaves—they can cause tear-out, binding, or uneven cuts and can wear tools more quickly. But they aren’t considered hazards by themselves in the context of cutout accidents. They influence the quality and ease of the work and may indirectly raise risk through difficult handling or tool strain, yet they aren’t the hazard category that leads to a cutout accident. The safer takeaway is to manage them by choosing better stock or adjusting technique to minimize tear-out and binding, while remaining vigilant about real hazards like unguarded equipment, loose clothing, or improper tool use.