What is a required safety feature for radial arm power saws?

For radial arm power saws, having an automatic brake is a crucial safety feature. This mechanism is designed to quickly stop the blade's movement when the power is cut off, significantly reducing the risk of accidents and injuries. The automatic brake can be particularly valuable because it minimizes the time the blade continues to spin after the tool is turned off, lowering the chance of accidental contact with the blade. This feature is essential in maintaining a safe working environment and is often mandated by safety regulations.

In addition to the automatic brake, other safety features like safety guards and manual power switches are important, but they serve different purposes. For example, while safety guards help prevent accidental contact with the blade, they do not actively stop the blade once the power is turned off. Therefore, while multiple safety features exist, the automatic brake stands out as a required feature for enhancing the safety of radial arm power saws.