A preferred embodiment of the present invention is directed to a modular saw guard system for a power saw of the type which has a table top, a rotatable circular saw blade, the table top having an opening through which the saw blade can extend, the system comprising a riving knife mounted to the saw rearwardly of the blade and having a top surface and at least one aperture near the top surface, a blade guard and kickback prevention mechanism that is releasably mounted to the riving knife, the mechanism comprising a mounting channel configured to fit on and be releasably attached to the riving knife, the blade guard portion being pivotally attached to the mounting channel, the kickback prevention portion being pivotally attached to the mounting channel; and a lever mechanism for holding the mounting channel to the riving knife and for releasing the mounting channel for removal therefrom, the lever mechanism including a movable pin member for engaging the aperture of the riving knife.