although this probably is a questionable use of a table saw, I wouldn't say it is completely inappropriate. The huge thing that a table saw gives you that most other saws don't is the ability to make the exact same length board over and over again. That reason is one of the main reasons that I'll choose a table saw over a radial arm saw. If you really need something thats plum, square and has clean corners using a table saw properly can really make that easy.
As far as the topic goes I'd say the
safety lesson here is use a push stick to make sure that both cuts are clear of the saw before you change your focus to anything else (even if it's to turn the saw off).