Risk Assessment for Wood Working Equipment

1. Machines should be sited with safety in mind: laid out in operational sequence.
2. Clear passageways must be provided for personnel and equipment, when designing layout consideration must be given to any special materials handling requirements. First-aid kit and a qualified first-aider to be on the premises when Cutting machines are being used.
3. Machines to be checked before use to ensure guards are correctly fitted and work properly.
4. Only 110 volt equipment is to be used, with leads positioned to remove trip hazards and damage to loads.
5. Extensive use of machines requires an area to be set aside where noise and dust controls can be introduced.
6. Blades should be regularly inspected to ensure they are sharp; blunt Blades contribute to accidents.
7. Push sticks, jigs, holders, automatic feeding tables, etc should be used whenever possible to keep fingers away from Blades.
8. Cutting machines give rise to noise levels in excess of the permitted standard, thus employees hearing can be seriously affected.  Ear protection zones to be introduced and appropriately signed.
9. All employees should be issued with ear defenders, but such PPE should not be regarded as a permanent solution.  Effective noise suppressant systems should be investigated (e.g. anti-vibration mountings, damping panels to eliminate vibration & rattle, exhaust silencers, screening and noise enclosures).

Only trained and competent persons over 18 years old will operate cutting machines. Changing of abrasive wheels must only be done by trained competent persons.