Please read the risk assessment below
- This risk assessment is intended to provide guidance on the risk associated with the above equipment and activities in normal use.
- Please also check general risk assessments for the area within which this equipment or activity is based.
- Any discrepancies, errors or concerns should be raised with the document authors, area specialists (e.g. admins, superusers) or trustees.
Understanding Risk Rating:
| Risk Rating | Action |
| LOW | Ensure current control measures are in place and continue with activity |
| MED | Control measures may be adequate, co-supervision is recommended |
| HIGH | Do not undertake activity without further consultation with area specialists |
Risk Assessment:
| Identify Hazards | Who may be harmed and how | Severity | Control Measures | Likelihood | Risk Rating |
| Something with the potential to cause harm | Users, bystanders or particular at risk groups | Low / Medium / High | What is in place to reduce the harm or likelihood. | Low / Medium / High | Calculate from table above |
| Incompetent user | User, Bystander | HIGH | Users must not use tools that they are not competent to use. Members must challenge use that they believe is dangerous. Users must read the user manual where applicable Users must read the risk assessment before using a tool | LOW | MED |
| Contact with bit, drill, blade, or disc | User – serious harm | HIGH | Guards must not be removed and must be used where they are provided on the tool. Ensure all loose clothing and long hair are tied back to prevent contact with the tool. Do not place excessive pressure on the tool to achieve a hole or cut. Do not put hands into exclusion zone (within 10cm of cutting or drilling area). Do not leave tool running when not in use Switch tool off immediately after use | LOW | MED |
| Drawing in (being pulled into the belt sander, grinder, or circular saw) | User of the tool – serious harm | HIGH | Ensure all loose clothing and long hair are tied back to prevent contact with the tool. Do not put hands into exclusion zone (within 10cm of the cutting area). | LOW | MED |
| Dust (inhalation, fire, explosion) | User of the tool, users of the room, the space – breathing difficulties/irritation | MED | The tool must be used with the dust extractor attached and working, where a connection is provided on the tool. Maintenance must include the cleaning of dust from within the tool housing. A respirator or mask should be used whilst cutting or sanding | LOW | LOW |
| Ejection of workpiece (Kickback from saws and grinder) | User of the tool, users of the room, the space. – serious harm | HIGH | Do not stand in the path of moving material Ensure the workpiece is clamped to a surface or a vice (except for the plunge saw) | LOW | MED |
| Noise | User of the tool, users of the room. | MED | Ear protection is advised. | LOW | LOW |
| Flying splinters | User of the tool, users of the room. – Eye injury | MED | Eye protection must be worn in the room | LOW | LOW |