Mitre Saw

Please refer to the manual for this tool, and read the Risk Assessment Below

Date of Assessment01/10/21Version1.0
ActivityCutting wood or plastic with the band saw
EquipmentMitre saw
Details of activity 
Induction / Role RequiredWorkshop induction
Form completed byChris Nash 
  • 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 RatingAction
LOWEnsure current control measures are in place and continue with activity
MEDControl measures may be adequate, co-supervision is recommended
HIGHDo not undertake activity without further consultation with area specialists

Risk Assessment

Identify HazardsWho may be harmed and howSeverityControl MeasuresLikelihoodRisk Rating
Something with the potential to cause harmUsers, bystanders or particular at risk groupsLow / Medium / HighWhat is in place to reduce the harm or likelihood.Low / Medium / High
Incompetent userUser, BystanderHIGH          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.  Users will be advised during induction which tools they will need supervision or an induction to use.   Only authorised members will complete maintenance and calibration tasks.LOW        MED      
Contact with bladeUser  HIGH      Do not put hands into exclusion zone.  Clamp small work pieces to avoid contact with hands close to the blade.  Saw should be turned off immediately after use   Saw blade should stop within 10 seconds of being turned off.  LOW        MED
Drawing in (being pulled into the saw)User of the tool  HIGHUser of the saw should not wear gloves, ties, scarves, or other long flowy clothing that could get pulled into the blade.   Do not move hands past the blade  LOW  MED
Dust (inhalation, fire, explosion)User of the tool, users of the room, the space.      MED      The saw should be used with the workshop dust extractor.   Maintenance must include the cleaning of dust from within the saw housing where accessible.   A respirator or mask should be used whilst operating this tool for prolonged periods. LOW        LOW    
Blade snatching or jammingUser, bystanders    HIGH      Only cut wood and plastic on the mitre saw   Ensure a visual inspection of the mitre saw is undertaken before every use, checking for physical obstructions    LOW      MED
NoiseUser of the tool, users of the room.  MEDEar protection is advised.LOW  LOW
Flying splintersUser of the tool, users of the room.  HIGHEye protection must be worn In the workshopLOW    MED