Risk Assessment/ Table Saws

Risk Assessment - Table Saws

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 space as a whole. Any discrepancies, errors or concerns should be raised with the document maintainers or trustees - do not edit this assessment directly. For responsible persons and last update, see 'version log' of the assessment page.

Activity

Cutting wood or plastic on the table saw

Signage

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Understanding Risk Rating

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
Incompetent user	User, Bystander	HIGH	Users must be inducted to use this tool. Members must challenge use that they believe is dangerous. Users should read the user manual where applicable. Users must read the risk assessment before using a tool.	LOW	MED
Contact with blade	User	HIGH	Use guards as per instruction manual. Do not put hands into exclusion zone (within 30cm of blade). Use push sticks and the fence provided when making cuts. Do not move hands past the blade. Do not lean over the blade. Saw should be switched 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	HIGH	User should not wear gloves, ties, scarves, or other long flowy clothing that could get pulled into the blade. Do not put hands into exclusion zone (within 30cm of blade). Do not lean over blade	LOW	MED
Ejection of workpiece (Kickback)	User, bystander, the space	HIGH	Do not stand directly behind blade. Use a feather board when working with smaller pieces. Take care to keep the workpiece against the fence when making mitre cuts Ensure riving knife is in place	LOW	MED
Dust (inhalation, fire, explosion)	User, bystander	LOW	The saw should be used with the dust extractor attached and working. Maintenance must include the cleaning of dust from within the saw housing. A respirator or mask should be used whilst operating this tool for prolonged periods	LOW	LOW
Blade snatching or jamming	User, bystander	MED	Only cut wood and plastic on the table saw Ensure a visual inspection of the table saw is undertaken before every use to check for physical obstructions	LOW	LOW
Noise	User, bystander	LOW	Ear protection is advised. User to give audible warning (EARS, GOING LOUD) before switching on	LOW	LOW
Flying splinters	User, bystander	LOW	Eye protection must be worn whilst using the table saw Eye protection must be worn by all users of the workshop. Do not cut small pieces	LOW	LOW