Risk Assessment/ CNC Routers

Risk Assessment - CNC Routers

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, metal or suitable plastics on the CNC routers

Signage

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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 not use tools that they are not competent to use.   Members must challenge use that they believe is dangerous.  Users must read the risk assessment before using a tool.   Users must complete induction before use.	LOW	MED
Contact with router bit	User	HIGH	Do not touch moving parts of machine once in use   Do not put hands into exclusion zone (within 30cm of router bit).   CNC should be switched off immediately after use   Spindle should stop within 10 seconds of being turned off.    Use guard/ doors if available	LOW	MED
Ejection of workpiece (Kickback)	User of the tool, users of the room, the space.	HIGH	Check that material to be cut is fixed securely to the bed before switching the machine on. Take particular care when working with smaller pieces of material to ensure the material will not move.   Use tabs on your design file whenever you are cutting through material completely.	LOW	MED
Dust (inhalation, fire, explosion)	User of the tool, users of the room, the space.	LOW	A respirator or mask should be used whilst operatingun-enclosed tools for prolonged periods	LOW	LOW
Blade snatching or jamming	User of the tool, users of the room, the space.	LOW	Do not exceed the recommended feed and speed settings on the CNC   Do not exceed recommended cutting depths   Make sure that your material is free from foreign objects.   Do not make a cut that exceeds your material depth.	LOW	LOW
Noise	User of the tool, users of the room.	LOW	Ear protection is advised.	LOW	LOW
Flying splinters or broken router bit	User of the tool, users of the room.	MED	Eye protection must be worn whilst using the CNC   Eye protection must be worn by all users of the workshop.   Do not exceed the recommended feed and speed settings on the CNC   Do not exceed recommended cutting depths   Make sure that your material is free from foreign objects.   Do not make a cut that exceeds your material depth.    Close doors on enclosed machines	LOW	LOW