Risk Assessment/ Mitre Saws

Risk Assessment - Mitre 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 material with a mitre saw

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 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 blade	User	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	HIGH	User 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	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 jamming	User, 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
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.	HIGH	Eye protection must be worn In the workshop	LOW	MED