Risk Assessment/ Table Saws
This risk assessment has been performed by the machine maintainers - do not modify yourself, but helpful suggestions are welcome via Discord/ mailing list
Draft for Discussion
Activity: Cutting wood or plastic on the table saw Equipment: Equipment/Sedgwick Table saw, Equipment/Dewalt Table saw Details of activity Induction / Role Required: Workshop induction For responsible persons and last update, see 'version log' of this page 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 maintainers 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 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 should 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. LOW MED Contact with blade User HIGH Do not remove guard under any circumstances. Ensure the riving knife is in place before use 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 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 put hands into exclusion zone (within 30cm of blade). Do not lean over blade LOW MED Ejection of workpiece (Kickback) User of the tool, users of the room, 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 of the tool, users of the room, the space. 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, bystanders 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 of the tool, users of the room. LOW Ear protection is advised. LOW LOW Flying splinters User of the tool, users of the room. 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
