Routers CNC routers and spindle moulders: hazard identification
Risk management strategy for router machines which identifies hazards that can expose a worker to the risk of injury, and records the measures used to remove or reduce the level of risk.
Risk management identifies hazards that can expose a worker to the risk of injury, and records the measures used to remove or reduce the level of risk.
The following table is a risk management strategy for router machines
Risk management strategy
Hazard identification
Risk factors
Risk control measures
1
Cutting hazard created by the cutters
Exposed section of the cutter
Premature start-up of the machine
Tripping hazards
Slippery floor surfaces
Perimeter fence guarding or presence-sensing system encloses entire router to prevent access to moving parts
All moving parts behind the fence are enclosed
The entire cutter head (other than that for cutting) is enclosed within guarding
Clear workspace is maintained around the machine
Safety tooling, including jigs or fixtures, are used when manually feeding the work piece
2
Crushing from transmission driven or associated equipment
Maintenance access to internal area of the router machine
Fixed guarding encloses all transmission and associated moving parts
3
Object being ‘thrown’ by the router cutters
Work piece is not held securely when being cut and lifts off the work table
Cutters are blunt and catch on the timber
Cutters are run at higher speeds than they are designed for
Use a jig to hold the work piece firmly as it is guided past the cutter
Ensure the cutters are sharp and clean with a regular maintenance program
Safety glasses are worn by the operator
Ensure the right cutters are used for the right timber and that maximum tool speeds are not exceeded
Vacuum system holds work piece in place, and if the vacuum pressure drops, the machine stops
4
Manual handling when feeding and retrieving timber from the router
Poor work height due to fixed height of work Variation in material size, shape and weight
Provide standing platform for the operator to work at a safe and comfortable height
Store raw materials at appropriate height to avoid the need for bending or twisting
Use a second person to guide long or large pieces from the machine
5
Slips, trips and falls
Obstructed or cluttered work area around the machine
Slippery and uneven floor surface
Maintain a clear work space in and around the machine
Provide non-slip floor surfaces that give a firm foothold
6
Airborne contaminants
(eg dust and vapours)
High speed cutting action
Ventilation/extraction system poorly maintained
Provide and maintain local exhaust ventilation
Wear protective personal equipment (ppe) such as face masks
Regularly vacuum dust and sawdust
Note: Do not use compressed air to remove dust from skin or clothing
7
Noise from machinery operation and production processes
Different woods creating varying noise levels when being processed
Various machines in the area operating simultaneously
Local acoustic dampening to reduce noise levels
Hearing protectors used by all people accessing the workshop