The following table is a risk management strategy for saws.
Band saw
Panel circular saw
Beam saw
Cross cutting saw
Multi-cut saw
Bench circular saw
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.
Risk management strategy
Hazard identification
Risk factors
Risk control measures
1
Cutting, laceration
Operator reaches into the cutting area
Exposed section of blade
Premature start-up of the saw
Guards and riving knife are correctly installed, maintained and used
Where possible blades retract when not in use
Push stick is available and used to move the timber through the saw
2
Crushing from transmission driven or associated equipment
Access to internal area of machine
Potential jam requiring access for clearing
Timber falling from machine
Fixed guarding encloses all transmission and associated moving parts
3
Object being ‘thrown’ by the saw
Using wet or green timber
Work piece is lifted off the work table during cutting
Inspection process for selecting timber
Work piece is clamped in place before cutting
Ensure the cutters are sharp and clean with a regular maintenance program
Safety glasses are worn by the operator
Push stick is available and is used to move the timber through the saw
4
Manual handling
Variation in material size, shape, weight
Poor work height due to fixed height of work table
Provide a standing platform for the operator to work at a safe and comfortable height
Use conveyors to support long timber pieces
Break down the size of the materials to reduce weight
Store raw materials at appropriate height to remove the need for bending or twisting
Use a second person to guide work piece
Use materials handling equipment to eliminate the need to move materials manually
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 (e.g. dust and vapours)
High speed sanding
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
