Thickness and surface planer machines: hazard identification

1

Cutting, laceration

• Access to the cutters during maintenance (cutters are fully enclosed in machine housing)
• Premature start-up of the planer
• Operator exposing hands in feeding process

• Fully enclosed cutters are accessed by removing bolts securing the covers or using the electronic interlock device
• Automatic guard fitted and correctly adjusted
• Fixed guard provided behind the fence
• Keeping both hands firmly on the top of the timber piece or, if necessary using the appropriate push block

2

Crushing from transmission drive

• Access to internal area of machine

• Fixed guarding encloses all transmission and associated moving parts

3

Object being thrown by the cutter or sander

• Timber is lifted off the work table during cutting

• Anti-kickback device fitted to the machine and maintained
• Safety glasses are worn by the operator
• Operator stands to the side of the work piece
• Push block of suitable proportions should be used with heel stop

4

Manual handling when feeding the planer

• Variation in material size, shape and weight

• Store raw materials at appropriate height to avoid the need for bending or twisting
• Use a second person or trolley to guide a long or large piece 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
• Warning signs erected in the workshop