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Thickness and surface planer machines: hazard identification

Hazard identification and risk management strategy for thicknessing and surface planer machines.

The following table is a risk management strategy for thicknessing and surface planer machines.

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

  • 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

SW08360 0816

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