Where severe injuries happen.
WHY IT MATTERS ABOVE EVERYTHING
Woodworking machinery causes amputations, and the injuries are instant and permanent.
WHAT THE MOST DANGEROUS MACHINES ARE
Circular saws, including table and panel saws Spindle moulders Planers and thicknessers Bandsaws Routers Chisel and mortising machines
WHY THE SPINDLE MOULDER DESERVES PARTICULAR RESPECT
It is among the most dangerous machines in any workshop.
WHAT TO REQUIRE ON EVERY MACHINE
Guards fitted and in place Riving knife on circular saws Push sticks used Correct blade and cutter condition Work held securely
WHY RIVING KNIVES SPECIFICALLY
They prevent the workpiece binding and being thrown back at the operator.
WHAT KICKBACK CAUSES
Serious injury from the workpiece and from the hand being pulled into the blade.
WHAT PREVENTS IT
Riving knife Correct blade Feeding straight and steadily Not cutting freehand Not reaching over the blade
WHAT TO NEVER ACCEPT
Guards removed Freehand cutting on a circular saw Reaching past a running cutter Adjusting a machine while running Loose clothing or jewellery near machines
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
That machines are isolated before any adjustment or blade change.
WHAT ISOLATION MEANS
Power disconnected and secured, not merely switched off.
WHAT TRAINING REQUIRES
Nobody operates a machine they have not been trained and assessed on.
WHAT TO RECORD
Training, by person and machine.
WHAT DUST REQUIRES
Extraction at every machine.
WHY DUST MATTERS
Wood dust causes lasting lung damage and certain dusts are more harmful than others.
WHAT ELSE DUST DOES
It is a fire and explosion risk in accumulation.
WHAT TO PROVIDE
Extraction, and protection where extraction is insufficient.
