This is a generic Risk Assessment that must be modified to suit your place of work .

The Risk Assessment modifications

should take into consideration the activity, age/stage/pupil ability, department/working environment and the experience of the
teacher in charge. If Control Measures Required as described are implemented the risk is reduced to an acceptable level for
mainstream students.

Technology: Risk Assessment Title: Plastic Trimming Rotary Cutters AUGUST2016

Risk Assessment: Plastic Trimming Rotary Cutters Updated August 2016

 Identify the Hazards
Employees should be made
aware of the following
hazards.
1. Hand, Hair or
Clothing Entanglement
2. Contact From
Ejected Pieces
3. Contact From
Spinning Work Pieces
4. Electric Shock
6. Finger Trap Risk
7. Contact With Sharp Edges
8. Contact From
Inadvertent Starting
9. Operator Pushed
Risk Assessment:
10. Falling On
Slippery Floor
Who is at What is the Harm? Activity Taking Control Measures Required Additional Information
Risk? Place
WARNING. Learners should only use electric Reference BS 4163:2014
rotary cutters when they have been assessed and
the assessment has shown that they are competent, Manufacturer’s instructions and
and they are under the direct supervision of guidelines must be read through and
specifically trained employees. retained before using this machine.
This machine is designed for trimming the waste
material from around vacuum formings made
from plastic sheet up to a maximum thickness of
3mm or cutting a rebate in wood.
Technology Long hair, loose clothing Plastic Trimming, Long hair and loose clothing should be secured so as
teachers, etc, can become entangled Drum Sander or to not come into contact with moving parts. Jewellery
technicians in moving parts of the Wooden Rebate should be removed.
and pupils machine.
Gloves or bandages should not be worn whilst
operating this machine.
Technology Broken pieces of material Plastic Trimming, Suitable eye protection conforming to BS EN
teachers, can be violently ejected. Drum Sander or 166:2002 1B (medium energy impact) should be used
technicians Wooden Rebate whilst operating this machine.
and pupils
Technology Unexpected spinning of Plastic Trimming, The plastic or wooden piece should be securely hand
teachers, hand held work pieces Drum Sander or held and the user must be of sufficient strength to
technicians could cause injuries to Wooden Rebate hold it.
and pupils hands.
The emergency stop button should be clearly visible
to the operator.
Technology Trimming machines Plastic Trimming, The plastic trimming machine should be provided It is recommended that the socket be
teachers, present an electric shock Drum Sander or with a means of electrical isolation using a fused protracted by an RCD device or similar,
technicians hazard. Wooden Rebate isolating switch on or adjacent to the machine, and it so that in the unlikely event of a short
and pupils is controlled by a starter incorporating overload circuit the supply would be isolated
protection and no-volt release. automatically.
The machine should be included in a planned The power cable must be kept away
maintenance programme that should include from the cutting tool at all times.
electrical safety inspections and tests.
Technology Moveable and adjustable Drum Sander The flat table top must be locked in place before The tilt table should be set under
teachers, table surface presents a operating. The table tilt must only be used when supervision from the Technology
technicians finger trap risk. using the drum sander tool on wood. teacher or technician.
and pupils
Technology The rotating sharp edge Plastic Trimming, The flange tool consists of a cutter shielded by
teachers, can cause cuts if fingers or Drum Sander or bearings above and below. The bearings serve to both
technicians hands touch it. Wooden Rebate hide the blade for safety and to act as a spacer
and pupils controlling the width of the flange.
Technology The machine should be Plastic Trimming, Then machine should not be left powered on when SSERC recommends all machines being
teachers, switched off whenever not Drum Sander or unsupervised. connected to a workshop hardwired
technicians in use. Wooden Rebate power system.
and pupils
Technology Lack of space around the Plastic Trimming, There should be sufficient space around the machine
teachers, machine can lead to the Drum Sander or to prevent the operator from being accidently pushed
technicians operator being pushed by Wooden Rebate by passers-by.
and pupils Plastic Trimming
passers-by.Rotary Cutters Updated August 2016
Technology Slippery floor surfaces or Plastic Trimming, The floor surface should not be slippery and should
teachers, loose items around the Drum Sander or be kept free of loose items.
technicians machine can cause slips Wooden Rebate
and pupils that result in contact with
moving parts.
 RJH Gerbil 2010 model RJH Gerbil 2020 model

Risk Assessment: Plastic Trimming Rotary Cutters Updated August 2016