⚠️ Risk assessment - 3D Printers
Download link: #204 - 3D Printers - 260903.pdf
# | Identify Hazards | Risks | Who may be Harmed | Severity | Control Measures | Likelihood | Risk Rating |
1 | Electricity | Electric shock | User | High | All electrical equipment should be checked for electrical safety prior to use. Equipment must not be used unless they have a PAT test label on. It is the users responsibility to do a visual check of the equipment. If any defects are found (i.e. cracked casing, defect in lead etc) the equipment is not to be used, to be quarantined, the safety officer informed, and a defect label attached. Induction covers inspection of equipment before usage. | Low | Med |
2 | Misuse of equipment | Damage to user or equipment | User, Bystander | Low | Members are inducted into the correct use of the equipment and understand associated risks. Members found to be deliberately misusing equipment may have their use of the machine restricted or revoked altogether. | Low | Low |
3 | Extruder hot end, heated build plate | Minor burn | User | Med | Do not touch the nozzle or print bed when the printer is powered on, or during cooldown after use. Nozzles should only be changed by authorised Members. The induction process specifies when and where the equipment is likely to be hot. A burn kit is available in the kitchen. | Med | Low |
4 | Thermal runaway | Fire | User, Bystander | High | Printers have software and hardware mitigations to detect and manage thermal runaway. Fire extinguishers are available in the 3d printing room by the entrance to the woodworking room. | Low | Low |
5 | Use of plastic filament | Hazardous fumes, inhalation | User, Bystander | Low | We do not allow printing with plastics that produce hazardous fumes. Members are required to stop use if other space users have any breathing issues. Correct material usage is covered in induction. | Low | Low |
6 | Print head, printer gantry print bed | Trapping injuries from fast moving bits of the machine | User | Med | Printers will fail and stop movements before major injury occurs. Induction process covers not touching the equipment during operation. | Low | Low |
7 | Use of solvents (isopropyl alcohol and acetone) for bed cleaning | Hazardous Fume Inhalation, Skin Irritation | User, Bystander | Low | Members are required to immediately stop usage if other members nearby experience breathing issues. Correct use is included in induction, refer to COSHH information. | Med | Low |
8 | Moving and handling filament | Back injury, injury from falling items (<2.5KG) | User, bystander | Med | Members are required to use the stepladder (near the front door) to access the shelves containing filament. Do not reach over other people to retrieve filament - ask them to move out of the way. | Med | Low |