# Table Saw # ⚠️ Risk assessment Download link: [\#212 - Table Saw - 260923.pdf](https://wiki.leicesterhackspace.org.uk/attachments/21)
**\#** **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, 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 **High** 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. **High** **Med**
3 Cutting Blade Contact with blade User **High** Use guards as per instruction manual. Do not put hands into exclusion zone (within 30cm of blade). Use push sticks and the fence provided when making cuts. Do not move hands past the blade. Do not lean over the blade. Saw should be switched off immediately after use. Saw blade should stop within 10 seconds of being turned off. Induction covers safe usage of the Table Saw **Low** **Med**
4 Gloves, Loose Clothing, Loose Hair Drawing in (being pulled into the saw) User **High** User should not wear gloves, ties, scarves, or other long flowy clothing that could get pulled into the blade. Long hair should be tied back. Do not put hands into exclusion zone (within 30cm of the blade). Do not lean over the blade. Induction covers correct attire whilst using the Table Saw. **Low** **Med**
5 Ejection of Workpiece (Kickback) Crushing Injury, Piercing Injury User, bystander, the space **High** Ensure riving knife is in place - it is not to be removed under any circumstances. Do not stand directly behind blade. Use a feather board when working with smaller pieces. Take care to keep the workpiece against the fence when making mitre cuts. Induction covers correct positioning and pushing technique when using the table saw. **Low** **Med**
6 Dust Inhalation, Fire User, bystander **Low** The saw should be used with the dust extractors attached and working. Clean dust from within the saw housing once the machine is finished with and turned off at the supply. A respirator or mask should be used whilst operating this tool for prolonged periods. Keep the wood shop door closed when the saw is in use to prevent dust ingress to the rest of the space. **Low** **Low**
7 Cutting Blade Snatching, Jamming User, bystander **Med** Only cut wood and wood products on the table saw. Ensure a visual inspection of the table saw is undertaken before every use to check for physical obstructions and blade condition. Induction covers correct materials and inspection process. **Low** **Low**
8 Noise Hearing Damage User, bystander **Low** Ear protection is advised and provided. Induction covers location of hearing protection. Keep the wood shop door closed when the saw is in use to reduce noise entering the rest of the space. **Low** **Low**
9 Flying Splinters Eye Damage User, bystander **Low** All members in the woodshop must use eye protection whilst the table saw is in use. Do not cut small pieces. Induction covers location of eye protection **Low** **Low**
10 Other Members Distraction User, Bystander **High** The do not enter light should be used when operating the Table Saw to avoid accidents caused by distraction of the user. **Low** **Med**