View source for Formal Risk Assessment: Vinyl Cutter


= Formal Risk Assessment for the Vinyl Cutter (Silver Bullet) =

===Activity=== 
The Vinyl Cutter is able move a tool around a flat work piece according to computer control. In typical use this would involve moving a very small cutting blade across the surface to a vinyl sheet or other material with the intention of cutter a chosen design.

Other tools can be used, such as a pen, engraving tool or an embossing tool.

===Hazard identification===
* Changing the tool exposes the sharp blade. Blade is approx 2mm long, sharp tip. This could cause the operator a minor stab wound or a cut if handled improperly.
* Cables (mains power and USB) could be a trip hazard for the operator or those walking past the machine.
* Workpiece can move quickly in and out of the machine, could hit operator. Workpiece is likely to be thin and flexible, so risk of more of a paper cut than blunt force.
* Tool carrier moves horizontally within the machine, could trap fingers. This is a similar action to an inkjet printer, but can probably exert more force.
* Tool is moved vertically in the machine, could trap fingers. The tool is held in a blunt 20mm diameter cylinder positioned max 15mm above the workpiece, with any blade protruding by max 1mm.
* Accessories are very small, can be sharp. Usual risk if swallowed or mishandled.

===Persons at risk===
* Operator of the machine
* People walking past through the door to the kitchen
* Other users of the craft room, especially children

===Initial assessment of risk===
{| class="wikitable"
 |-
!|Hazard identified	
!|Severity	
!|Probability	
!|Risk Factor
 |-
 |Changing the tool exposes the sharp blade
 |2
 |2
 |4
 |-
 |Cables (mains power and USB) could be a trip hazard
 |1
 |1
 |1
 |-
 |Workpiece can move quickly in and out of the machine, could hit operator
 |1
 |3
 |3
 |-
 |Tool carrier moves horizontally within the machine, could trap fingers
 |2
 |1
 |2
 |-
 |Tool is moved vertically in the machine, could trap fingers
 |2
 |1
 |2
 |-
 |Accessories are very small, can be sharp
 |1
 |2
 |2
 |}

Categorising the risk level as 1-4(Low), 5-9(Moderate), 10-15(High) or 16-25 (Unacceptable) shows that the potential level of risk in this activity is '''low'''.  
Further measures are '''not needed''' to reduce the risk to an acceptable level, but are considered anyway.

===Control measures===
Necessary control measures arising from the hazards identified are:
* A poster above the machine details the correct method for handling all accessories and procedure for changing the tools.
* The equipment summary sheet above the machine advises caution.
* Cables will be routed and secured to ensure there is insufficient slack to provide a risk.

===Final assessment of risk===
The assessed risk taking into account the implementation of the control measures listed, and adherence to the SSOW (Safe System of Work) if applicable is as follows: 
{| class="wikitable"
 |-
!|Hazard identified	
!|Severity	
!|Probability	
!|Risk Factor
 |-
 |Changing the tool exposes the sharp blade
 |2
 |2
 |4
 |-
 |Cables (mains power and USB) could be a trip hazard
 |1
 |1
 |1
 |-
 |Workpiece can move quickly in and out of the machine, could hit operator
 |1
 |3
 |3
 |-
 |Tool carrier moves horizontally within the machine, could trap fingers
 |2
 |1
 |2
 |-
 |Tool is moved vertically in the machine, could trap fingers
 |2
 |1
 |2
 |-
 |Accessories are very small, can be sharp
 |1
 |2
 |2
 |}

The risk now falls into the category '''Low''' and is considered to be acceptable.

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