Formal Risk Assessment: Vinyl Cutter
Contents
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
Consider the hazards involved in conducting this activity and list each hazard
- Changing the tool exposes the sharp blade. Blade is approx 3mm long, sharp tip.
- Cables (mains power and USB) could be a trip hazard
- Workpiece can move quickly in and out of the machine, could hit operator
- Machine is positioned close to a doorway, people will be passing by
- Tool carrier moves horizontally within the machine, could trap fingers
- Tool is moved vertically in the machine, could trap fingers
- Accessories are very small, can be sharp
Persons at risk
Consider who might be put at risk by the hazards listed above
- Operator of the machine
- People walking past through the door to the kitchen
Initial assessment of risk
| 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 | 1~5 | 1~5 | Severity x probability |
| Workpiece can move quickly in and out of the machine, could hit operator | 1~5 | 1~5 | Severity x probability |
| Machine is positioned close to a doorway, people will be passing by | 1~5 | 1~5 | Severity x probability |
| Tool carrier moves horizontally within the machine, could trap fingers | 1~5 | 1~5 | Severity x probability |
| Tool is moved vertically in the machine, could trap fingers | 1~5 | 1~5 | Severity x probability |
| Accessories are very small, can be sharp | 1~5 | 1~5 | Severity x probability |
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 ########. Further measures are needed/not needed to reduce the risk to an acceptable level.
Control measures
- Necessary control measures arising from the hazard identified of ####### are:
- Necessary control measures arising from the hazard identified of ####### are:
- Necessary control measures arising from the hazard identified of ####### are:
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:
| Hazard identified | Severity | Probability | Risk Factor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hazard 1 | 1~5 | 1~5 | Severity x probability |
| Hazard 2 | 1~5 | 1~5 | Severity x probability |
| Hazard 3 | 1~5 | 1~5 | Severity x probability |
When completing Risk Assessment please consider the if First Aid assistance might be appropriate if the calculated Risk level (Severity x Probability) is greater than 5
The risk now falls into the category ####### and is considered to be acceptable.
Authorised by
Sign:
Print:
Date:
Example risk assessment table format
Columns:
- Activity / equipment / space / etc
- What are the hazards?
- e.g. Hot tips on soldering iron
- Who might be harmed and how?
- e.g. Makespace member or member of the public using soldering iron could suffer minor burns if tool used incorrectly.
- What are we doing already?
- e.g. "Sign saying "danger hot" next to soldering iron station
- What further action is required?
- By who?
- By when?
- Has this been completed?
