Technology Activity Skill and Process Management Strategies

Fixed Machinery

Fixed machines refers to machines that are fixed permanently to the floor or bench or equipment that needs to be fixed (secured) for its safe operation.

Levels of Associated Risk

Fixed machines can be categorised into the Five Levels of associated risk.

The five levels of associated risk are:

Low risk (level 1):

  • Includes fixed machines such as scroll saws and other machines with a very low potential risk of injuring the operator.

Moderate risk (level 2):

  • Includes fixed machines such pedestal and bench drills, bench folding machines, sanding discs, and other machines with a low potential risk of injuring the operator.

Substantial risk (level 3):

  • Includes fixed machines, such as wood/metal lathes, linishing machines, dowelling machines, and other machines with a medium potential risk of injuring the operator.

High risk (level 4):

  • Includes fixed machines, such as milling machines, bandsaws, welding machines, metal cutting guillotines and other machines with a high potential risk of injuring the operator.

Very High risk (level 5):

  • Includes fixed machines, such as drop saws, radial arm saws, table circular saws, combination saw bench planers and thicknessers .

Identified Risks and Hazards

Hazards that may arise when operating fixed machines include:

  • hand and finger injuries from rotating blades, spindles or pulleys)
  • electrocution from equipment or cords
  • squash, pinch and crush injuries
  • swarf being ejected from machines
  • inhalation of dusts
  • noise from high speed cutters

Activity Location Considerations

  • The location should be appropriate for the machining activity and be considered in respect to the type of machine being.
  • The location should enable adequate teacher supervision to be maintained at all times.
  • Fixed machines installed in a workshop should have a safe work zone delineated. The recommended zone is to be measured as 1200mm - 1500mm in all directions from the work face of the machine. The zone is to be marked in yellow or yellow-black stripe safety tape/paint 50mm in width.

Resource and Equipment Guidelines

  • Electrical equipment should be inspected regularly and where possible It is advised that electrical equipment have current electrical test certification. (AS/NZS 3760::2000)
  • An emergency stop button should be fitted at the appropriate position. (AS 1485-1983 Section 5)
  • All machinery should conform to Australian Standards specifications.
  • Machines shall have start-stop controls of the push button type and incorporate both no-volt and overload release.
  • Start buttons should be shrouded and green in colour with the word “start” indicated on or near the button.
  • Each machine shall have a stop button. The button shall be protruding, red in colour and clearly marked with the word “stop”.
  • The machine should be appropriate for the machining operation.
  • Emergency stop buttons of the mushroom head type should be installed at prominent positions around the workroom.
  • Emergency stop buttons should be of the lock and key type so that once isolated circuit breaker can be re-set only by the instructor.
  • Machines that are specifically used by instructors only, should be fitted with switched locks and kept locked in the off position when not in use.
  • A master or isolating switch capable being locked in the off position is strongly recommended for each machine.
  • A circuit breaker controlling all of the machines in one workshop should be provided and safeguarded by lock and key, and should always be in an accessible and visible position.
  • Machine guards should be made of unperforated material wherever practicable and should be designed to allow access for inspection and maintenance.
  • It is recommended that workrooms have their electrical power distribution circuitry protected by core-balance earth-leakage protection of 30mA sensitivity.
  • All machinery should be in good condition and be regularly maintained by a qualified person.
  • All guards and safety devices designed for the machine must be in place at all times.
  • Any additional guards and safety equipment used to enhance the safety of the machine should be available (eg. a hand vice for use with a pedestal drill).
  • The operator should leave the machine and equipment in a safe, clean and tidy condition.
  • Increased risks are liable to arise when more than one person operates a machine at any one time.
  • All persons participating in the activity should wear protective equipment. This will include eye spectacles, hair cap and apron.
  • Operators of equipment should be given sufficient instruction in the safe operation of the equipment. The teacher will need to verify that a student has understood how to apply operating and safety instructions. This should be done through oral or written tests, assignments, operator certifications or checklists.
  • Students may need to wear respiratory protective equipment if the material being machined produces high levels of dust or fumes.
  • All rotating blades, pulley systems or spindles should have adequate guarding during use.
  • First aid equipment and consumable items appropriate to the activity should be readily available. A sign-posted First Aid station in the activity location is recommended.


  • Safety signs in accordance with AS 1319-1994 shall be predominately displayed. This standard outlines specific parameters for safety signs in workplaces.

There are six categories of signs. They are:

Mandatory Signs - These signs specify that an instruction must be carried out. Symbols or pictograms are depicted in white on a blue circular background. Sign wording if necessary, is in black lettering on a white background.

Prohibition Signs - These signs specify behaviour or actions which are not permitted. The annulus and slash should be depicted in red over the action symbol in black. Sign wording if necessary, is in black lettering on a white background.

Warning Signs - These signs are to warn of hazards or a hazardous condition that is likely to be life-threatening. The hazard symbol should be on a yellow background and a triangle should be depicted around the hazard symbol. Sign wording if necessary, is in black lettering on a yellow background.


Fire Signs - These signs advise the location of fire alarms and fire fighting equipment. They contain a white symbol and/or text on a red background.

Emergency Information Signs - These signs indicate the location of, or directions to emergency related facilities. eg. exits, first aid, safety equipment. They feature a white symbol and/or text on a green background.

Danger Signs - These signs are for warning when a hazard or a hazardous condition is likely to be life-threatening. The word “Danger” is featured inside a red ellipse inside a black rectangle.


Information Signs - These signs are not referred specifically in AS1319. They communicate information of a general nature and often refer to housekeeping matters, workplace practices and logistical considerations

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