Northumbria University

General Risk Assessment Form

DATE: ASSESSOR: LOCATION:

AREA/ACTIVITY: WOOD WORK STUDIO ACTIVITIES

Item no. / Activity/equipment/materials, etc. / Hazard / Persons at risk / Severity / Likelihood / Priority
H 48-100
M 20-40
L 0-16 / protective measures required /

Result*

1 / Using machinery / Exposure to wood dust resulting in lung diseases. / Staff and students / Local Exhaust ventilation (LEV) provided at machines and staff trained in its use.
LEV kept in good condition and inspected every 14 months by a Competent person
Wood dust regularly cleaned using a suitable vacuum cleaner fitted with an appropriate HEPA Filter
Suitable Respiratory Protective Equipment provided for very dusty jobs and staff and students trained in its use.
Staff undergo Health Surveillance annually.
Students given induction before any machinery is used
Staff and students never dry sweep wood dust
2 / Using Machinery / Machinery associated injuries – cuts, lacerations, fatality / Staff and Students / All machines guarded according to manufacturers instructions.
Guards inspected regularly by Technician and maintained as necessary
Sufficient space provided at machines to allow safe working
All staff and students trained in the safe use of machines by a competent person
All machines braked and fitted with necessary safety features
Emergency stop fitted to each machine
All machines maintained and serviced by a competent person on an annual basis.
3 / Moving heavy/bulky objects such a timber boards and machinery parts / Musculoskeletal Injuries from Manual Handling / Staff and Students / Workbenches and machines set at a comfortable height.
Staff advised to operate two man lift for large or bulky items
Staff trained in manual handling techniques
Systems of work in place for the safe and careful handling of assembled furniture etc.
4 / Movement around the Workshop / Slips/Trips/Falls / Staff and students / Technicians are responsible for maintaining good housekeeping
Off-cuts cleared away promptly & dust regularly cleared
Good lighting must be maintained in all areas
Remind students to clear up spillages immediately
5 / Electrical Items / Electric Shocks resulting in burns
Fatality / Staff and students / Residual Current Device (RCD) built into all extensions used
Visual check of plugs/cables etc every day by Technician.
All portable appliances tested on an annual basis and appropriately identified.
Buildings Electrical Installation tested by Estates Dept every 5 years.
6 / Fire / Smoke Inhalation; burns; Fatality / Staff and Students / All staff and students made aware of Fire Evacuation Policy on induction.
Fire Safety Procedures are situated in every workshop
Fire Risk Assessment for the building commissioned and auctioned by Estates Department.
All walkways and fire exits must be kept clear at all times.
Good housekeeping must be maintained by the Technician at all times.
Smoking is not allowed in University buildings.

*Key to Result: T = Trivial risk; A = Adequately controlled; N = Not adequately controlled; U = Unable to decide

Northumbria University – Risk Assessment Form

To be completed by the manager undertaking the risk assessment
Name: Job Title:
Signature: Date:
To be completed by the Senior Manager
I consider this risk assessment to be suitable and sufficient to control the risks to the health & safety of both employees undertaking the tasks and any other person who may be affected by the activities.
Name: Job Title:
Signature: Date:
NB – if senior managers do not agree that the risk assessment is suitable and sufficient then the assessment must be reviewed.

Training RA Woodwork 4