Workshop Hazards

Equipment Hazards & Safety Controls

Angle Grinder

Risks:

• High-speed disc shattering, leading to severe injuries.

• Kickback from improper handling.

• Flying sparks and debris causing burns or eye injuries.

• Electric shock risk if used with damaged cords.

Control Measures:

• Always use the guard—never remove it.

• Wear safety glasses, face shield, gloves, and ear protection.

• Secure the workpiece to prevent movement.

• Use both hands and maintain a firm grip.

• Do not use a damaged or worn-out disc.

Bench Grinder

Risks:

• Eye injuries from sparks and debris.

• Wheel shattering if cracked or improperly installed.

• Hand injuries from getting pulled into the wheel.

Control Measures:

• Wear protective glasses and face shield.

• Keep tool rests adjusted close (1-2mm) to the wheel.

• Use light pressure to avoid overheating the wheel.

• Ensure guards and safety shields are in place.

Drills (Handheld & Drill Press)

Risks:

• Hand injuries from slipping.

• Flying debris causing eye injuries.

• Entanglement with loose clothing.

• Kickback when drilling through tough material.

Control Measures:

• Wear safety glasses and gloves.

• Secure workpieces with clamps.

• Avoid loose clothing, jewelry, or gloves near rotating parts.

• Keep hands away from the drill bit.

Circular Saw

Risks:

• Severe cuts or amputations.

• Kickback causing loss of control.

• High noise exposure.

Control Measures:

• Wear safety glasses, gloves, and ear protection.

• Always use the blade guard.

• Keep fingers clear of the cutting path.

• Use a push stick for small pieces.

Electric Fence Unit

Risks:

• Electrocution hazard if improperly handled.

• Shock risk from damaged wires or improper grounding.

Control Measures:

• Turn off power before maintenance.

• Use insulated gloves when handling live wires.

• Ensure proper grounding.

Air Compressor

Risks:

• Explosion risk if over-pressurized.

• Hearing damage from prolonged exposure.

• High-pressure air can cause serious injuries.

Control Measures:

• Wear hearing protection.

• Drain moisture regularly to prevent corrosion.

• Never point air hoses at people.

Chemicals

Risks:

• Toxic exposure through skin or inhalation.

• Fire/explosion hazard.

Control Measures:

• Wear chemical-resistant gloves, goggles, and a mask.

• Store chemicals in labeled containers.

• Ensure proper ventilation.

Water Blaster

Risks:

• High-pressure water can penetrate the skin.

• Electrocution risk near electrical equipment.

Control Measures:

• Never spray towards people.

• Use waterproof gloves and boots.

• Keep water away from electrical outlets.

Welders (Arc & Gas)

Risks:

• Severe burns from sparks and heat.

• Eye damage from welding arc (flash burn).

• Gas explosion risk (for gas welding).

Control Measures:

• Always wear welding helmet and gloves.

• Ensure proper ventilation for fumes.

• Store gas cylinders upright and secured.

• Check gas fittings for leaks before use.

Hand Tools

Risks:

• Lacerations or impact injuries from misuse.

• Puncture wounds from sharp tools.

Control Measures:

• Keep tools in good condition.

• Use the right tool for the job.

• Store tools properly to prevent tripping hazards.

Chainsaws

Risks:

• Severe lacerations or amputations.

• Kickback leading to loss of control.

• Hearing damage.

Control Measures:

• Only trained and authorized staff may use chainsaws.

• Never use a chainsaw alone.

• Wear full PPE (helmet, chaps, gloves, glasses, ear protection).

• Ensure escape routes are clear.

• Always maintain a firm grip with both hands.

Fencing Equipment (Including Strainers)

Risks:

• Hand injuries from tensioned wire.

• Impact injuries from snapping wire.

Control Measures:

• Wear heavy-duty gloves.

• Use proper technique to tension wire safely.

Line Trimmer

Risks:

• Flying debris causing eye injuries.

• Lacerations from contact with blade.

Control Measures:

• Wear safety glasses and face shield.

• Do not remove guards.

• Avoid using near bystanders.

Generator

Risks:

• Electrocution risk in wet conditions.

• Carbon monoxide poisoning in enclosed spaces.

Control Measures:

• Only operate in dry conditions.

• Use a circuit breaker.

• Place generators outdoors with proper ventilation.

Use Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) with power tools. If PPE is not available or is unsuitable then contact management immediately. The following PPE is provided:

• Protective glasses.

• Earmuffs.

• Chemical gloves.

• Dust masks.

• Chaps.

• Helmet with visor.

• Welding gloves and helmet.

Use residual current devices.

Never remove guards from grinders, weed eaters, belts, PTO's or other equipment unless it isolated from power source.