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Safety

Safety

At Trend we take the safety of our customers and our employees very seriously.  Please read the contents of this page for our latest safety information.

In this section you will find:

 

 - A Guide To Power Tool Safety

 - Trend Machinery & Cutting Tools Ltd Covid-19 Risk Assessment

 

A Guide To Power Tool Safety

WARNING:
Observe the safety regulations in the instruction manual of the power tool to be used. Please read the following instructions carefully. Failure to do so could lead to serious injury. When using electric tools, basic safety precautions, including the following should always be followed to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock and personal injury. Also observe any applicable additional safety rules. Read the following safety instructions before attempting to operate this product.

 

PLEASE KEEP INSTRUCTIONS IN A SAFE PLACE.
The attention of UK users is drawn to The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998, and any subsequent amendments.

Users should also read the HSE/HSC Safe Use of Woodworking Machinery Approved Code of Practice and Guidance Document and any amendments.

Users must be competent with woodworking equipment before using our products.

 

IMPORTANT NOTE:
Residual Risk. Although the safety instructions and operating manuals for our tools contain extensive instructions on safe working with power tools, every power tool involves a certain residual risk which cannot be completely excluded by safety mechanisms. Power tools must therefore always be operated with caution!

General

  1. Disconnect power tool and attachment from power supply when not in use, before servicing, when making adjustments and when changing accessories such as cutters. Ensure switch is in “off” position. Always ensure cutter has stopped rotating.
  2. Always mount the power tool, accessory or attachment in conformity with the instructions. Only use attachment and accessories specified in the power tool manual. The tool or attachment should not be modified or used for any application other than that for which it was designed. Do not force tool.
  3. Keep children and visitors away. Do not let children or visitors touch the tool, accessory or attachment. Keep children and visitors away from work area. Make the workshop child proof with padlock and master switch.
  4. Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewellery, they can be caught in moving parts. Rubber gloves and non-skid footwear is recommended when working outdoors. Wear protective hair covering to contain long hair.
  5. Consider working environment. Do not use the product in the rain or in a damp environment. Keep work area well lit. Do not use power tools near gasoline or flammable liquids. Keep workshop at a comfortable temperature so your hands are not cold. Connect machines that are used in the open via a residual current device (RCD) with an actuation current of 30 mA maximum. Use only extension cables that are approved for outdoor use.
  6. The accessory or attachment must be kept level and stable at all times.
  7. Keep work area clean. Cluttered workshops and benches can cause injuries. Ensure there is sufficient room to work safely.
  8. Secure idle tools. When not in use, tools should be stored in a dry and high or locked up place, out of reach of children.
  9. For best control and safety use both hands on the power tool and attachment. Keep both hands away from cutting area. Always wait for the spindle and cutter to stop rotating before making any adjustments.
  10. Always keep guards in place and in good working order.
  11. Remove any nails, staples and other metal parts from the workpiece.
  12. Maintain tools and cutters with care. Keep cutters sharp and clean for better and safer performance. Do not use damaged cutters. Follow instructions for lubricating and changing accessories. Keep handles dry, clean and free from oil and grease.
  13. Maintain accessories. Do not use damaged accessories. Only use accessories recommended by the manufacturer.
  14. Check damaged parts. Before operation inspect the attachment, the power tool, the cable, extension cable and the plug carefully for signs of damage. Check for alignment of moving parts, binding, breakage, mounting and any other conditions that may effect its operation. Have any damage repaired by an Authorised Service Agent before using the tool or accessory. Protect tools from impact and shock.
  15. Do not use tool if switch does not turn it on or off. Have defective switches replaced by an Authorised Service Agent
  16. Don’t over reach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. Do not use awkward or uncomfortable hand positions.
  17. Don’t abuse the cable. Never carry power tool or accessory by cord or pull it to disconnect from the socket. Keep cord from heat, oil and sharp edges. Always trail the power cord away from the work area.
  18. Connect dust extraction equipment. If devices are provided for the connection of dust extraction and collection facilities, ensure these are connected and properly used.
  19. Check all fixing and fastening nuts, bolts and screws on power tool, attachment and cutting tools before use to ensure they are tight and secure. Periodically check when machining over long periods.
  20. Stay alert. Watch what you are doing. Use common sense. Do not operate tools when you are tired, under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
  21. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for eye, ear and respiratory protection must be worn. All PPE must meet current UK and EU legislation.
  22. Do not leave tools running unattended. Do not leave tool until it comes to a complete stop.
  23. Always clamp workpiece being machined securely.
  24. Only use cutting tools for woodworking that meet EN847-1/2 safety standards, and any subsequent amendments.
  25. Vibration levels. Hand held power tools produce different vibration levels. You should always refer to the specifications and relevant Health & Safety Guide.

Routing Safety

  1. Read and understand instructions supplied with power tool, attachment and cutter.
  2. Keep hands, hair and clothing clear of the cutter.
  3. Remove adjusting keys and spanners. Check to see that keys and adjusting spanners are removed from the router tool, cutter and attachment before turning router on. Make sure cutter can rotate freely.
  4. Noise. Take appropriate measures for the protection of hearing if the sound pressure of 85dB(A) is exceeded. Routing sound pressure may exceed 85dB(A), so ear protection must be worn.
  5. Eye protection. Always wear eye protection in the form of safety goggles, spectacles or visors to protect the eyes.
  6. Respiratory protection. Always wear a face or dust mask, or powered respirator. Dust masks/filters should be changed regularly.
  7. Do not switch router on with the cutter touching the workpiece. At the end of the cut, release the router plunge and allow spindle to stop rotating. Never use the spindle lock as a brake
  8. The direction of routing must always be opposite to the cutter’s direction of rotation. Do not back-cut or climb-cut.
  9. Check before cutting that there are no obstructions in the path of the router. Ensure there are no obstacles beneath workpiece when cutting full thickness, and that a sacrificial work surface is used.
  10. Hold power tool by insulated gripping surfaces, because the cutter may contact its own cord. Cutting ´live´ wire may make exposed metal parts of the power tool ´live´ and shock the operator.
  11. Use clamps or another practical way to secure and support the workpiece to a stable platform. Holding the work by your hand or against the body leaves it unstable and may lead to loss of control.


Router Cutter Safety

  1. Cutting tools are sharp. Care should be taken when handling them. Do not drop cutters or knock them against hard objects. Handle very small diameter cutters with extra care. Always return cutter to its packaging after use.
  2. Always use cutters with a shank diameter corresponding to the size of the collet installed in your tool.
  3. The maximum speed (n.max) marked on the tool, or in instructions or on packaging shall not be exceeded. Where stated the speed range shall be adhered to. Recommended speeds are shown in the Trend Routing Catalogue and/or website.
  4. Always use router cutters in a router. Drill and boring bits must not be used in a router. Router cutters must only be used for the material cutting application for which they are designed. Do not use on metal or masonry.
  5. Never use cutters with a diameter exceeding the maximum diameter indicated in the technical data of the powertool or attachment used.
  6. Before each use check that the cutting tool is sharp and free from damage. Do not use the cutting tool if it is dull, broken or cracked or if in any other damage is noticeable or suspected.
  7. Cutters should be kept clean. Resin build up should be removed at regular intervals with Resin Cleaner. The use of a PTFE dry lubricant will reduce resin build up. Do not use PTFE spray on plastic parts.
    When using stacked tooling (multi-blade, block and groover etc.) on a spindle arbor, ensure that the cutting edges are staggered to each other to reduce the cutting impact.
  8. Cutter shanks should be inserted into the collet all the way to the line indicated on the shank. This ensures that at least 3⁄4 of the shank length is held in the collet. Ensure clamping surfaces are cleaned to remove dirt, grease, oil and water.
  9. Observe the correct assembly and fitting instructions in the router instruction manual for fitting the collet, nut and cutter.
  10. Tool and tool bodies shall be clamped in such a way that they will not become loose during operation. Care shall be taken when mounting cutting tools to ensure that the clamping is by the shank of the cutting tool and that the cutting edges are not in contact with each other or with the clamping elements.
    It is advisable to periodically check the collet and collet nut. A damaged, worn or distorted collet and nut can cause vibration and shank damage. Do not over-tighten the collet nut
  11. Do not take deep cuts in one pass; take several shallow or light passes to reduce the side load applied to the cutter and router. Too deep a cut in one pass can stall the router.
  12. In case of excessive vibrations whilst using the router stop immediately and have the eccentricity of the router, router cutter and clamping system checked by competent personnel
  13. All fastening screws and nuts should be tightened using the appropriate spanner or key and to the torque value provided by the manufacturer.
  14. Extension of the spanner or tightening using hammer blows shall not be permitted.
  15. Clamping screws shall be tightened according to instructions provided by the manufacture. Where instructions are not provided, clamping screws shall be tightened in sequence from the centre outwards.
  16. Do not touch the cutter immediately after operation: it may be extremely hot and could burn your skin.

Using Routers In A Fixed Position

  1. Attention should be made to the HSE’s Safe Use of Vertical Spindle Moulding Machines Information Sheet No.18 and any revisions.
  2. After work, release the router plunge to protect the cutter.
  3. Always use a push-stick or push-block when making any cut less than 300mm in length or when feeding the last 300mm of the cut.
  4. The opening around the cutter should be reduced to a minimum using suitably sized insert rings in the table and closing the back fence cheeks or fitting a false fence on the back fence.
  5. Whenever possible use a work holding device or jig to secure component being machined. Ensure any attachment is securely fitted to the workbench, with table surface at approximately hip height.
  6. Use a No-Volt Release Switch. Ensure it is fixed securely, easily accessible and used correctly.
    In router table (inverted) mode, stand to the front right of the table. The cutter will rotate anti-clockwise when viewed from top so the feed direction is from the right (against the rotation of the cutter). In overhead mode, stand to the front left of the machine table and the feed direction is from the left.
  7. Do not reach underneath table or put your hands or fingers at any time in the cutting path while tool is connected to a power supply.
  8. Never thickness timber between the back of the cutter and the backfence.

Useful Advice When Routing

  1. Judge your feed rate by the sound of the motor. Feed the router at a constant feed rate. Too slow a feed rate will result in burning.
  2. Trial cuts should be made on waste material before starting any project.
  3. When using some attachments e.g. a router table or dovetail jig, a fine height adjuster is recommended.
  4. When using a template guide bush, ensure there is sufficient clearance between cutter tip and inside edge of bush and that it cannot come into contact with collet and nut. Ensure cutter and guide bush are concentric.

Router Cutter Repair/Maintenance

  1. Repair of tools is only allowed in accordance with the manufacturers instructions.
  2. The design of composite (tipped) tools shall not be changed in process of repair. Composite tools shall be repaired by a competent person i.e. a person of training and experience, who has knowledge of the design requirements and understands the levels of safety to be achieved.
  3. Repair shall therefore include, e.g. the use of spare parts which are in accordance with the specification of the original parts provided by the manufacturer.
  4. Tolerances which ensure correct clamping shall be maintained.
  5. Care shall be taken that regrinding of the cutting edge will not cause weakening of the body and the connection of the cutting edge to the body.

Trend Machinery & Cutting Tools Ltd Covid-19 Risk Assessment

 

At Trend the health and safety of our employees, contractors, temporary staff and visitors is paramount to us.

 

We have therefore undertaken a Covid-19 specific risk assessment of our workplace in line with the British Government’s 5 steps to a safer workplace and guidelines issued in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

 

Through the risk assessment, the Company has identified a number of improvements we can make as a Business to reduce the risk of transmission of the Covid-19 virus to become a safer workplace, which we have now implemented.

 

The main findings of the risk assessment and actions taken are as follows

Hazard Identified

Controls Implemented

Cleaning to Reduce Transmission of Covid-19. Risk of exposure to Covid-19 whilst cleaning work areas.

Use of appropriate cleaning products.

Increased frequency of cleaning.

Use of PPE whilst cleaning and safe disposal

Hygiene Control. Poor hand hygiene and respiratory hygiene control may lead to an increase in surface contamination

Washrooms available to wash hands regularly and hand sanitiser stations located throughout the site.

Training and posters to advise employees of good hygiene practices.

Use of face coverings where appropriate and training on correct fitting.

Attendance and Movement of People in the Workplace. Control measures implemented to protect people in the workplace minimising risk of Covid-19 transmission.

Controlled movement of people throughout workplace to allow social distancing through signage.

Employee training and communications.

Emergency evacuation plan.

Working from home.

Individual RAs for vulnerable people.

Outside area designated for breaks.

Monitoring and review of employee movement.

Social Distancing Guidelines cannot be met.Activities, where social distancing cannot be followed in full, may lead to increased risk of the transmission of the virus due to being in close proximity.

Stop or change work to allow social distancing where appropriate.

Avoiding face-to-face working.

Minimise time spent in close proximity.

Increased handwashing.

Use of PPE and other protective measures.

Individuals Displaying Symptoms of Coronavirus reportedly spread through exposure or contact to cough droplets.

Employees to go home immediately and self-isolate and book Covid-19 test.

Investigation and records maintained of cases.

Deep Cleaning and safe disposal of PPE.

Common Areas (Including Kitchen and Welfare Facilities) due to areas being frequently utilised by all staff, the potential for infection is increased.

Increased cleaning.

Staggered breaks and employees remain on site.

Restrictions on employees entering common areas.

Closure of facilities.

Monitoring.

Handling Items, Materials and Using On-Site Vehicles. Employees occupying work vehicles at the same time or shared use of common vehicles/plant or equipment.

Regular cleaning.

Job rotation.

Increased handwashing

Managing Customers, Visitors and Contractors coming to Site.

Only essential visitors permitted to attend site and other forms or communications such as video conferencing considered first.

Visits pre-arranged and staggered and information on site measures communicated in advance.

Visitor records maintained.

All visitors supervised and waiting areas to allow social distancing.

Sanitisers at visitor entry points.

Delivery drivers to remain with vehicles.

Paperwork to be electronic where possible.

Protection of employees and visitors through PPE usage and other protection measures.