Risk Assessment: Using Disc Cutters¶
Document Information
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Document Reference | RA08 |
| Issue Number | 2 |
| Issue Date | 1 June 2026 |
| Next Review | 1 June 2027 |
| Prepared By | Sean Ashton |
| Approved By | Aaron Mason, Director |
Risk Assessment Table¶
| Activity/Process | Hazard | Who/What Affected | Existing Controls | Pre-Control Risk (S/L/R) | New Controls Required | Post-Control Risk (S/L/R) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Using a disc cutter | Ejection of particles | Site personnel and those in vicinity - eye injuries, facial lacerations from flying debris | • Minimize personnel in cutting area • Guards secured and checked before operation • Correct wheel type for material used • Eye protection to EN166 1B349 standard worn |
4/3/12 (High) | • Implement pre-use inspection checklist for disc cutters • Install protective screens near public areas • Upgrade to face shields with integrated eye protection Site supervisor, prior to each operation |
4/2/8 (Moderate) |
| Using a disc cutter | Wheel breaking or bursting | Site personnel - serious injury, lacerations, fractures, potential fatalities | • Personnel trained on correct disc cutter use • Visual inspection before use • Secure vehicle storage prevents damage • Maximum RPM never exceeded • All guards properly fitted |
5/2/10 (High) | • Implement documented wheel inspection procedure • Introduce disc tagging system to track usage • Provide toolbox talks on damaged wheels • Store cutting wheels in dedicated containers |
5/1/5 (Moderate) |
| Using a disc cutter | Unintended sudden movement (kickback) | Operators - cuts, lacerations, impact injuries | • Material properly supported and stable • Sufficient working space provided • Correct blades for material • Close fitting clothing worn • Two-handed grip maintained |
4/3/12 (High) | • Enhanced training on kickback prevention • Formal assessment of working areas before cutting • Consider anti-kickback technology • Regular supervisor monitoring of techniques |
4/2/8 (Moderate) |
| Using a disc cutter | Noise exposure | Operators and nearby workers - hearing damage, tinnitus, stress | • Alternative tools used where practicable • Well-maintained equipment • Hearing protection to EN 352-1/352-2 • Job rotation to limit exposure |
3/4/12 (High) | • Conduct noise monitoring for different cutting activities • Implement formal job rotation system • Install portable noise barriers • Update hearing protection based on monitoring |
3/2/6 (Moderate) |
| Using a disc cutter | Dust inhalation | Operators and nearby workers - respiratory disorders, silicosis, COPD | • Dust suppression (water/vacuum extraction) • Hand pressurised water bottles provided • RPE to FFP3 standard (face fit tested) • Work in well-ventilated areas |
4/3/12 (High) | • Regular air monitoring during cutting • Enhanced training on health risks • Investigate newer dust suppression technologies • Establish robust face-fit testing program |
4/2/8 (Moderate) |
| Refuelling disc cutters | Fire or explosion due to fuel ignition | Operators and personnel - burns, blast injuries, smoke inhalation | • Equipment cooled 5-10 minutes before refuelling • Funnels/nozzles for fuel transfer • Well-ventilated refuelling areas • Flame-retardant clothing worn • Spill kits available |
5/2/10 (High) | • Establish designated refuelling zones • Specific training on fuel handling • Formal refuelling procedure • Consider improved fuel storage containers Site agent, immediate |
5/1/5 (Moderate) |
| Prolonged use of disc cutter | Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) | Operators - permanent vascular, neurological and musculoskeletal damage | • Exposure times monitored and recorded • Regular breaks scheduled • Job rotation implemented • Health surveillance program • Equipment well-maintained |
4/3/12 (High) | • Digital monitoring system for vibration exposure • Prioritize lower vibration tools • Enhanced health screening for at-risk operators • Training on symptom recognition • Consider anti-vibration gloves (EN ISO 10819) |
4/2/8 (Moderate) |
Key:¶
- S = Severity (1-5 scale)
- L = Likelihood (1-5 scale)
- R = Risk Rating (S × L)
- Risk Levels:
- Low (1-3)
- Moderate (4-8)
- High (9-15)
- Very High (16-25)
Related Documents¶
- EN166 1B349: Eye Protection Standards
- EN 352-1/352-2: Hearing Protection Standards
- EN ISO 10819: Anti-vibration Gloves Standard
- FFP3: Respiratory Protection Standards
- HSE Guidance on Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS)