How to assess the risks associated with sawing and drilling?
A risk assessment must be made before each drilling or sawing assignment. At construction sites, risks and measures must be incorporated into the work environment plan.
The drilling and sawing contractor is responsible for reporting current risks and measures of their planned works to the main contractor and taking the necessary safety precautions. The main contractor is then responsible for including risks and measures in the work environment plan for the workplace.
The risk assessment must be carried out by a trained and competent individual who has assessed the work that is planned to take. for each risk identified, safety measures must be stated, including who is responsible for them. Risks that are identified must be communicated to the customer, including proposals for measures. Risks and measures must be incorporated into the work environment plan.
Additionally, it must be taken into account that risk analysis and measures for a drilling assignment must include everyone at the workplace as well as other people who are staying nearby. And that there are risks that may remain after the assignment has been performed, such as the risk of falling.
Bodily contact with the moving abrasive product:
- Always take great care and attention when using abrasive products. Tie back long hair and do not wear loose clothing, ties and jewellery.
- Prevent accidental start-up of the machine before mounting or changing an abrasive product. Isolate machines from their power source where necessary.
- Never remove guards from machines where fitted and ensure they are in good condition and properly adjusted before starting the machine.
- Always use gloves and suitable clothing where the workpiece or machine is handheld.
- The work area should be cordoned off to form an exclusion zone.
Product breakage:
- Be careful when mounting the equipment.
- Never use a machine that is not in good working order or one with defective parts.
- Where there is a risk of uncontrolled movement, workpieces must be firmly clamped in position before commencing grinding or cutting. The movement of the workpiece is a major cause of product breakage and accidents.
Vibration:
- Use modern & serviced equipment with low vibration levels.
- Monitor and record vibration ratings to ensure exposure is below the exposure limit value.
- Follow safety instructions provided with equipmentthe
- The effects of vibration are more pronounced in cold conditions so keep the hands warm and dry and exercise hands and fingers regularly.
- Use the correct product. An unsuitable product can produce excessive vibration.
- Do not exceed the recommended maximum time of product usage regarding avoiding vibration risks.
Fall:
- When working above the ground level make sure that railings or similar measures are set up, or that you have personal fall arrest equipment (lifeline) fitted.
- If a stand or a lift is used, it must be an approved one.
Noise:
- Always wear hearing protectors as per the risk assessment or method statement refers to.
- Ensure that the correct abrasive product is selected. An unsuitable product can produce excessive noise.
Grinding debris, dust, fumes and mists:
- Always wear a mask with a minimum protection value of FFP3 filter to which the face is fitted to the individual.
- Always wear safety glasses or other eye protection.
- Water-coating suppression or dust extraction equipment should be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines and regulations.
Electric shock:
Drilled or damaged electrical cables may result in electric shock. Never touch a damaged electric cable or pipe, report to site management/Supervisor and isolate power if safe to do so before leaving the area.
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