3
2. General Health & Safety Guidance
Ensure that you carefully read and fully understand the
instructions in this manual before assembly, installation and
use of this product. Keep these instructions in a safe place
for future reference.
WARNING:
for your own safety, do not attempt to operate this
machine until it is completely assembled and installed according to
these instructions.
WARNING:
When using any machine, basic safety precautions should
always be followed to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock and
personal injury.
Safe Operation
1. Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• The operation of any machine can result in foreign objects being
thrown into your eyes, which can result in severe eye damage.
Protective eyewear or other suitable eye protection or face shield
should be used at all times. Everyday spectacles only have impact
resistant lenses. They are not protective eyewear and do not give
additional lateral protection.
• Use respiratory protective equipment (dust mask etc.) if the
machining operation creates dust. Exposure to high levels of
dust created by machining hardwoods, softwoods and man made
composite boards can result in serious health problems. Some
imported hardwoods give off highly irritating dust, which can cause
a burning sensation. The use of respiratory protective equipment
should not be seen as an alternative to controlling the risk of
exposure at source by using adequate dust
extraction equipment.
• The use of ear plugs or ear defenders is recommended when the
machine is in use, particularly if the noise level exceeds 85 dB.
• Wear suitable protective gloves when handling cutting tools or
blades. Gloves should NOT be worn when using the machine as they
can be caught in moving parts of the machine.
• Non-slip safety footwear is recommended when using the machine
and handling large work pieces.
2. Dress appropriately
• Do not wear loose clothing, neckties or jewellery; they can be caught
in moving parts of the machine.
• Roll up long sleeves above the elbow.
• Wear protective hair covering to contain long hair.
3. Safety warnings
• Find and read any warning labels on the machine
• It is important that any labels bearing health and safety warnings
are not removed, defaced or covered. Replacement labels can be
obtained by contacting our Customer Service Department.
4. Familiarise yourself with the machine
• If you are not thoroughly familiar with the operation of this
machine, obtain advice from your supervisor, instructor, or other
qualified person or contact your retailer for information on training
courses. Do not use this machine until adequate training has been
undertaken.
5. Take care when moving or positioning the machine
• Some machines can be very heavy. Ensure the floor of the area
in which the machine is to be used is capable of supporting
the machine.
• The machine and its various components can be heavy.
Always adopt a safe lifting technique and seek assistance when
lifting heavy components. In some cases it may be necessary to use
mechanical handling equipment to position the machine within the
work area.
• Some machines have optional wheel kits available to allow them to
be manoeuvred around the workshop as required. Care should be
taken to install these according to the instructions provided.
• Due to the nature of the design of some machines the centre of
gravity will be high making them unstable when moved. Extreme
care should be taken when moving any machine.
• If transportation of the machine is required then all precautions
relating to the installation and handling of the machine apply. In
addition, ensure that any vehicles or manual handling equipment
used for transportation are of adequate specification.
6. The machine should be level and stable at all times
• When using a leg stand or cabinet base that is designed to be fitted
to the machine, always ensure that it is securely fastened to the
machine using the fixings provided.
• If the machine is suitable to be used on a workbench, ensure that
the workbench is well constructed and capable of withstanding
the weight of the machine. The machine should always be securely
fastened to the workbench with appropriate fixings.
• Where possible, floor standing machines should always be secured
to the floor with fixings appropriate to the structure of the floor.
• The floor surface should be sound and level. All of the feet of the
machine should make contact with the floor surface. If they do
not, either re-locate the machine to a more suitable position or use
packing shims between the feet and the floor surface to ensure the
machine is stable.
7. Remove adjusting keys and wrenches
• Ensure that all adjusting wrenches and keys are removed before
switching the machine ‘ON’. There is a risk of severe personal injury
or damage to the machine from airborne objects.
8. Before switching the machine ‘ON’
• Clear the machine table of all objects (tools, scrap pieces etc.)
• Make sure there is no debris between the work piece and the
table / work support.
• Ensure that the work piece is not pressed against, or touching the
saw blade or cutting tool.
• Check all clamps, work holding devices and fences to ensure that
they are secure and cannot move during machining operations.
• Plan the way that you will hold and feed the work piece for the
entire machining operation.
9. Whilst machining
• Before starting work, watch the machine while it runs. If it makes
an unfamiliar noise or vibrates excessively, switch the machine ‘OFF’
immediately and disconnect it from the power supply. Do not restart
until finding and correcting the source of the problem.
10. Keep the work area clear
• Working clearances can be thought of as the distances between
machines and obstacles that allow safe operation of every machine
without limitation. Consider existing and anticipated machine needs,
size of material to be processed through each machine and space
for auxiliary stands and/or work tables. Also consider the relative
position of each machine to one another for efficient material
handling. Be sure to allow yourself sufficient room to safely operate
your machines in any foreseeable operation.
• Cluttered work areas and benches create the risk of accidents. Keep
benches clear and tidy away tools that are not in use.
• Ensure that the floor area is kept clean and clear of any dust and
debris that may create trip or slip hazards.
11. Consider the work area environment
• Do not expose the machine to rain or damp conditions.
