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2. General Health & Safety Guidance
• Keep the work area well lit and ensure that there is artificial lighting
available when there is insufficient natural light to effectively
light the work area. Lighting should be bright enough to eliminate
shadow and prevent eye strain.
• Do not use the machine in explosive environments eg. in the
presence of flammable liquids, gases or dust.
• The presence of high levels of dust created by machining wood
can present a risk of fire or explosion. Always use dust extraction
equipment to minimise the risk.
12. Keep other persons away (and pets)
• The machine is designed to be used by one person only.
• Do not let persons, especially children, touch the machine or
extension cable (if used) and keep visitors away from the work area.
• Never leave the machine running unattended. Turn the power supply
off and do not leave the machine unattended until it comes to a
complete stop.
• If the work area is to be left unattended, all machinery should be
switched ‘OFF’ and isolated from the mains power supply.
13. Store machines safely when not in use
• When not in use, machines should be stored in a dry place, out
of reach of children. Do not allow persons unfamiliar with these
instructions or with the machine to operate it.
14. Do not overreach
• Choose a working position that allows your body to remain balanced
and feed the work piece in to the machine without overreaching.
• Keep proper footing and balance at all times.
15. Electrical supply
• Electrical circuits should be dedicated to each machine or large
enough to handle combined motor amp loads. Power outlets should
be located near each machine so that power or extension cables are
not obstructing high-traffic areas. Observe local electrical guidelines
for proper installation of new lighting, power outlets, or circuits.
• The machine must be connected to an earthed power supply.
• The power supply must be equipped with a circuit breaker that
provides short circuit, overload and earth leakage protection.
• The voltage of the machine must correspond to the voltage of the
mains power supply.
• The mains plug fitted to the machine should always match the
power outlet. Do not modify the plug in any way. If a replacement
plug is required it should be fitted by a competent person and of the
correct type and rating for the machine.
• If you are unsure about any electrical connections always consult a
qualified electrician.
16. Avoid unintentional starting of the machine
• Most machines are fitted with a no-volt release (NVR) switch
to prevent unintentional starting. If in doubt always ensure the
machine switch is in the ‘OFF’ position before connecting it to the
power supply. This means the machine will not automatically start
up after a power cut or switching on of the power supply, unless you
first reset the start switch.
17. Outdoor use
• Your machine should not be used outdoors.
18. Extension cables
• Whenever possible, the use of extension cables is not recommended.
If the use of an extension cable is unavoidable, then it should have
a minimum core cross section of 2.5 mm² and limited to a maximum
length of 3 metres.
• Extension cables should be routed away from the direct working
area to prevent a trip hazard.
19. Guard against electric shock
• Avoid body contact with earthed or grounded surfaces such as pipes
and radiators. There is an increased risk of electric shock if your body
is earthed or grounded.
20. Always work within the machine’s intended capacities
• Operator safety and machine performance are seriously adversely
affected if attempts to make the machine perform beyond its limits
are made.
21. Do not abuse the power cable
• Never pull the power cable to disconnect it from the power socket.
Always use the plug.
• Keep the power cable away from heat, oil and sharp edges.
• Do not use the power cable for carrying or moving the machine.
22. Secure the work piece
• Ensure that the work piece is securely held before starting to
machine it.
• When working within 300 mm of the machining area, always use a
push stick to feed the work piece in to the blade or cutting tool. The
push stick should have a minimum length of 400 mm. If the push
stick becomes damaged, replace it immediately.
• Use extra supports (roller support stands etc.) for any work pieces
large enough to tip when not held down to the table top.
• Do not use another person as a substitute for a table extension, or
as additional support for a work piece that is longer or wider than
the basic table, or to help feed, support, or pull the work piece.
• Do not attempt to machine more than one work piece at a time.
• When feeding the work piece towards the blade or cutting tool
never position your hands in direct line of the cutting path. Avoid
awkward operations and hand positions where a sudden slip could
cause your hand or fingers to move into the machining area.
23. Stay alert
• Safety is a combination of operator common sense and alertness at
all times when the machine is being used.
• Use all machines with extreme care and do not use the machine
when you are tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol or
medication.
24. Use the correct tool for the job
• Do not use the machine for any purpose other than which it
was designed.
• When selecting replacement cutting tools and blades, always ensure
that they are designed to cut the material that you intend to use
them for. If in any doubt seek further advice from the manufacturer.
25. Connect dust extraction equipment
• Always use dust extraction equipment. The dust extractor should be
of suitable size and capacity for the machine that it is connected to
and have a filtration level appropriate to the type of waste being
collected. Refer to the relevant section of the manual for details of
the specific dust extraction requirements for this machine.
• The dust extractor should be switched ‘ON’ before starting the
machine that it is connected to. The dust extractor should be
left running for 30 seconds after the last machining operation is
complete in order to clear any residual waste from the machine.
26. Ensure that the machine is correctly guarded
• Never use the machine if any of the standard safety guards and
equipment are removed or damaged.
• Some machines incorporate safety interlocks to prevent the machine
from being used without the guards in place. Never attempt to