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planing of badly bowed timber where there is inadequate contact of the timber on the in-
feed table,
planing tapers which involves ‘dropping on’ where the bridge guard cannot be correctly
positioned.
Rebate planing at the end of the cutterblock.
thicknessing of more than one piece of timber at the same time. Most of the accidents caused
by the thicknessing operation are due to the timber being thrown back by the knives. This can
occur when a heavy cut is being attempted on difficult material, but it happens more
commonly when a number of pieces are being thicknessed together. Because of inevitable
variations in the thickness of the pieces, the feed roller cannot grip each piece equally, and a
thinner piece travelling towards the cutter block between two thicker ones is liable to be
ejected violently when it comes into contact with the knives.
Training and instruction is a central requirement of the Woodworking Machines Regulations 1974.
No hand-fed planing machine can be operated by any person under the age of 18 without them
having first completed an approved course of training. The regulation does realise that young
persons may need to operate one of these machines as part of a course, and such use is
permitted provided that it is carried out under the supervision of a person who has thorough
knowledge and experience of the machine and of its safeguarding requirements.
It is essential that all operators of planer / thicknesser machines are adequately trained in the
use, adjustment and operation of the machine, this covers in particular:
The dangers associated with the operation of the machine;
The principles of machine operation, correct use and adjustment of the fence, jigs and
safeguards;
The safe handling of the workpiece when cutting;
The position of the hands relative to the cutters and the safe stacking of the workpieces
before and after cutting.
Persons who install this machine for use at work have a duty under the Health and Safety at
Work Act 1974 to ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, that nothing about the way in
which it is installed makes it unsafe or a risk to health at any time during setting, use, cleaning,
and maintenance. This includes such aspects as correct assembly, electrical installation,
construction of enclosures, and the fitting of guards and ventilation equipment. When installing
this machine consideration must be given to the provision of adequate lighting and working
space.
Repairs and maintenance must only be undertaken by competent technicians. Ensure that all
power supplies are isolated before maintenance work begins. Instructions for routine
maintenance work are included in this manual.
