Generic Mechanical Workshop Risk Assessment

Title of Activity:	Working in the mechnical workshop
Location(s) of Work:	Appleton Tower

Brief Description of Work: Carrying out a number of tasks within the Mechanical Workshop such as turning, milling, drilling, fitting etc.

HAZARD IDENTIFICATION: Identify all the hazards; evaluate the risks (low / medium / high); describe all existing control measures and identify any further measures required. Specific hazards should be assessed on a separate risk assessment form and cross-referenced with this document. Specific assessments are available for hazardous substances, biological agents, display screen equipment, manual handling operations and fieldwork. See http://www.safety.ed.ac.uk/safenet/index.shtml for details.

HAZARD(s)	RISK L / M / H	CONTROL MEASURES (i.e.alternative work methods/mechanical aids/engneering controls, etc.)
Contact Injuries (entanglement, drawing-in, abrasions, cuts, burns etc.)	L	Access to the workshops is strictly restricted to authorised personnel only. No one may operate workshop equipment unless they have received a sufficient training and permission from the technician-in-charge. Specific risk assessments for machinery and the generic risk assessment for power hand tools are available and safe systems of work are issued to operatives. All workshop equipment must be regularly maintained and serviced. Long hair must be completely covered and suitable eye protection worn. Refer to the School Mechanical Workshop Safety Regulations available in the workshop area and at: http://www.inf.ed.ac.uk/safety/at/mechanicalworkshop.html
Lifting of heavy loads (back injuries)	L	A risk assessment must be completed for lifting heavy and bulky loads that present a risk of injury. Training in lifting techniques must be provided for workshop staff who undertakes lifting of heavy loads. Appropriate PPE for lifting operations must be worn. Lifting equipment must be registered with the University’s Engineering Insurers and annual inspections carried out. Records of the inspections must be kept in the safety file.
Fire	L	Equipment should be switched off when not in use for long periods. All portable electrical equipment must be PA tested at appropriate intervals. Flammable substances must be kept away from naked flames and ignition sources. Workshop users must be acquainted with the Fire Routine Procedure for the building. Fire Stewards must be appointed to cover the workshop area.
Hazardous Substances	L	A COSHH risk assessment must be completed for using substances that may present hazard to health. Hazardous substances should be kept in an appropriate fire resistant metal cabinet.
Electrical equipment (electrocution)	L	All portable electrical equipment must be PA tested at correct intervals and labelled with the date of test. Electrical cables, plugs should be regularly visually inspected by the user for damage. Any defective equipment should be reported to the technician-in-charge and taken out of use until the repair has been effected. Electrical equipment must always be operated in accordance with manufacturers instructions.
Slipping/tripping	L	Workshop working areas must be kept clear of obstructions and the floor must be kept free from oil and swarf. Any spillages should be cleaned up immediately. Any hazards such as trailing cables, defects to floors coverings, faulty lighting etc. should be reported immediately to the technician-in-charge.
Fall from a stepladder	L	Users must be familiar with the risk assessment and safe system of work for using stepladders. Users should be familiar with the University Guidance on the Use of Stepladders at: http://www.safety.ed.ac.uk/resources/General/Stepladders.shtm A stepladder should have a visual inspection by the user prior to use for damage. Stepladders should be individually identified and formal inspections to be carried out and records of inspection kept. Any defective stepladder should be clearly labelled and taken out of use until the repair has been effected.
Excessive Noise	L	The level of noise should be measured. If necessary the noise risk assessment should be carried out and suitable ear defenders supplied.
Lone and out of hours working	L	Working lone and out of working hours in the workshops is strictly prohibited unless permission from the Technical Manager / Superintendent is given and a lone working risk assessment is carried out.

* Continue on separate sheet, if necessary

Engineering Controls: Tick relevant boxes.

Guarding	X	Extraction (LEV)	X
Interlocks		Enclosure
Other relevant information (including testing frequency if appropriate):

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Identify all necessary PPE.

Eye/Face	X	Hand/Arm	X
Feet/Legs	X	Respiratory	X
Body (clothing)	X	Hearing	X
Other (specify)
Specify the grade(s) of PPE to be worn:
Specify when during the activity the item(s) of PPE must be worn: Lab coats, safety glasses/goggles, safety shoes, gloves, ear defenders, dust masks and respirators are to be used as the work dictates.

Non-disposable items of PPE must be inspected regularly and records retained for inspection

Persons at Risk: Identify all those who may be at risk.

Academic staff	Technical staff	X	P'Grad students	U'Grad students
Maintenance staff	Office staff		Cleaning staff	Emergency personnel
Contractors	Visitors		Others

Additional Information: Identify any additional relevant information to the activity, including supervision, training requirements, special emergency procedures, requirement for health surveillance, etc.

Workshop staff must familiarise themselves with the University Health and Safety Policy at: http://www.safety.ed.ac.uk/policy/

Workshop users must read and understand the Mechanical Workshop Safety Regulations that are available in the workshop and at: http://www.inf.ed.ac.uk/safety/fh/mechanicalworkshop.html

Assessment carried out by:

Name: David Wyse

Date: 06/03/2006

Review Date: 06/03/2007
06/03/2008

Revised: March 2007

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