2. Equipment Hazards & Safety Controls

Angle Grinder

Risks:

• High-speed disc shattering, leading to severe injuries.

• Kickback from improper handling.

• Flying sparks and debris causing burns or eye injuries.

• Electric shock risk if used with damaged cords.

Control Measures:

• Always use the guard—never remove it.

• Wear safety glasses, face shield, gloves, and ear protection.

• Secure the workpiece to prevent movement.

• Use both hands and maintain a firm grip.

• Do not use a damaged or worn-out disc.

Bench Grinder

Risks:

• Eye injuries from sparks and debris.

• Wheel shattering if cracked or improperly installed.

• Hand injuries from getting pulled into the wheel.

Control Measures:

• Wear protective glasses and face shield.

• Keep tool rests adjusted close (1-2mm) to the wheel.

• Use light pressure to avoid overheating the wheel.

• Ensure guards and safety shields are in place.

Drills (Handheld & Drill Press)

Risks:

• Hand injuries from slipping.

• Flying debris causing eye injuries.

• Entanglement with loose clothing.

• Kickback when drilling through tough material.

Control Measures:

• Wear safety glasses and gloves.

• Secure workpieces with clamps.

• Avoid loose clothing, jewelry, or gloves near rotating parts.

• Keep hands away from the drill bit.

Circular Saw

Risks:

• Severe cuts or amputations.

• Kickback causing loss of control.

• High noise exposure.

Control Measures:

• Wear safety glasses, gloves, and ear protection.

• Always use the blade guard.

• Keep fingers clear of the cutting path.

• Use a push stick for small pieces.

Electric Fence Unit

Risks:

• Electrocution hazard if improperly handled.

• Shock risk from damaged wires or improper grounding.

Control Measures:

• Turn off power before maintenance.

• Use insulated gloves when handling live wires.

• Ensure proper grounding.

Air Compressor

Risks:

• Explosion risk if over-pressurized.

• Hearing damage from prolonged exposure.

• High-pressure air can cause serious injuries.

Control Measures:

• Wear hearing protection.

• Drain moisture regularly to prevent corrosion.

• Never point air hoses at people.

Chemicals

Risks:

• Toxic exposure through skin or inhalation.

• Fire/explosion hazard.

Control Measures:

• Wear chemical-resistant gloves, goggles, and a mask.

• Store chemicals in labeled containers.

• Ensure proper ventilation.

Water Blaster

Risks:

• High-pressure water can penetrate the skin.

• Electrocution risk near electrical equipment.

Control Measures:

• Never spray towards people.

• Use waterproof gloves and boots.

• Keep water away from electrical outlets.

Welders (Arc & Gas)

Risks:

• Severe burns from sparks and heat.

• Eye damage from welding arc (flash burn).

• Gas explosion risk (for gas welding).

Control Measures:

• Always wear welding helmet and gloves.

• Ensure proper ventilation for fumes.

• Store gas cylinders upright and secured.

• Check gas fittings for leaks before use.

Hand Tools

Risks:

• Lacerations or impact injuries from misuse.

• Puncture wounds from sharp tools.

Control Measures:

• Keep tools in good condition.

• Use the right tool for the job.

• Store tools properly to prevent tripping hazards.

Chainsaws

Risks:

• Severe lacerations or amputations.

• Kickback leading to loss of control.

• Hearing damage.

Control Measures:

• Only trained and authorized staff may use chainsaws.

• Never use a chainsaw alone.

• Wear full PPE (helmet, chaps, gloves, glasses, ear protection).

• Ensure escape routes are clear.

• Always maintain a firm grip with both hands.

Fencing Equipment (Including Strainers)

Risks:

• Hand injuries from tensioned wire.

• Impact injuries from snapping wire.

Control Measures:

• Wear heavy-duty gloves.

• Use proper technique to tension wire safely.

Line Trimmer

Risks:

• Flying debris causing eye injuries.

• Lacerations from contact with blade.

Control Measures:

• Wear safety glasses and face shield.

• Do not remove guards.

• Avoid using near bystanders.

Generator

Risks:

• Electrocution risk in wet conditions.

• Carbon monoxide poisoning in enclosed spaces.

Control Measures:

• Only operate in dry conditions.

• Use a circuit breaker.

• Place generators outdoors with proper ventilation.

Use Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) with power tools. If PPE is not available or is unsuitable then contact management immediately. The following PPE is provided:

• Protective glasses.

• Earmuffs.

• Chemical gloves.

• Dust masks.

• Chaps.

• Helmet with visor.

• Welding gloves and helmet.

Use residual current devices.

Never remove guards from grinders, weed eaters, belts, PTO's or other equipment unless it isolated from power source.

Chainsaws

Chainsaws are a particularly hazardous tool requiring specific training. Risks include:

• Lacerations 

• Amputation 

• Eye injury 

• Crushing and broken bones 

• Carbon Monoxide poisoning 

• Hearing loss 

• Vibration syndrome - white finger 

• Fire

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Wear gloves, eye protection, helmet and chaps. Heavy moleskins and jeans don't count as chaps. Ear protection should be Class 5. Ensure your clothing is snug fitting and no loose elements are in the way.

Operator

Operators are supervised by an experienced operator before they can work unsupervised, but no one is to work alone.

Equipment

Before operation check the chainsaw:

• Check the chain brake works.

• Check the chain is the right tension - it shouldn't quite pull out of the track.

• Sharpen the chain before every use. Blunt saws eat jaws.

• Check the depth guage is below the level of the teeth.

• Check all bolts, screws and covers are tight.

• Never adjust the machine while the engine is running.

• Use 95 Octane petrol with the correct mix of two-stroke oil. Only mix a few litres at a time.

• Clean the air filters, sprocket cover, chain brake, oil holes and guide bar groove after each use.

Environment

• Clear your work area before starting the chainsaw so it is free of trip hazards. 

• Be aware of people who may enter your work area unseen.

• Check nothing will fall on you while you are working (tree tops, hung trees, unstable log piles or logs with a changing centre of gravity etc.)

• Note the weather and any effect it will have on your particular work area.

Technique

• Starting

  • Never drop start the chainsaw.

  • Chain brake on.

  • Put the chainsaw on the ground in a clear area with one foot on the rear handle and one hand on the top handle.

  • Stand over the saw and use the other hand to pull start.

  • Expect the saw to start with a roar with the chain running in case it does.

• Never operate the chainsaw above shoulder height.

• Never over reach.

• Never operate with one hand.

• Never cut with the upper tip of the chainsaw blade as this is the main cause of kick back.

• Plant your feet firmly and slightly apart for balance.

• Always expect kick back.

• Allow the saw to cut through the wood. If you find you need to dig the spurs into the wood and rock the chainsaw to make it cut you will need to stop and sharpen it.

• Apply the chain brake when moving around, refuelling, or any time you are not actively cutting. Point the saw backwards with the hot side away from you when walking.

• Check chain lube at each tank refill.

• Refill the oil tank before the fuel tank so the saw is cooler when you are pouring petrol.

• Move 3m away from the fuel cans before starting.