Wood Working Machines Safe Use & Maintenance

The woodworking industry has one of the highest accident rates in manufacturing. HSE statistics continue to show that accidents involving either contact with the dangerous parts of a woodworking machine or the wood being machined give woodworking a major injury rate that is above the manufacturing industry average.

The risks associated with using woodworking machinery are high since they use high-speed sharp cutters to do the job and in many cases these are necessarily exposed to enable the machining process to take place. Also, because many machines are still hand-fed, woodworking is probably the main industry where the hands of the operator are constantly exposed to danger.

As well as the high risk of injury from contact with the cutters, there is the risk of being injured by the ejection of the workpiece or cutters (or parts of them) from the machine. No two pieces of wood are the same; each piece behaves differently when machined or shaped during the production process. Knots and natural changes in the direction of the grain can give rise to snatching and kickback of the workpiece.

The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations  (PUWER) relate to work equipment generally, rather than specifically to woodworking machinery.

Course designed for

Employers, duty-holders and anyone else who has responsibility and/or control – directly or indirectly – for woodworking machinery and its use. Machine operators will also find this course useful.

Course pre-requisites

Learners are required to be 16 years of age or above.

Course content

  • Recognise and state the statutory requirements and relevant Approved Codes and guidance documents
  • Understand the risk assessment process
  • Hazards associated with woodworking machines
  • Identify and select appropriate PPE
  • Setting of guards
  • Setting up the machine
  • Isolation procedures
  • The use of extraction systems
  • Changing cutters/blades
  • Setting fences and guides
  • Using push sticks/automatic feeds correctly
  • Practical use of the machine
  • Emergency procedures

Course qualification

In-House Certificate (issued by HSCT)

Skill identity card (issued by HSCT upon request)

Refresher training

Every 3 years or if Legislation Changes

Course venue

HSCT Facilities – 50 Nuttscorner Road, Crumlin, BT29 4SQ

Other approved venues

Course duration

1 Day

Course size

Maximum of 12 learners per Instructor

Maximum of 6 learners per Assessor

Course assessment

  • MultiChoice questionnaire
  • Practical assessment