Lathe Metal Cutting Risk Assessment

Product Overview

This risk assessment covers planning, setup, operation, cleaning and emergency response for lathe metal cutting. It supports identifying hazards and managing risks associated with the work area, rotating parts, workholding, tooling, swarf, coolant, noise and maintenance.

Activities & Risks Covered

This assessment addresses activities and risks including:

• Plan the task, confirm competency and select suitable materials and PPE
• Maintain clear access, lighting and housekeeping around the lathe
• Inspect machine condition, guarding and isolation controls before work
• Load material and set workholding to manage lifting, clamping and protruding-stock hazards
• Select, inspect and adjust cutting tools safely
• Operate the lathe while managing rotating-part, ejection, flying-fragment and heat hazards
• Handle swarf, coolant and airborne contaminants safely
• Manage noise exposure and maintain clear communication
• Clear jams, measure, clean and maintain the lathe under controlled conditions
• Prepare for emergencies and report incidents for follow-up

Who is this for?

Suitable for contractors, workers, supervisors and businesses carrying out lathe metal cutting activities.

Activities & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

The template records model guidance used to inform the documented controls. Applicable WHS/OHS laws and adopted Codes vary by state or territory, so confirm the current local requirements when tailoring the assessment:

• Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: Managing risks of plant in the workplace — 4.1 Guarding plant; p. 39.
• Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: Managing noise and preventing hearing loss at work — 5. Controlling the risks; p. 29.
• Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: Managing the work environment and facilities — 2. The work environment; p. 13.
• Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: Hazardous manual tasks — 4.1 The hierarchy of control measures; p. 31.
• Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: Work health and safety consultation, cooperation and coordination — 3. What is effective consultation?; p. 13.
• Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: First aid in the workplace — 3. First aid equipment, facilities and training; p. 12.
• Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: How to manage work health and safety risks — 4. Step 3 — How to control risks; p. 20.
• Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: Managing the risk of fatigue at work — Provide sufficient breaks while at work; p. 30.

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Standard Risk Assessment Features (Click to Expand)

• Activity-specific hazard identification and control measures
• Initial and residual risk ratings
• Assigned responsible persons for each activity
• Risk matrix and assessment classification
• Review, monitoring and sign-off fields
• Site-specific customisation before use