Risk Assessment

Shedders

  • A Safeguarding Policy

  • A "Health and Safety for Shedders" policy which they sign up to when joining the shed.

  • They are assessed by the Health and Safety Officer to establish which tools and machines they are competent to use.

  • On the "Membership Form", shedders disclose any health conditions that we should know about together with contact details and NOK details

  • They are also shown around the shed, so that they know where everything is stored including the First Aid Kit

  • They are shown the Fire Exits and Muster point

  • They are advised about the appropriate attire and the importance of PPE

  • If necessary, they are shown how to use the basic Hand Tools and basic power tools such as a drill, jigsaw, handheld sander.

Noise

Temporary or permanent damage to hearing from woodworking equipment.

  • Ear defender used where necessary,

  • Use low noise tooling in small spaces

  • Consider anti-vibration mats.

  • Consider taking the machine outside if the weather permits

Slips and trips

Injuries including bruises and fractures if Shedders fall e.g. on spillage or shavings.

  • Good housekeeping, offcuts and dust cleared immediately,

  • No trailing cables or obstructions

  • Create a safe space for the job

  • Shedders wear shoes with good grip

  • Good lighting.

Electrical

Shocks, burns or fire from faulty electrical equipment.

  • Monthly checks for any defective plugs, sockets or damaged cables or equipment.

  • Bi-annual Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) carried out on equipment.

  • All machinery, lights and heaters turned off and unplugged after use

  • No chargers left on at the end of the session

Fire

Fatal injuries from smoke or burns.

  • Both fire exit doors remain unlocked during sessions

  • Muster in the Village Hall Car Park in the event of a fire

  • Good Housekeeping - clear up all waste and empty bins

  • Keep flammables away from heat

  • Combustibles (e.g. chemicals) in sealed containers

  • Extinguishers serviced regularly

  • No welding or portable heaters

  • Maintain a Fire Log book

Dust

Exposure to dust and metal particles - Respiratory diseases such as asthma and cancer from inhilation.

  • Dust extraction in place with machinery producing dust or particles is in use,

  • Relevant PPE used,

  • regular clearing of dust with vacuum cleaner.

  • Consider opening the main doors to increase ventilation

  • Consider using the ceiling mounted Air Filtration system

Machinery

Serious and possibly fatal cut injuries following contact with moving parts e.g. saw blades.

  • Only use machines that your are either competent or being trained to use

  • Only use equipment for the purpose it was intended

  • Question if you need help and/or advice before starting

  • Before plugging-in, check the machine over (condition, sharpness, functions and settings)

  • Wear the appropriate PPE and dress accordingly - (e.g. no loose clothing, tie hair back)

  • Create a safe space to use the machine - consider others as well

  • Check the machine is properly set-up for the job - guards, fences and guides and stops are set in-line with manufacturer instructions.

  • Where appropriate, ensure the correct speed and safe cutting depth before use

  • Use clamps were possible or push sticks - keep hands away from blades

  • Report any faults to the Keyholder

Manual handling

Musculoskeletal injuries, cuts or splinters.

  • Benches and tables set at comfortable height

  • Strong gloves for handling tools, pallets and raw materials,

  • Safe lifting techniques used, heavy items lifted together.

Lighting

Damage to eyes, seizures and high risk of accidents from poor lighting

  • Lights regularly checked for flickers, good quality bulbs used

  • Stacking of materials near light fittings prohibited to avoid blocking light.

Tools

Cuts, bruises and lacerations

  • Safety signage around the Shed to encourage safe tool use and an induction for every member.

Safeguarding

Abuse or neglect to adult at risk, or allegation by adult at risk.

  • All Keyholders and Safeguarding officers are CRB checked

  • Ensure Safeguarding Policy is in place

  • No adult at risk works alone with another Shedder at any time.

  • Adults at risk are accompanied by their carer at all times.

Harmful Substances

Glues and Adhesives,Oils, Lead (in old paints), Solvents

  • Identify materials/chemicals that are hazardous (potentially injurious to health). Read containers and search for COSHH data sheets for a product.

  • Are they necessary to have available at the Shed. Otherwise dispose of them safely.

  • Do not inhale fumes from chemicals, deliberately or accidentally.

  • Segregate and secure hazardous substances (COSSH/DSEAR)

  • Wear appropriate Personal Protection Equipment (e.g. mask, gloves etc)

  • Ventilate the room by opening doors and/or windows

Theft

  • Ensure all windows are closed and locked

  • Lock back door mortice lock and secure steel brace

  • Lock front door mortice lock

  • Ensure remote camera is working

Last updated 20/2/2024

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