With effect from 15 th June 2000 BS4163:2000 came into force regarding Health & Safety in Design & Technology Departments in Schools and other Education Establishments.  The clauses relevant to the operation of powered fretsaws read as follows:- 10.6.3. Powered fret sawing machine 10.6.3.1 Hazards Employees and students should be aware of the following hazards.     a)  Hands or fingers can come into          contact with the saw blade.     b)  The powered fret sawing           machine can become detached           from the bench.     c)  Wood dust can be inhaled     d)  Inadvertant starting of the          machine can present a hazard. 10.6.3.2 Risk control measures It is essential that the machine is provided with - a means of electrical isolation using a fused switch-disconnector on or adjacent to the machine, and that it is controlled by a starter incorporating overload protection and no-volt release - a conveniently positioned, mushroom headed stop button or suitable other control device that can quickly stop the machine in the case of emergency.   It should be possible to lock the machine to "off" when not in use, if  a locking device is not incorperated in the machine The saw should be fixed to the bench. The height of the machine should be set for comfortable working as appropriate  A risk assesment should be carried out to evaluate the likely risks from inhalation of wood dust, and any action required to prevent or control the risks. Eye Protection should be used if deemed appropriate by risk assesment. Long hair should be protected fom entanglement. Blades should be sharp and should be of the correct pattern, and distortion free.  (Blunt or distorted blades can break in use.) The machine should be included in a planned Maintenance programme that should include electrical safety tests

 

No-Volt Switch:

An electrically interlocked No-Volt Switch with a large mushroomed emergency isolation knob, mounted on a steel bracket and fitted to the machine where the Guard & Hold Down Arm are mounted on the neck of the machine.

Current Overload:

An overload sensor is fitted to the circuitry within the No-Volt Switchbox and a reset button is fitted on the underside of the box and covered with a neoprene cover to prevent dust ingress.

We have come across instances where local Health & Safety Officers have not been happy with the wire guard on our hold down arm & guard so we have replaced the wire with a plastic guard and are fitted these units as standard on our education models

Dust Extraction Port:

A Dust Extraction Port and tube is fitted to collect the dust from above and below the table when used in conjunction with dust extraction equipment. Each machine has a dust extraction certificate issued by the German TUF testing house. We produce our own dust extraction unit which switches itself on automatically when you switch on the scrollsaw and  is eminently suitable for use with these machines

Emergency Stop:

An easily accessible emergency stop button gives both teachers and pupils a simple way of stopping operation and isolating the machine should an emergency arise.

HEGNER U.K.
Phoenix House, Tern Hill, Market Drayton, Shropshire, TF9 3PX, England.

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TECHNICAL: +44 (0)1630 637376
FAX: +44 (0)1630 637377
E-Mail: sales@hegner.co.uk