COMPENDIUM OF TYPICAL HAZARDS ASSOCIATED WITH CUTTING AND THEIR

CONTROL MEASURES IN THE METALWORKING INDUSTRY

CUTTING

No. Hazards Possible Control Measures Useful Links/Tips

1. Secure metal plate

1.1 Struck by falling plate Provide and use clamping tools
Conduct training on material handling
Provide and use safety footwear
1.2 Sprains and strains from lifting Use mechanical lifting device See Appendix Figure 1
of metal plates
Use proper lifting method Refer to Factsheet on Manual
Handling1

2. Use hand saw

2.1 Cut by saw blades Implement safe work procedures
Provide and use appropriate gloves
2.2 Struck by flying chips Provide and use appropriate eye protection

2.3 Sprains and strains from Conduct training on sawing techniques

repeated movements and
 incorrect lifting methods Use correct lifting/working posture

2.4 Struck by falling Implement safe work procedures

object/dropping tool
Provide and use appropriate safety footwear

3. Cutting by means of machine

3.1 Accidental starting of machine Provide and use safety interlock
Label 'start' and 'stop' buttons See Appendix Figure 2
Conduct briefing on emergency stop
procedures
Display warning signs

3.2 Excessive noise exposure Enclose cutting work station

Place an absorbent material below the metal
plate
Implement hearing conservation programme Refer to Hearing Conservation
Programme2

Conduct regular audiometric tests for exposed

workers (If noise is more than 85dBA)
Place hearing protection warning notice at See Appendix Figure 3
entrance of the work station
Provide and use appropriate hearing protectors
3.3 Struck by flying objects - Construct guarding around the opening of the
broken blades and sharp cutting machines
edges
Conduct proper maintenance of hand saw
 Provide and use appropriate PPE (safety
goggles and safety shoes)
See Appendix Figure 4
3.4 Excessive dust exposure Conduct regular air monitoring
Practise good housekeeping
Provide and use dust mask

4. Removal of metal plates

4.1 Falling object due to Secure metal plates properly before lifting
inadequate securing of metal
Follow proper lifting procedure
plates
Provide and use appropriate safety footwear

1
This document can be retrieved from http://www.mom.gov.sg/building_capabilities.html under Managing Workplace Hazards
Guidelines Factsheets and Circulars Ergonomics
2
This document can be retrieved from http://www.mom.gov.sg/building_capabilities.html under Managing Workplace Hazards
Guidelines Factsheets and CircularsNoise and Vibration
 Appendix

Figure 1: Hydraulic pallet truck Figure 2: Start and Stop button

START

STOP

Return to Section 1.2 Return to Section 3.1

Figure 4: Appropriate PPE (safety goggles and safety

Figure 3: Hearing protectors warning notice shoes)

Return to Section 3.3

Return to Section 3.2
*Contents of this resource are originated from the Risk Assessment workshops organised by the Singapore Manufacturers'
Federation with the support of the Occupational Safety and Health Division of the Ministry of Manpower and the
Metalworking Industry Safety Promotion Committee.

This material is not intended to be an exhaustive list of hazards and control measures for the above-mentioned activities.
Companies are to conduct risk assessment on the work activities specific to their workplaces by identifying the hazards,
evaluating the risk and determining suitable control measures where appropriate. References should be made to the
relevant regulations and code of practices when in doubt.