This Thicknesser and Buzzer Operation Risk Assessment/JSA (Job Safety Analysis) is pre-filled and covers setting up and running surface planers (buzzers), thicknessers and combination planer thicknessers in a timber workshop. It covers 37 activities, from machine commissioning and the pre-start inspection to shutdown, isolation and emergency response, with the hazards, control measures and risk ratings before and after controls for each. It's written by WHS specialists, aligned to Australian WHS legislation, and fully editable in Microsoft Word.
 
Who it's for
Joinery and cabinet making workshops
Furniture makers and timber manufacturers
Door, window and staircase makers
Timber recyclers machining reclaimed timber
Businesses training joinery apprentices
A risk assessment, also called a JSA, JSEA or task risk assessment, records the hazards of a task and how you control them. If the task is part of high risk construction work, the law requires a SWMS for that work, so use our Thicknesser and Buzzer Operation SWMS instead.
 
Use it to
Show clients, insurers and auditors how you manage the risks
Apply for tenders, contracts and supplier panels
Get through prequalification with Avetta, Cm3 and other contractor portals
Induct new workers and train them in the task
 
What this risk assessment covers
Machine commissioning, daily handover and the kickback line around the machines
Timber deliveries, forklift movements and handling long or heavy boards
Pre-start checks of guards, interlocks, emergency stops, brake and extraction
Changing and setting knives, including unexpected start-up and thrown knives
Setting the bridge guard, thicknesser bed, rollers and anti-kickback fingers
Combination machine changeover and inspecting timber for nails and defects
Face and edge planing, short stock, stopped work and rebating on the buzzer
Thicknessing, workpiece ejection and feed roller entrapment
Treated, painted, reclaimed and glued-up timber
Entanglement, bystanders, clearing jams and restarting after a stall
Wood dust, noise, extraction fires, chemicals, heat and cold in the workshop
Shutdown, isolation and emergency response to amputation, entrapment or ejection injury
 
What's included
Hazards and control measures for 37 work activities
Risk ratings before and after controls, with a 5x5 risk matrix and the hierarchy of controls
PPE requirements checklist
Plant and equipment list, materials and maintenance checks, including timing cutter block run-down at pre-start
Relevant Australian Standards, including AS/NZS 4024.1601 for machine guarding and AS/NZS 4745 for combustible dust
Operator competency requirements and training in releasing a person trapped in the feed rollers
Site specific hazards section for anything unique to your job
Further controls action plan to track anything still to be done
Worker sign-off sheet and worker consultation record
 
Why use this template
Saves hours compared with writing a risk assessment from a blank page
Covers the most common hazards and control measures for this work, ready to use out of the box
Fully editable, so you can add, remove or change anything to suit your workplace and how your team works
Helps your business stay compliant, with risk ratings, an action plan, worker sign-off and consultation records already set up
Comes with a step-by-step implementation guide
 
How it works
Buy online and download straight away. You'll also get an email with your link.
Add your logo, ABN, area and site details.
Check it suits your workplace and task, edit anything you need to, and consult your workers before you finalise it.
Brief your team and collect signatures.
 
Common questions
Do I need a SWMS or a risk assessment for thicknesser and buzzer operation?
No. Running a thicknesser or buzzer in a workshop isn't high risk construction work, so a SWMS isn't a legal requirement. You still have to manage the risks, including hand contact with the cutter block and kickback, and a risk assessment or JSA is a practical way to record how. Clients, insurers and prequalification portals often ask for one.
Can I use it for MDF and particleboard?
No. This risk assessment covers solid hardwood and softwood, reclaimed timber and glued-up solid timber panels. It states that composite and resin-bonded board is not machined on these machines.
Can I change it?
Yes. It's a Microsoft Word file, so you can add, remove or change any hazard, control or rating, and add your own logo and details.
Does it suit my state?
Yes. It's written to the model WHS laws and suits all states and territories, including Victoria under the OHS Act and Regulations.
What if it doesn't suit my work?
You're covered by our 30-day money-back guarantee if it isn't fit for purpose.