Compactor

The main hazards and risks are:

• crushing
• shearing
• amputation
• electricity
• high-pressure fluid ejection from the hydraulic system
• ergonomic problems from handling material during loading

The main control measures are:

• train all operators in how to load materials into the compactor correctly
• keep the area around the compactor tidy to minimise the risk of fire, pests and trips
• inspect compactors regularly and report any potential hazard at once
• keep all guards in place
• always make sure the compactor door is shut before operating the equipment, and never open it while the compactor is in operation
• wear the required PPE during loading, operation and servicing
• clear blockages only by the assessed method with hazardous movement and stored energy securely controlled. A special hand tool does not by itself make access to a live danger zone safe
• never put your hand, arm or body into the compactor to try to dislodge jammed material
• follow lockout and tagout procedures if the compactor needs servicing or repair
• do not operate a machine that has been tagged or marked for repair

Cement mixer

The main hazards and risks are:

• entanglement with the rotating drum or drive motor
• drawing in at the nip point between the motor and the drive mechanism
• friction or abrasion on contact with the moving drum
• electric shock
• overstrain and manual handling injuries during loading
• health hazards from inhaling cement dust and from contact with wet cement
• hazards from the fuel
• being struck by vehicles operating in the area
• the mixer overturning and knocking into someone when it is transported

The main control measures are:

• put the cement mixer on a flat, level surface to prevent tipping, rolling or falling
• keep work areas clear of debris and obstructions that could cause the operator to slip, trip or fall into the mixer
• do not wear loose clothing or jewellery that can be caught in moving parts. Wear proper PPE and a restrictive hair covering to contain long hair
• before use, check that the mixer will operate properly. Repair or replace any broken or missing parts before using it, and check for proper machine guarding
• make sure the electrical power cord is in good condition, and use residual current device protection when using an electric mixer outdoors or in damp locations, to prevent a shock or fire hazard
• for fuel-powered mixers, always shut off the engine before fuelling, be aware of the hot exhaust, and do not use a fuel-powered mixer indoors, because carbon monoxide may build up and create a breathing hazard
• make sure all tools and other equipment are removed from the mixer before switching it on
• do not overload the mixer, and never leave it running unattended
• do not move the mixer while it is operating, because it could tip over
• when transporting the mixer, disconnect the power cord or shut off the engine and make sure the drum is empty of material

• before servicing, adjustment or accessory changes, isolate relevant energy, prevent restart and control stored movement using the manufacturer's safe method. An off switch alone is not secure isolation

Bench-mounted circular saw

The main hazards and risks are:

• circular saws can create very high exposure to wood dust, which can cause dermatitis and asthma, and hardwood dusts can also cause nasal cancer
• entanglement from contact with the blade
• noise
• slips, trips and falls
• projected particles
• electric shock
• breakage of the disc
• cuts and amputations
• contact or impact from unexpected movement during maintenance, cleaning and repairs

The main control measures are:

• put on safety glasses and hearing protection
• use the work support, fence or cross-cutting arrangement specified for the operation. Do not trap material between a fence and mitre gauge or improvise combined guides that can cause kickback
• never clear small pieces while the blade is moving
• have push sticks ready for cutting narrow pieces
• never adjust the saw or set it up while it is running
• never run material that contains nails, screws or other metal objects
• make sure the guard, splitter and kickback devices are working properly
• stand to either side of the blade, never directly behind it
• if scrap has to be removed from near the blade, bring the saw to a complete stop and use a stick or brush, not your hands
• use the saw's specified stopping and braking system and wait for all movement to cease; not every saw has a brake pedal
• leave the saw safe according to its instructions, using the required isolation before cleaning, blade changes or access to dangerous parts
• if the machine malfunctions, stop immediately and report to the supervisor

Aerial drones in the workplace

The main hazards and risks are:

• unstable flying conditions caused by weather and wind
• birds striking the drone
• structures, trees and other plants
• power lines and power infrastructure
• operator error
• faulty equipment

The main control measures are:

• comply with the applicable aviation rules, registration, operator competence and any required permissions for the aircraft and activity; requirements vary by country and operation
• inspect drones before use to make sure they are in proper working order
• observe load limits strictly
• plan flights so that workers on the ground are not put at risk
• keep the drone in the line of sight of the operator or a visual observer
• plan a safe operating volume and separation from people, structures and other aircraft; flying close to a surface is not automatically safer
• check that the weather is suitable
• fly only in conditions allowed by the applicable rules, authorisation and safe operating plan. Night flight is not universally prohibited; it can require additional visibility and lighting provisions
• beware of power lines, infrastructure and the general operating environment that could cause a collision
• operators must give way to any nearby manned aircraft

Summary notes for Element 9 · Cheat sheet · Glossary. A study aid, not published or endorsed by NEBOSH.