Axminster BS11 Manual page 5

Good Working Practices/Safety
The following suggestions will enable you to observe good
working practices, keep yourself and fellow workers safe and
maintain your tools and equipment in good working order.
WARNING!! KEEP TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT OUT
OF THE REACH OF YOUNG CHILDREN
Mains Powered Tools
Primary Precautions
These machines are supplied with attached 16 Amp. plug
and 3 core power cable. Before using the machine inspect the
cable and the plug to make sure that neither are damaged. If
any damage is visible have the tool inspected/repaired by a
suitably qualified person. If it is necessary to replace the plug, it
is preferable to use an 'unbreakable' type that will resist damage
on site. Only use a 16 Amp plug and make sure the cable clamp
is tightened securely. Fuse as required. If extension leads are to
be used, carry out the same safety checks on them and ensure
that they are correctly rated to safely supply the current that is
required for your machine.
Work Place/Environment
Make sure when the machine is placed that it sits firmly on
the floor; that it does not rock and is sufficiently clear of
adjacent obstacles so that cutting operations will not be
impeded. Check you have adequate clearance both in front
of and behind the machine when cutting long timber. If you
are liable to be processing unwieldy or awkward work pieces,
it is suggested that you consider fastening the machine down
to the floor.
DO NOT use 230V a.c. powered machines anywhere within a
site area that is flooded or puddled and do not trail extension
cables across wet areas.
KEEP the machines clean; it will enable you to more easily see
any damage that may have occurred.
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD
CHILDREN BE ALLOWED IN WORK AREAS
General Instructions for 230V Machines
CLEAN the bandsaw with a stiff brush and vacuum cleaner.
KEEP the work area as uncluttered as is practical, this includes
personnel as well as material. It is good practice to leave the
machine unplugged until work is about to commence, also
make sure to unplug the machine when it is not in use or
unattended.
ALWAYS disconnect by pulling on the plug body and not the
cable. Once you are ready to commence work, remove all tools
used in the setting operations (if any) and place safely out of
the way. Re-connect the machine.
Carry out a final "tightness" check e.g. guide fence, table tilt, etc..,
check that the 'cutting path' (in this case the path that the work
piece will travel) is unobstructed.
Make sure you are comfortable before you start work; balanced,
not reaching etc..
If the work you are carrying out is liable to generate flying grit,
dust or chips wear the appropriate safety clothing, goggles,
gloves, masks etc., and if the work operation appears to be
excessively noisy, wear ear-defenders.
If you wear your hair in a long style, wearing a cap, safety
helmet, hair net, even a sweatband, will minimise the
possibility of your hair being caught up in the rotating parts
of the tool. Likewise, consideration should be given to the
removal of rings and wristwatches, if these are liable to be a
'snag' hazard. Consideration should also be given to nonslip
footwear, etc..
DO NOT work with cutting tools of any description if you are
tired, your attention is wandering or you are being subjected to
distraction. A deep cut, a lost fingertip or worse; is not worth it!
DO NOT use this machine within the designated safety areas of
flammable liquid stores or in areas where there may be volatile
gases. There are very expensive, very specialised machines for
working in these areas, THIS IS NOT ONE OF THEM.
Check that blades are the correct type and size, are undamaged
and are kept clean and sharp, this will maintain their operating
performance and lessen the loading on the machine.
Above all, OBSERVE.... make sure you know what is happening
around you and USE YOUR COMMON SENSE.
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