Posted By GaryC40 Hi, I am current assessing woodworking machinery, including a fixed circular table saw. The saw has been used unguarded in the past to cut out checks etc. This practice has since been prohibited. Now a senior member of staff wants to reinstate this practise and is proposing to modify the guard on the machine to suit. I would prefer to purchase a Spindle Moulder. Is there any guidance on the legality of modifying guards - would this revoke warranty etc. I am told that it can be done, however must be passed by a competent engineer. Any thoughts? Gary

Posted By Roly Buss Gary Hopefully you have looked at the HSE guidance on table saws which says should NOT be used for rebating - however if it is then they suggest a guard. http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/wis16.pdf Roly

Posted By Glyn Atkinson Without going into legalities, and to keep yourself out of any firing lines, do your present insurers know about this change of tack from a senior manager? They may well have a strong opinion on what is being proposed if their liability is being changed without consultation!! Insurers have been known to threaten to withdraw insurance cover at a moment's notice from managers having their own ideas on guarding. Beware - and cover one's rear at all times with WRITTEN orders from managers, not a verbal demand !! We've all been there !

Posted By peter gotch 1 Gary, I'm a little puzzled as to why you can't use a standard guard for this operation, noting that push stick and riving knife would both be critical. Could you tell us a bit more detail as to exactly what you are trying to achieve. Which failing I would have thought that what you are doing could be done with a tunnel guard (assuming repeat use of same thickness of timber) Regards, Peter

Posted By Guderian2 Can't answer the question about CE marking, as it depends on the age of the machine, it may also be excluded for other reasons. See link and subsequent guidance http://www.berr.gov.uk/w...rect/ipsg/page13049.html WHile I'm not an expert specifically in wood working machines, the following principles can be followed, which should see the correct application of PUWER and relevant standards. Putting the CE issue to one side, you do have to show (by risk assessment) that the machine follows the 4-step machinery/dangerous parts guarding principles contained within Reg 11 of PUWER. As others have pointed out, if relevant HSE machinery guarding information is available for the type of machine in question - then it would be very wise to follow it. You could also either follow the generic machinery BSEN guarding standards (BSEN292 etc, yes I know these have been repleaced by new standards - just can't recall their numbers right now.). Ideally try and find out if there are any machine specific type standards for this type of machine - type B1, B2 and C standards. PD5304 (the old BS5304) machinery guarding standard, is now a British Standard 'Published Document' i.e. no longer has the status of a standard, it still contains plenty of useful advice and examples of guarding.

Posted By GaryC40 Thanks for all the responses - It has been formally agreed that the manufacture of a bespoke guard is not the way forward.The workshop supervisor has been given full approval to cost up a new machine (Spindle Moulder). Common sense and good practice has prevailed. Now i am now investigating if there is a RCD adapter available that will plug straight into a plug point used to power a bench grinder(light duty and infrequently used) that will prevent the machine from re-starting after a power cut etc. I'll say one thing, the experience gained from this exercise is invaluable and attitudes to HS are starting to change! It amazing what a few new toys and a practical approach will achieve! I can honestly confirm that our workshop will now be a safer place due to this assessment, which is why i got into HS in the first place! GC