Metal Cutting & Shearing Equip.

This Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) outlines safety protocols for operating metal cutting and shearing equipment, addressing hazards such as amputation, arc flash, and chemical exposure. It is crucial for operators, supervisors, and safety officers in manufacturing and metalworking environments. By following this SOP, you ensure compliance with relevant safety legislation and significantly reduce the risk of workplace injuries.

• Amputation or severe laceration at the guillotine blade or shear cutter → permanent disability
• Plasma arc flash and arc eye → corneal burn, retinal damage
• Inhalation of metal fumes including hexavalent chromium (Cr6+) from stainless, zinc from galvanised, and lead from coated steel → cancer, metal fume fever, lung disease
• Burns from hot workpieces, slag, and sparks → serious skin burn
• Fire ignition of combustibles within the spark and slag travel range
• Electric shock from plasma cutter or 240 V power supply
• Noise exposure from plasma (high-frequency arc) and cold saw → hearing damage
• Crush injury from heavy plate handling and offcut fall

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and applicable state/territory WHS legislation
• Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (Cth) — Part 3.1 Plant; Chapter 7 Hazardous Chemicals
• AS 4024 series — Safety of machinery (guards, interlocks, two-hand controls)
• AS 4024.1601 — Safety of machinery — Design of controls, interlocks and guards
• AS/NZS 1338.1 — Filters for eye protectors — Filters for protection against radiation generated in welding and allied operations
• AS 1674.1 — Safety in welding and allied processes — Fire precautions
• AS/NZS 1716 — Respiratory protective equipment
• AS/NZS 1715 — Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment
• AS/NZS 1270 — Acoustics — Hearing protectors
• AS/NZS 1337 — Personal eye protection
• AS/NZS 2161.4 — Occupational protective gloves — Welding
• Safe Work Australia — Code of Practice: Welding Processes
• Safe Work Australia — Code of Practice: Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss
• Metal Cutting Equipment Pre-Start Checklist (associated document)