Risk Assessment for Machinery Operation During Curb Cutting

Assessment Date: [DATE]

Assessor: [ASSESSOR NAME]

Department/Area: [DEPARTMENT/AREA]

Review Date: [REVIEW DATE]

1. Assessment Scope

This risk assessment covers the operation of machinery during curb cutting activities. It includes all tasks directly related to the cutting of curbs using designated machinery. The scope excludes maintenance and repair of the machinery, which are covered under a separate risk assessment.

2. Risk Assessment Methodology

This risk assessment employs a 5x5 risk matrix to determine risk ratings. The matrix considers likelihood (Rare, Unlikely, Possible, Likely, Almost Certain) and severity (Negligible, Minor, Moderate, Major, Catastrophic) to assign a risk rating of Low, Medium, High, or Extreme. Control measures are selected based on the hierarchy of controls (Elimination, Substitution, Engineering controls, Administrative controls, and PPE).

3. Risk Matrix Reference

The following matrix is used to evaluate risk levels based on likelihood and severity:

		Likelihood
Rare	Unlikely	Possible	Likely	Almost Certain
Severity	Catastrophic	Low	Low	Medium	High	High
Major	Low	Medium	Medium	High	Extreme
Moderate	Medium	Medium	High	Extreme	Extreme
Minor	Medium	High	High	Extreme	Extreme
Negligible	Low	Medium	Medium	High	Extreme

4. Hazard Identification and Risk Evaluation

1. Collision between machinery and pedestrians or vehicles due to inadequate separation.

Potential Consequences: Serious injuries or fatalities to pedestrians or workers; damage to vehicles and equipment.

Affected Persons: Workers, pedestrians

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Moderate	Medium

Control Measures

• Implement a traffic management plan to separate machinery from pedestrian and vehicle traffic.
• Use physical barriers such as cones and tape to delineate the work zone.
• Post warning signs to alert pedestrians and drivers of curb cutting activities.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Minor	Low

2. Exposure to excessive noise levels from machinery operation.

Potential Consequences: Hearing loss or tinnitus in operators and nearby workers.

Affected Persons: Operators, nearby workers

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Likely	Moderate	High

Control Measures

• Ensure operators wear appropriate hearing protection (earplugs or earmuffs).
• Implement regular breaks to reduce exposure time.
• Maintain machinery to minimize noise levels.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Minor	Medium

3. Machinery rollover due to uneven surfaces or unstable ground conditions.

Potential Consequences: Serious injuries or fatalities to the operator.

Affected Persons: Operators, ground personnel

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Major	Medium

Control Measures

• Provide machinery with rollover protection structures (ROPS) and seatbelts.
• Ensure operators are trained on safe operating procedures on uneven surfaces.
• Conduct a site assessment to identify and mitigate potential instability hazards.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Rare	Moderate	Low

4. Exposure to dust and debris generated during curb cutting.

Potential Consequences: Respiratory irritation, eye injuries, or skin irritation.

Affected Persons: Operators

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Likely	Minor	High

Control Measures

• Ensure operators wear appropriate PPE, including gloves and eye protection.
• Provide training on the safe handling of materials and tools.
• Implement engineering controls to minimize dust generation (e.g., water suppression).

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Negligible	Medium

5. Unintended start-up of machinery during maintenance or repair.

Potential Consequences: Serious injuries or fatalities to maintenance personnel.

Affected Persons: Operators, ground personnel

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Major	Medium

Control Measures

• Implement lockout/tagout procedures during maintenance and repair.
• Ensure machinery is equipped with emergency stop mechanisms.
• Provide training on emergency shutdown procedures.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Rare	Moderate	Low

6. Crushing and collision hazards

Potential Consequences: Serious injury or death [1] [1] [1]

Affected Persons: Operating and ground personnel

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Major	Medium

Control Measures

• Approved head gear must be worn by all operating and ground personnel.
• Keep non-operating personnel at least 6 ft. (1.8m) away from machine during all operations.
• Warn personnel not to work, stand, or walk under a raised boom or platform. Position barricades on floor if necessary.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Moderate	Low

5. General Control Measures

• Conduct daily equipment inspections to identify and rectify any defects before operation.

Use a standardized checklist to ensure all critical components are inspected.

• Ensure all operators are trained and certified to operate the specific machinery used for curb cutting.

Maintain training records and conduct refresher training as needed.

• Establish and maintain clear communication channels between the machine operator and ground personnel.

Use two-way radios or hand signals to coordinate movements and activities.

6. Emergency Preparedness

• Establish an emergency response plan that includes procedures for accidents, injuries, and equipment malfunctions.
• Ensure a first aid kit is readily available on-site, and personnel are trained in basic first aid.
• Maintain communication equipment (e.g., two-way radios) to facilitate emergency communication.

7. Training Requirements

• Machinery Operation Training: Training on the safe operation of curb cutting machinery, including pre-start checks, operating techniques, and emergency shutdown procedures.
• Traffic Management Training: Training on traffic management and pedestrian safety, including the proper use of barriers, signage, and communication protocols.
• PPE Training: Training on the proper use, maintenance, and storage of personal protective equipment (PPE).

8. Monitoring and Review

Review Frequency: Annually, or after any incident

Monitoring Type	Frequency	Responsible Party	Description
Regular Inspection	Daily	Site Supervisor	Regular inspection of traffic control measures to ensure effectiveness.
Performance Indicator	Monthly	Safety Officer	Monitoring of noise levels to ensure compliance with regulatory limits.
Audit	After each incident	Safety Manager	Review of incident reports to identify trends and areas for improvement.

9. Special Circumstances

• Adverse weather conditions (e.g., rain, snow) can reduce traction and visibility, increasing the risk of accidents.
• Night work increases the risk of accidents due to reduced visibility.
• Lone work increases the response time in case of an emergency.

Approval and Sign-off

This risk assessment has been reviewed and approved by:

Assessor: _________________________ Date: __________

Manager/Supervisor: _________________________ Date: __________

Safety Representative: _________________________ Date: __________

This risk assessment must be reviewed annually, or after any incident or when significant changes occur.

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