Before a 3D printer can be purchased or operated on-site, a formal risk evaluation must be conducted. This step ensures that all operational hazards are identified and properly managed before work begins.
Completing the Hazard Assessment
- Responsibility: The designated Activity Lead for the 3D printer is responsible for completing the mandatory Hazard Assessment.
- Expert Support: You do not have to do this alone. Your Division Safety Coordinator (DSC) and your EHS Health and Safety Representative are fully available to support the Activity Lead through every step of the evaluation.
- When to complete it: This step should ideally be completed during the pre-purchase or commissioning phase of the 3D printer.
- Already have a 3D printer and no risk assessment has been done: Contact the robotics SME
Exposure Monitoring and Decision Making
- Determining Exposure: The completed Hazard Assessment determines whether quantitative area exposure monitoring is necessary for your workspace.
- Final Decisions: Your assigned Health and Safety Representative will make all final decisions regarding specific monitoring requirements.
- Data Sharing: Once finalized, the results of the monitoring assessment will be shared directly with your DSC and POC (Point of Contact).
Documentation and Logging
- WPC Upload: The completed Risk Assessment (RA) must be uploaded directly to your corresponding Work Planning and Control (WPC) document.
- Central Database: All hazard assessment results are documented and stored in a centralized 3D printer database managed by the Robotics SME.
- Operational Changes: Safety documentation is an ongoing process. Any future operational changes—such as utilizing different filaments or printing materials—require an updated hazard assessment and new documentation.
