Noise management: Buzzer / planer

This publication is for: 
Employee / workerEmployer

This educational article has been developed to assist in the management of noise from buzzer/planers. 

The buzzer or planer, is common throughout woodwork shops. Noise levels produced by the machine can exceed 85 dB(A) and hearing protection is normally recommended for the operator. 

Maintenance

  • Have blades sharpened at regular intervals. 
  • Make sure that the dust extractor heads are firmly connected to the buzzer to eliminate rattles.

Noise control

  • Use machine in separate machine room, away from quiet work areas. 
  • When a cutting blade rotates under no load conditions, air stream is chopped creating a 'siren effect'. The air cavity can be filled with silicone rubber to reduce the free running blade noise.  

Operator control

  • Dress timber in small increments, not taking large chunks out at a time. Allow blades to cut at their own speed not forcing the work through. Train staff in the correct method of feeding in timber.  

Alternatives

  • Substitute softwoods for hardwoods, if it is found that the noise level is less on softwoods. 
  • Purchase pre-machined timber where possible.  

Adapted from the Noise Control Manual for Schools with the permission of the Education Department of Western Australia.

WorkSafe
Fact sheet
Last updated 21 May 2014
First published 10 Apr 2014

Last modified: