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Accessible Risk Assessment

3D Design & CAD Printing Workshop

KS2–KS3 (ages 7–14) · laptops/iPads (TinkerCAD/Fusion 360), 3D printers, PLA filament

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Date of assessment: 29/05/2026. Next review: May 2027. Assessor: Antony Hyett, CEO.

3D Design & CAD Printing Workshop risk assessment table
RiskControls / ActionsRisk LevelTiming of Action
Trip hazard / Available space
  • Young people to be grouped onto specific tables / into specific areas of the teaching space when working.
  • Young people to be discouraged from moving around the room unnecessarily.
  • 3D printer to be set up safely in a defined area of the teaching space, with sufficient space around it.
  • Hyett Education session leader to ensure that any extension leads and charging cables are covered, secured and/or beyond the pupils' activity area.
LowOn the day of the event
Fire safety / evacuation
  • Equipment, cases and cables to be positioned so that exits, walkways and fire points (extinguishers and alarm call points) remain clear at all times.
  • Hyett Education session leader to make themselves aware of the venue's evacuation procedure and nearest assembly point on arrival.
LowOn the day of the event
Burns
  • Key components and basic operation of the 3D printer to be demonstrated by the session leader, with risks from extremely hot internal components explained.
  • Young people to be clearly directed not to open the printer or touch any components inside.
  • Following printing, only the Hyett Education session leader to open the printer and handle printed items initially.
LowOn the day of the event
3D printer fire risk / unattended operation
  • The 3D printer to be placed on a stable, heat-resistant, non-flammable surface, clear of paper and other combustible materials.
  • The printer is never to be left running unattended; the Hyett Education session leader monitors it throughout operation.
  • Session leader to be aware of the location of the nearest fire extinguisher.
LowOngoing and on the day of the event
Plastic fumes / lack of ventilation
  • All 3D printing materials emit fumes when heated that could be harmful if inhaled over long periods without adequate ventilation. The session leader to evaluate ventilation in the teaching area and ask for window(s) to be opened if appropriate.
  • Hyett Education to use PLA plastic filaments to minimise fumes.
LowOn the day of the event
Sharp tools (print removal)
  • Scrapers, spatulas or snips used to remove prints from the bed and trim supports to be handled by the Hyett Education session leader only.
  • Young people directed not to handle removal tools; finished prints passed to young people only once safe to handle.
LowOn the day of the event
Use of laptops / iPads
  • Clear demonstration of the CAD software to be provided by the session leader.
  • Laptops/iPads to be placed securely on desks away from edges, with cables managed.
  • If appropriate, devices will be locked into 'Guided Access' mode or restricted to the CAD software.
LowOn the day of the event
Viewing the printer in action
  • Where possible, the instructor sets up an online stream for the class to watch the print safely.
  • If not possible, young people view the printer in small, supervised groups and are instructed not to touch or open any compartments of the printer.
MediumOn the day of the event
Liquids
  • Young people to be asked to place any water bottles well away from equipment for the workshop.
LowOn the day of the event
Manual handling of equipment
  • Instructors are provided with HSE guidance on manual handling and are encouraged to ask for any support or further clarification.
  • Instructors should park as close to the venue as possible, even if temporarily, for loading/unloading of equipment.
  • Use of trolleys or other aids for heavy/large items, using step-free routes where possible.
  • Break down large loads into smaller, manageable parts where possible.
  • Two-person lift for particularly heavy or awkward items.
LowOn the day of the event