Toolbox - Grinding
Grinding in its various forms is a vital part of many processes.
Grinding is a cutting process that uses the sharp abrasive grains
bonded together in the form of a grinding wheel or disk.
Types of grinders that may be found on site include:
Portable hand held grinders both air and electrically driven
Pedestal grinders
Precision grinders eg. surface grinders and cylindrical grinders
Hazards
Hazards associated with grinders and grinding operations may include:
Cuts and abrasions resulting from contact with the rotating
wheel or disk.
Hearing loss from excessive noise from grinding operations.
Shattering or explosion of disks/wheels.
Eye injuries from particles generated by grinding operations at
high velocities.
Manual handling injuries associated with controlling the forces
generated by the grinding process and workplace posture.
Planning and Assessment
Prior to starting any job that involves grinding or the use of grinding
equipment, precautions need to be taken to make sure the job can be
done safely, by checking the work environment and the process to be
used; factors to consider include:
Selecting the correct wheel for the job;
Checking that grinders are in good condition and the right tool for the
job is selected, guards fitted, electrical leads are not damaged,
correctly tagged, etc.
Lighting levels are sufficient so you can see what you are doing;
Setting up for the job so it can readily be accessed without over
reaching to avoid strains and sprains.
General housekeeping in the area, untidy work areas can significantly
contribute to accidents and increase eye injuries if dust or grindings
have not been cleaned up.
Safe Work Practices
The way we work and behave can have significant impact on
protecting our own safety and those who work with and alongside us.
1
Toolbox - Grinding
The following points should be follows:
As a minimum, safety glasses and a full clear face shield, must be
worn at all times. Full sealing mono goggles are another option for
protection.
Warn personnel in your work area before you start grinding. This
gives them the chance to protect themselves.
Inspect grinding wheels each time before use as grinding wheels,
particularly those on portable grinders as they are prone to physical
damage.
Check grinding wheels have been correctly fitted. Always use the
correct collars and flanges when fitting, cutting or grinding wheels.
Avoid side loading cutting wheels as they may shatter.
Use aluminum only on correct grinding wheels.
Start grinding gently and avoid overloading the wheel or grinder.
Use suckers or extraction ventilation to remove grinding fumes and
dust.
Where possible firmly secure the object you are grinding. Avoid ‘live’
grinding (where the work piece can freely move about) as it reduces
noise and the chance of the work piece moving.
Hearing protection in the form of ear muffs or ear plugs must be worn
at all times when grinding.
Clean up dust and grindings as part of the job to reduce the chance of
eye injuries.
Reporting of Faults/Hazards
Unsafe situations require swift action to make sure that accidents do
not occur. When hazards are identified you should see if you can first
fix the problem yourself and then report it to your supervisor.
Problems that you can not fix yourself should be made safe or
isolated and reported to your supervisor so they can arrange whatever
action is required to remedy the situation.
