• Identify

What do both Safe

you andas
see AtUnsafe….?
Risk Behaviour
• Identify
Whatboth Safe
do you and
see asAt Risk Behaviour
Unsafe….?
ANGLE GRINDERS
 NOTHING NEW!
• Seen it all
• Used a grinder for more than …years!
• Who are you to tell me what to do?
• There is nothing you can teach me.
• Maybe that is all true, but lets look at what
a grinder can do to you!
• Yes You!
• If you have a weak stomach,Leave Now!
SO WHAT DO THESE TYPICAL
INJURIES LOOK LIKE?
OR LIKE THIS ?
 You don’t have to be
grinding, As an
On looker/ assistant the
following can happen to
you……
Worst if you hurt your self!
 But a 9 inch Grinder with an
auto lock switch on can do the
following to YOU!
NOW THAT YOU HAVE SEEN
WHAT CAN HAPPEN TO YOU
LETS CONTINUE!
 Learning overview on:

• Angle grinder incidents, injuries and

contributing factors
• Angle grinder safe operating rules
• Generic procedure for changing an angle
grinder disk
• MSDS- for grinding/cutting wheels
 ANGLE GRINDERS
• Grinder Incidents lead to investigations
• Grinder incidents, lead to questions about Competency.
• Grinders as a work instrument, can be equated to
camping in a crocodile enclosure, If the crocodiles are
fed there is no risk, but bleed from a cut, or don’t feed the
crocodiles for two weeks...
As a norm nothing will happen to you if you use an angle
grinder, but use the wrong disk, abuse the grinder, or
neglect safety common sense and……….

The Crocodile/ Angle Grinder will get YOU!

POTENTIAL INCIDENTS

The following types of incidents can occur when using

a hand held angle grinder:

• Electrocution
• Flying sparks / hot metal / dusts
• Disc jam / kickback
• Grinder (or object) slips
• Disc shatters (‘explodes’)
• Noise and vibration
• Hair or clothes caught by rotating disc
TYPICAL INJURIES

The most common injuries / incidents that come

from using an angle grinder are:

•Cuts, especially to hands and arms

•Foreign body in the eye
•Fires and/or burns
•Electric shock or equipment trip out
 CONTRIBUTING FACTORS
Typical contributing factors to incidents involving angle
grinders are:
•Using an angle grinder without a correctly fitted and
positioned guard
•Object being cut / ground not properly secured or
positioned,
•Inadequate, poorly positioned or poorly maintained
handles on the angle grinder,
•Operator fatigue from prolonged use of an angle grinder
(holding , supporting, applying pressure),
•Use of angle grinders in awkward or unbalanced
positions e.g. overhead, in a confined space or with arms
or body extended,
•Inadequate selection and/or use of PPE,
•Lack of skill and/or competency of operator
• Stainless Steel Grinding Disks
• Steel Grinding Disks
• Sanding Disks
Use the correct disk for the appropriate material!
Correct Cutting Direction - Active

Rotation forward – sparks moving away from body

Note – contact position of work piece – behind wheel center
Incorrect Cutting Direction
Incorrect Cutting Direction -
Active

Rotation backwards – sparks moving into body

Electrocution or electric shock can result from
either:
Disc cutting through the electrical supply cable,
or
Poor quality or poorly maintained equipment or
cables.
 ANGLE GRINDERS
‘SAFE OPERATION RULES’
Check your equipment before use :

•Inspect the angle grinder to ensure that it is in a

safe operational state,
•Inspect the disc and disc guard. Make sure that
they are in place and secure. Ensure that that the
disc or wheel is not chipped, cracked, glazed or
damaged in any way that could cause it to shatter
or ‘explode’,
•Check the handle's) to ensure that they are
secure and not damaged,
•Check to see that the test tag on the power cord
is up-to-date and that the ‘on-off’ and/or ‘deadman’
switch is in good working order, and
What are you going to check prior to using
this grinder?
 THEN………
•Conduct a ‘test start’ to check the angle grinder
for balance and vibration. If unusual and/or
excessive vibration is encountered during the
test or at any time during use, immediately stop
work , unplug the unit, remove the disc and
inspect it and the angle grinder for damage or
incorrect mounting.
If you are unable to locate and correct
the problem, seek advice from your supervisor
regarding repair or replacement of the disc or
angle grinder .
Before operating an angle grinder, set up, inspect
and secure your work area including:

Ensure that there are no flammable materials in your

area and that it is not a hazardous area where grinding
is not allowed. Determine if a Permit To Work is required
and, where needed, ensure it is obtained,
•Avoid using an angle grinder within a confined space. If
not possible, ensure a Task Hazard Analysis and other
Confined Space Operations requirements is complied to.
•Check that your power supply is earth leakage
protected,
•Ensure that your power cord and extension leads are
long enough and are positioned out of harm’s way,
Before operating an angle grinder, set up,
inspect and secure your work area including 
(continued)

•Check that your power supply is earth leakage

protected,
•Ensure that your power cord and extension leads
are long enough and are positioned out of harm’s
way,
•Insure that all personnel in the area are a safe
distance from the grinding area,
•If required, erect protection screens to protect other
personnel or plant in the area,
Before operating an angle grinder, set up, inspect
and secure your work area including  (continued)

•Secure the object you are working on in a vice or in

an alternative holding device. Do not hold the object
you are grinding in your hand unless circumstances
preclude any other method of doing the job. Where
such circumstances exist, they must be supported
by the completion of a formal Task Hazard Analysis
that is approved by the work area supervisor, and
When positioning the job and securing the object,
consideration must be given to the vibration and
noise generated for both the operator and people in
adjacent areas.
 When operating an angle grinder:

•Hold the grinder firmly with two hands

and ensure that you will be able to
maintain your balance throughout the job.
•Maintain the appropriate pressure on the
object to avoid damaging the wheel or
overheating the object.
•Avoid allowing the wheel to rest on one
spot for too long. This could cause the
work to burn or the wheel to ‘explode’.
When operating an angle grinder: (Continues)

•Where possible work at waist height,

•Maintain the grinding disc at a 15 to 30
angle to work,
•Allow the grinder to reach full speed before
commencing work,
•Allow the grinder to do the work, do not
use excessive force,
•Allow the disc to stop completely before
putting the grinder down, and
•Always lay the grinder down with the disc
facing upwards.
 HAZARD CONTROL

Before starting any work with an angle grinder, apply

the following principles:

•Hierarchy of Controls
•‘Take Time, Take Charge’
•Change Management
 Tool selection and maintenance

Ask the following questions:

•Is an angle grinder the right tool for the job?
(especially for cutting jobs)
•Should the angle grinder be electrically or
pneumatically powered?
•Does the angle grinder have a disc brake?
If not, why not?
•Do you have the right disc / wheel for the
job? Consider the size and type.
•Have the angle grinder and disc / wheel
been properly maintained?
 Personal Protective Equipment

The PPE worn by operators of angle grinder must

reflect the activities being performed.

The following PPE is mandatory for operators

using an angle grinder:
•Goggles with a face shield,
•Hearing protection,
•Close fitting cotton clothing that covers the arms
and legs,
•Safety boots with steel capped toes, and
•Close fitting gloves,
 The following PPE is not mandatory but
should be considered for each task:

•A hood is recommended if the operator is

working in a confined space, and
•Respiratory protection, possibly including
supplied air if working in confined spaces.
Grinder in Operation– Pay attention
to the grinding angle and operation

GRINDING
Using the Grinder for cutting- pay
attention to the method used:

CUTTING
Using a Cut off Grinder:

Cut off Grinding

Generic Procedure for Changing
a Disc on an Angle Grinder

It is important to note that this is a generic procedure

only. Procedures for changing a disc on an angle
grinder may change from one unit to another.
You must always follow the manufacturer’s
instructions for the unit you are using.
 Angle Grinder and Accessories

The procedure for installing a new disc is described below.

Turn power off and unplug the grinder before replacing a disc.
Ensure all necessary equipment is assembled before
replacing the grinding disc.
 Install Handle

* Screw the handle on to the

right or the left side of the
machine head depending on
the working method.
 Protective Guard.

Clamping Lever

* Place the protective guard on to the spindle collar

of the machine head. Turn the guard anticlockwise
to the required working position.
 Backing Plate

Install the backing plate and ensure it is seated correctly

on the arbour.

Now…….What disk are you going to install ?

Questions to ask before installing a disk ?:

•Are you going to grind or cut?

•What material are you going to cut?
•Is the disk an Approved make?
•Is the disk in Good order?
•Is the steel centre ring piece in place?
•Is the disk damp?
•Is the disk cracked?
•Did you check the rotation speed?
Steel -Grinding vs Cutting disks
Can you see the difference?
Cutting Disks –Masonry vs Steel
Can you see the difference?
 The cutting disk is marked 6500 RPM,
WHAT IS THE RATING OF YOUR GRINDER?
 Expiry Date

The date stamp indicated above, is a “Expiry Date” and in general,

EN Code
wheels should no longer be used if this date has expired.
 Grinding Wheel Label System
Label Identification
Application Restriction
Pferd Product Line

OSA Safety Code Product Part Number

EN & ASA Identification Pferd Logo

EAN Bar Code

Peripheral Speed

Inside Color: Black –

Max Rpm
Steel
Application

EN Color Bar
Outside Color: Silver
Performance
Mounting Instructions Range

Safety Requirements
 E – A24 R SG Grinding Disc

Pferd SA Stocking program –

E 90-4 A24 R SG
E 100-5 A24 R SG
E 115-6 A24 R SG
E 178-7 A24 R SG
E 230-7 A24 R SG
E 230-8 A24 R SG

Application –
Suitable for surface and edge grinding of Steel, weld dressing
and de-burring of Castings
 E – A24 N SG-Inox Grinding Disc

Pferd SA Stocking program –

E 115-5 A24 N SG-Inox

E 178-7 A24 N SG-Inox
E 230-5 A24 N SG-Inox
E 230-7 A24 N SG-Inox

Application –
Suitable for Stainless Steel and High Grade Materials
 Cutting Discs Label System
Mounting Instructions
Label Identification
Pferd Product Line

Product Part Number

OSA Safety Code

Free from Ferrous,
Sulphurous and Chlorinated
EN & ASA Fillers
Identification

Pferd Logo
Peripheral Speed

EAN Bar Code

Max Rpm
Inside Color: Blue –
S/Steel Application
Application Restriction

Outside Color: Silver

EN Color Bar Performance Range
Safety Requirements
EH & EHT - A R SG Inox Cutting Discs

Pferd SA Stocking program –

EHT 100-2,4 A46 R SG Inox

EHT 115-2,4 A46 R SG Inox
EHT 125-2,4 A46 R SG Inox
EHT 178-2,5 A24 R SG Inox
EHT 230-2,5 A24 R SG Inox Type “E”
EHT 230-3,2 A24 R SG Inox

EH 100-2,4 A46 R SG Inox

EH 115-2,4 A46 R SG Inox
EH 115-3,2 A46 R SG Inox
EH 178-2,5 A24 R SG Inox
EH 230-3,2 A24 R SG Inox

Application –
Suitable for Stainless Steel
Type “E” – Copper and Bronze
EH & EHT - A S SG Cutting Discs

Pferd SA Stocking program –

EH 100-3,2 A46 S SG
EH 115-3,2 A30 S SG
EH 125-3,2 A30 S SG
EH 178-3,2 A24 S SG
EH 230-3,2 A24 S SG

EHT 100-2,4 A46 S SG

EHT 115-2,4 A30 S SG
EHT 125-2,4 A30 S SG
EHT 178-2,9 A24 S SG
EHT 230-3,2 A24 S SG

Application –
Suitable for Steel, Castings & Non Ferrous metals.
Superior service life.
EHT - C R SG Masonry Cutting Discs

Pferd SA Stocking program –

EHT 100-2,4 C46 R SG

EHT 115-2,4 C30 R SG
EHT 125-2,4 C30 R SG
EHT 178-3,2 C24 R SG
EHT 230-3,2 C24 R SG

EH 100-3,2 C46 R SG
EH 115-3,2 C30 R SG
EH 178-3,2 C24 R SG
EH 230-3,2 C24 R SG

Application –
Suitable for Masonry, Concrete, and Bricks.
Superior Service Life
 Ensure Disc is Centred

 Ensure the disc is appropriately installed and

centred before you tighten the locknut. Ensure
that the arbour hole is the correct size for the
grinder to be used.
 Install Lock Nut and Clamp Washer

Make sure the locknut and clamp washer assembly is

in good condition and is matched to the disc type.
 Mounting Of Wheels
Fig.A
Note – flanges seat correctly and is suitable
for cutting wheel applications – only if SFS
76 cutting flanges are not required. If
grinding wheel is mounted, flanges should
be turned around as in Fig.B
Fig.B
Note – distance between flanges due to
flange shoulders seating - measures 3,2mm.
This is only suitable for a grinding
wheel as most cutting wheels are thinner
and will not be clamped tight enough for
cutting purposes. For cutting applications
without SFS 76 cutting flanges, refer to
Fig.A
• Right or Wrong?
 Mounting of Cutting Discs

Incorrect way – label must be visible outwards Correct way – label is clearly visible to operator

The flat metal section of the center ring is situated on the label side. The function of this ring is
to protect the top flange from seating on the exposed mineral from the wheel, thus preventing
damage and excessive wear to this flange. In addition, when the label is facing outwards, the type
of wheel can immediately be identified for additional safety reasons.
Cutting Flanges Mounted
 Use Correct Spanner

Do not use any tool or

implement other than the correct
spanner to change a disc.

Tighten the locknut assembly

carefully and firmly by hand. Do
not use a hammer or any tool to
tighten the locknut.
Now- Put on your PPE
and
Conduct a ‘test start’ to check the angle grinder for
balance and vibration. If unusual and/or excessive
vibration is encountered during the test or at any
time during use, immediately stop work , unplug the
unit, remove the disc and inspect it and the angle
grinder for damage or incorrect mounting. If you are
unable to locate and/or correct the problem, seek
advice from your supervisor regarding repair or
replacement of the disc or angle grinder .
 Product Problems
• CENTER RING TORN OUT
• OUT OF BALANCE EFFECT
• PINCHING OR JAMMING EFFECT
• POORLY CLAMPED WHEEL
• EXCESSIVE SIDE PRESSURE AND WRONG CUTTING FLANGES
• PRODUCT DELAMINATION
• WHEEL SNAPPED IN HALF
• EXCESSIVE MACHINE RPM
• VIBRATION
• DAMAGED CLAMPING FLANGES
Why do Angle grinder discs shatter / explode?
-use of the wrong disc eg. cutting disc used for grinding,
-
inappropriate operating speed chosen for the disc,
-disc not properly installed,
-disc not properly maintained or not replaced when worn
/ glazed,
-disc ‘jamming’ during a cutting job, allowing the wheel
to rest on one spot for too long (overheating),
-moisture being absorbed into (part of) a disc causing it
to be ‘unbalanced’, or
-material embedded in a disc from a previous job
reacting with material (and heat) generated in the
current job e.g. aluminium grinding followed by steel
grinding.
 Product Problems

• Wheel forced onto shaft – tearing away the metal

insert and part of the wheel
 Product Problems

• Wheel out of balance – possibly due to worn

bearings or incorrect mounting.
 Product Problems

• Wheel pinched due to incorrect cutting direction,

cutting angle, poor clamping or operator error.
 Product Problems

• Incorrect mounting – loose flanges

• Secondary damage from loose flanges
 Product Problems

• Center of wheel torn out due to incorrect flanges used

and/or incorrect mounting and excessive side pressure
 Product Problems

• Product de-lamination – factory fault

 Product Problems

Grinder fell with wheel attached, causing wheel to break in half

 Product Problems

Wheel exceeded the maximum operating speed of 80m/s, resulting in structural failure due to
excessive
centrifugal forces (Pneumatic tool governor faulty)
 Product Problems

• Damage caused due to vibration – poor clamping of

work piece, and/or excessive side pressure.
 Damaged Flanges

Typical example of not using proper flange spanners

 Irregular Grinding Pattern

Normally associated with High Frequency Machines – out of

synchronization with the converter
 Center Ring Indented

Indentation caused by incorrect mounting on shaft, with

shoulder of flange nut causing the indentation.
 Center Ring Partly Extruded

Extruded damage caused by incorrect mounting on shaft,

with flat side of flange nut causing the damage.
 Storage of Products

Abrasive wheels must be stored on a wooden structure to prevent absorbing moisture

MSDS
TEST
 1
Mounting of Cutting Discs

Correct way – A Correct way – B

 2

Does it mean …..A- 2005 Manufactured in 2005

B- 2005 ,Means Disk expires in 2005. EN Code
Cutting Direction 3

A- Rotation Correct
B- Rotation Wrong
 4

A B

C
D

A- Grinding B- Grinding C- Grinding D – Grinding

Yes // No Yes // No Yes // No Yes // No
 5
B

Cutting Disks – What type is A

- What type is B
 6

What is the maximum speed this grinder can rotate?

 THANK YOU

Acknowledgement is given to Pferd for materials used