Safety Tips for Grinders

By HES Department
Australasia Strategic Business Unit

Health

Environment

Safety

Reliability

Efficiency

The Points of Think Incident Free

Thinking before acting is the key to working safely

Training

State of Mind

Think Incident Free

Planning

Proper Tools and Equipment PROCEED ONLY IF YOU ARE TRAINED, PROTECTED, HAVE A PLAN AND ARE IN THE RIGHT STATE OF MIND
Australasia Strategic Business Unit

Health

Environment

Safety

Reliability

Efficiency

Selecting Angle Grinding Wheels

Use reinforced organic bonded wheels.

Use soft grade wheels on hard materials.

Use hard graded wheels on soft materials.

Never use cutting wheels for grinding.

Check that the maximum operating speeds of the wheel and grinder match.

Never exceed the rated speed of the wheel.

Australasia Strategic Business Unit

Health

Environment

Safety

Reliability

Efficiency

Testing the Angle Grinding Wheels

Tap here 25mm in from outside edge Tap here 45 degrees from centre line

Tap here

Tap here

Australasia Strategic Business Unit

Health

Environment

Safety

Reliability

Efficiency

Checking the Angle Grinder

No cracks in the casing Deadman switch automatically returns to OFF

Casing screws intact

Grip handle is secure No more than 150 degree exposure of the wheel

Guard secure
Australasia Strategic Business Unit

Health

Environment

Safety

Reliability

Efficiency

Personal Protective Equipment

For Angle Grinders
Face shield and safety glasses

PPE for Angle Grinder

Close fitting canvas or leather gloves

Ear muffs

Overalls or close fitting clothing

Australasia Strategic Business Unit

Safety boots

Health

Environment

Safety

Reliability

Efficiency

Operating the Angle grinder

Remove flammables. Secure the work piece in a vice or clamp. Never use your foot as the clamp. Keep work piece at waist height & adopt a comfortable stance. Keep both hands on the grinder. Run the grinder up to speed. Apply minimal pressure on the wheel. Avoid using excessive force. Fully position the guard between you and the work piece. Position the grinding wheel between 15 to 30 degrees. Take frequent breaks to rest arms and hands. Never put the grinder down until the wheel has fully stopped. Dont drop grinders onto the ground.
Australasia Strategic Business Unit

Health

Environment

Safety

Reliability

Efficiency

Bench Grinders
Bench grinders gloves are NOT recommended. The majority of incidents are as a result of "undressed" wheels becoming contaminated. Operator exerting too much pressure on the wheel. Wheels shatter and becomes high speed shrapnel. Gloves can reduce dexterity and could get entangled therefore not recommended.

Australasia Strategic Business Unit

Health

Environment

Safety

Reliability

Efficiency

Personal Protective Equipment

For Bench Grinders
Face shield and safety glasses

PPE for Bench Grinder

Do Wear Gloves Ear muffs

Overalls or close fitting clothing

Australasia Strategic Business Unit

Safety boots

Health

Environment

Safety

Reliability

Efficiency