By Marianne AckerBy Marianne Acker

Training Objective:Training Objective:You should understand:You should understand: The hazards associated with portable The hazards associated with portable

abrasive equipmentabrasive equipment

General procedures for safe operationGeneral procedures for safe operation

General requirements for inspectionGeneral requirements for inspection

Personal Protective Equipment required Personal Protective Equipment required when using portable abrasive equipmentwhen using portable abrasive equipment

Hazards of Portable Hazards of Portable Abrasive EquipmentAbrasive Equipment

Portable abrasive wheels have most of Portable abrasive wheels have most of the same hazards as wheels mounted the same hazards as wheels mounted on fixed stands, but their portability on fixed stands, but their portability makes the MORE hazardous in makes the MORE hazardous in some ways.some ways.

Hazards of Portable Hazards of Portable Abrasive EquipmentAbrasive Equipment

The BIGGEST danger is the chance of The BIGGEST danger is the chance of the wheel EXPLODING.the wheel EXPLODING.

Speeds of 2000 to 3000 RPM can send Speeds of 2000 to 3000 RPM can send exploding pieces into exposed flesh, exploding pieces into exposed flesh, unprotected eyes, etc.unprotected eyes, etc.

Protect the wheel from sharp blows, or Protect the wheel from sharp blows, or from being dropped. If the wheel from being dropped. If the wheel appears to have been abused in any appears to have been abused in any way DON’T USE IT!way DON’T USE IT!

Hazards of Portable Hazards of Portable Abrasive EquipmentAbrasive Equipment

OVERSPEED can cause explosion of an OVERSPEED can cause explosion of an abrasive wheelabrasive wheel

Be sure that the wheel is the proper size Be sure that the wheel is the proper size to avoid over speedto avoid over speed

Be sure that the operating speed of the Be sure that the operating speed of the machine does not exceed the rated machine does not exceed the rated wheel speedwheel speed

Hazards of Portable Hazards of Portable Abrasive EquipmentAbrasive Equipment

NEVER use a portable grinder without NEVER use a portable grinder without a guard.a guard.

The guard should cover at least half of The guard should cover at least half of the wheelthe wheel

Always keep the guard between your Always keep the guard between your face and the wheel.face and the wheel.

The guard will also help protect you The guard will also help protect you from dust and sparksfrom dust and sparks

Inspecting the EquipmentInspecting the EquipmentVisually inspect the wheel for defects.Visually inspect the wheel for defects.

““Ring test” the wheel by gently tapping with Ring test” the wheel by gently tapping with a non-metallic object. If the wheel sounds a non-metallic object. If the wheel sounds “dead” then discard it immediately.“dead” then discard it immediately.

Inspect the mounting flanges. Are they clean, Inspect the mounting flanges. Are they clean, flat and smooth and the correct size and flat and smooth and the correct size and diameter?diameter?

Is the correct mounting blotter in place?Is the correct mounting blotter in place?

Inspecting the EquipmentInspecting the EquipmentBe sure the mounting nut is not over-Be sure the mounting nut is not over-

tightened.tightened.

Is the guard on tight?Is the guard on tight?

Is the cord in good condition?Is the cord in good condition?

Does the trigger work right?Does the trigger work right?

Does the wheel run smoothly and Does the wheel run smoothly and without vibration?without vibration?

Personal Protective Personal Protective EquipmentEquipment

Goggles/face shields shall be worn Goggles/face shields shall be worn during all operations involving during all operations involving abrasive wheels, including portable abrasive wheels, including portable grinders.grinders.

Safety shoes must be worn in all shop Safety shoes must be worn in all shop areasareas

Additional PPE may be required based Additional PPE may be required based on the job at hand (long sleeves, long on the job at hand (long sleeves, long pants, anti-vibration gloves)pants, anti-vibration gloves)

Electrical HazardsElectrical HazardsBe sure tool is not sparkingBe sure tool is not sparking

Be sure the tool is properly grounded, Be sure the tool is properly grounded, especially when working in wet areasespecially when working in wet areas

Turn off AND unplug the tool before Turn off AND unplug the tool before attempting adjustments or cleaning.attempting adjustments or cleaning.

HousekeepingHousekeepingExtension cords should be run “out of Extension cords should be run “out of

the way” to prevent tripping hazards.the way” to prevent tripping hazards.

Be sure the work area is clear of any Be sure the work area is clear of any hazards which may contribute to hazards which may contribute to injuryinjury

Care should be taken when working Care should be taken when working with any electrical equipment around with any electrical equipment around flammable liquids or gasses.flammable liquids or gasses.

ErgonomicsErgonomicsKeep a firm, but steady hold on the grinder, Keep a firm, but steady hold on the grinder,

applying the correct pressure - the “right applying the correct pressure - the “right touch”touch”

You can get tired without realizing it and lose You can get tired without realizing it and lose control of the grinder so be sure to take control of the grinder so be sure to take periodic breaks.periodic breaks.

Hand and wrist exercises should be performed at Hand and wrist exercises should be performed at regular intervals when grinding for lengthy regular intervals when grinding for lengthy periods of time.periods of time.

ConclusionConclusionTreat the grinder with respect! The Treat the grinder with respect! The

wheel is brittle and doesn’t like wheel is brittle and doesn’t like shocks.shocks.

Lay it down carefully AFTER it comes Lay it down carefully AFTER it comes to a full stop.to a full stop.

Respect the grinder, its hazards and Respect the grinder, its hazards and benefits.benefits.