Toolbox 1- Grinding and Disc Safety

by: desertknightfm Rhojel

GRINDING AND DISC SAFETY

Portable grinders are involved in a large number of accidents on construction projects.  Investigations of this type of accidents reveal that the following violations are often prevalent:

·         Failure to wear necessary eye protection, e.g. goggles, safety glass, face shield, etc.

·         Failure to have necessary guards installed.

·         Failure to use the grinder according to manufacturer’s instructions, i.e. wrong type of disc/wheel attached, improper mounting, abusive handling and poor hand position.

To prevent needless injuries, we must comply with all the manufacturer’s instructions and observe the following safe practices:

·         Use personal protective equipment (PPE) WHEN GRINDING, including SAFETY GOGGLES AND FACE SHIELD, gloves and hard hats.  Sometimes aprons and leggings are even necessary.

·         Ensure that all grinders have proper guards in place at all times.

·         Never clamp grinder to a stationary object – it can result in excessive strain on the tools and a possible accident.

·         Avoid rough handling – it can cause cracks in the wheel and possible disintegration at high RPM.

·         Select the proper wheel or disc and check it against the grinder’s RPM rating.  REMEMBER: at maximum speed, the stone can explode, injure, or even kill. 

·         Use the proper surface of the disc or wheel.  With straight wheels, the face should be used, never the side.

·         Whenever possible, use clamps or vise grips to secure the work. Never use just your hand to hold the pieces in place – this has been has been the cause of many power drill related injuries. 

·         Secure loose clothing, long hair, etc., to prevent entanglement with revolving parts of power tools.

·         Finally, never use grinders near flammable liquids or highly combustible materials such as paper, rags, etc.

REMEMBER:       ALL PORTABLE TOOLS MUST BE IN GOOD CONDITION AND USED IN A SAFE MANNER.