Safety in the workplace is so important for any business. Whether the workforce spends their time in the office or at a job site, all employers want their employees to leave at the end of the work day without incident. Following work safety rules are crucial for all members of the business.
For any business that uses Type 1 or Type 27 grinding wheels, there are steps worth taking to ensure employee safety. Here is Rex-Cut’s list of DO’s and DON’Ts to maintain workplace safety whenever using abrasive grinding wheels.
DOs for grinding wheel safety
- DO inspect grinding wheel for any kind of damage including cracks.
- DO make sure the machine speed does not exceed the maximum operating speed marked on the wheel.
- DO use an ANSI B7.1 wheel guard. Position it so it protects the operator.
- DO confirm that the machine arbor properly fits the wheel hole or threads
- DO check that the flanges are clean, flat, undamaged, and the proper type.
- DO run wheel in a protected area for one minute before grinding.
- DO wear ANSI Z87+ safety glasses and additional eye and face protection, if required. (pictured below)
- DO employ dust controls and/or protective measures appropriate to the material being ground.
- DO hold grinder firmly with two hands.
- DO support work piece firmly.
- DO read the machine manual, operating instructions, and warnings.
- DO read SDS for the wheel and the work-piece material.
- DO always HANDLE AND STORE wheels in a careful manner.
DON'Ts for grinding wheel safety
- DON’T allow untrained people to handle, store, mount, or even use wheels.
- DON’T use grinding wheels on pistol grip air sanders.
- DON’T use wheels which have been dropped or damaged in any way.
- DON’T use a wheel on grinders rotating at speeds higher than the MAX RPM marked on the wheel
- DON’T use grinders that do not show a MAX RPM speed.
- DON’T use excessive pressure when mounting a wheel. Tighten enough only to hold wheel firmly.
- DON’T alter a wheel’s hole.
- DON’T force the wheel onto a spindle.
- DON’T mount more than one wheel on an arbor.
- DON’T twist, bend, or jam any wheel.
- DON’T force or bump wheel so that the tool motor slows or stalls.
- DON’T remove or modify any guard. ALWAYS use a proper guard.
- DON’T use wheels in the presence of combustible materials.
- DON’T use wheels near bystanders if they are not wearing protective equipment.
- DON’T use wheels for applications other than for which they were designed. Refer to ANSI B7.1 and wheel manufacturer.
- DON’T use Type 27 Wheel at a 90° angle. (pictured right)
Rex-Cut Abrasives highly recommend following these steps to ensure workplace safety. Type 1 and Type 27 grinding wheels can be dangerous to those using the wheels and to those around the operator if the proper precautions are not being taken. Serious injuries can and have occurred due to safety measures being neglected by employees.
This list should be used only as a guide. For complete and detailed safety information, refer to ANSI B7.1 Safety Code.
