How To Safely Use A Grinder
Making your workplace as safe as possible to minimize the risk of accidents is one of your highest priorities. So how can you safely use a grinder?
May 27, 2019
Material removal
Grinders
Safety
Expert Corner
Metalworking
Here are some best practices you can take to improve safety when using pneumatic tools, while also decreasing your company’s total cost of operations. Grinding and sanding are safe so long as you follow these simple rules…
Minimizing workplace accidents is vital for both individuals and businesses. By prioritizing safety and implementing risk reduction measures, we ensure a secure work environment and protect the overall success of the organization.
Removal tools such as grinders and sanders can pose a significant danger if not used responsibly.
So how to safely use a grinder and limit the risks when using tools such as pneumatic grinders?
Before using a grinder: Read the user manual and safety instructions…
They are in the box for a reason – to help you to safely use a grinder!
Check the air line set up
Correct air line installation is critical for using pneumatic tools safely. Here are some key points:
- To secure the correct speed on your tool, you need to regulate the air pressure to 90 psi (6.3 bars).
- Use an FRL to control pressure, lubricate and clean the air.
- Make sure you have a good, tight connection between the airline and the tool’s inlet. Use TEFLON tape or similar to help achieve this.
Use the right abrasives
1. Speed
If the grinder’s speed surpasses the MOS of the abrasive, there is a significant risk of being struck by high-speed fragments, comparable to bullets from a pistol. The outcome of such an event is clearly highly dangerous.
2. Size
Use the right size abrasive for your tool. If the disc is too large:
- You will not be able to attach the disc correctly or use the proper guard for this abrasive.
- You risk the speed of the grinder exceeding the abrasive’s MOS, which could have the devasting consequences mentioned above.
Let’s put it simply: large abrasives are not made for small grinders.
3. Operation
We often see an abrasive being used for an application it isn’t built for. It may sound basic, but always use an abrasive designed for the job: i.e. only use a cutting wheel for cutting and a grinding wheel for grinding.
4. Storage
Abrasives will degrade over time if not stored appropriately and they also have a use-by date.
Our advice: Throw away abrasives that have not been stored correctly or that have expired.
Follow the pneumatic grinder’s operating recommendations
How To Safely Use A Grinder? It is all explained in the video:
Grinder Safety: Key points
- Consider the environment. Ventilate the area as much as possible and wear appropriate PPE (personal protective equipment) for the job, including gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, steel toes and dust masks.
- Use the safety guard and ensure it is well positioned to provide maximum protection – this has been designed for a very good reason. Do NOT remove or alter the guard!
- Check the workpiece is secure and well clamped.
- Make sure that you have a stable operating position. Don’t stand on a slippery or unstable floor!
- Run the tool at free speed for 30 seconds in a safe enclosed area to check it is operating as expected. If there are any abnormal vibrations, stop the tool immediately: it requires maintenance.
- Never apply excessive force during work.
- After switching off the machine, ensure that the abrasive has come to rest before putting down the tool.
When using tools, it’s important to always remember their intended purpose and make sure to use high-quality abrasives. This ensures safety and optimal performance.
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