Toolbox Talk: Abrasive Wheels Safety

Abrasive wheels polish and buff material or surfaces. Abrasive wheels are used so frequently, that most people do not even think about the hazards they present.

The use of abrasive wheels involves the hazards of flying particles. As the wheels spin at high speed, there is the danger that the wheel, or parts of the wheel, will fly off.

Because of these hazards, safety guards must be installed to protect the operator during use. These guards must be placed so that pieces of an accidentally broken wheel will be deflected away from the operator. Bench grinders must have the tongue (top guard) adjusted to a maximum of 1/8 of an inch and the tool rest (lower guard) adjusted to a maximum of 1/4 of an inch.

Abrasive wheels must be inspected before installation or use. All abrasive wheels must be looked at closely to ensure they have not been damaged. A “Ring Test” may also need to be done to test abrasive wheels. A gentle tap of an abrasive wheel with a non-metallic tool should result in a metallic ring. Any wheel that does not have this ring or looks damaged during inspection should not be used and should be given to your supervisor.

Additionally, abrasive wheels must be inspected for the maximum speed. The spindle speed of the grinder must never exceed the operating speed marked on the wheel.

Certain pieces of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must be used whenever abrasive wheels are used. At a minimum, safety glasses and a face shield must always be used when using an abrasive wheel. Additionally, steel-toed shoes may be required to protect against dropped parts and hearing protection should be used to protect against the high levels of noise present while grinding.