Abrasive Wheels
Safe Use, Handling and Best Practices for Pedestal and Angle Grinders
Topics Covered
Topics Covered
Introduction
- Law/Regulations/Codes of Practice
- PUWER regulations
- Make up, storage, use and fitting of abrasive wheels
- Assessment
Law: The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
Regulations - Management of Health and Safety 1999
- Approved Codes of Practice
Approved Codes of Practice
Employers Duties (HASAWA)
Employers Duties (HASAWA)
Safety policy statement
Maintain a safe working environment
Safely maintained plant
Safe use of articles and substances
Safe systems of work
Not endanger others
Safety consultation
Provide safety information, instruction, training, supervision
Maintain a safe workplace and access/egress
Do not intentionally or recklessly interfere with anything provided for H&S
Comply with HASAWA rules, employer’s safety rules, union safety rules
Take reasonable care of own and others’ safety
Abrasive wheels
"This is the correct way a grinder should be set up. The guard is secure, full PPE is worn, and the workpiece is properly supported. Every step here reduces risk and ensures both the operator and those nearby are protected."
"Here we can see an example of an unsafe setup. The guard has been removed, there’s no PPE in use, and loose clothing is a serious hazard near a moving wheel. These are exactly the kind of oversights that can lead to accidents."
MHSAW Regulations
Employees
Employers
- Use plant/equipment correctly per training
- Report serious/imminent danger
- Report shortcomings in protection
- Make suitable/sufficient risk assessments (including young persons & expectant mothers)
- Plan, organise, monitor and review H&S
- Appoint competent assistants
- Emergency procedures
- Provide information on risks and controls
- Health surveillance if appropriate
- Co-operate/coordinate with others and external services
- Provide adequate safety training
- Consult safety representatives
Key Definitions
Key Definitions
Hazard
Something with potential to cause harm.
Risk
Likelihood that the potential for harm is realised.
Video
Benefits of Risk Assessment
Benefits of Risk Assessment
- Ability to plan and organise
- Checklist for what needs to be in place
- Record of thought process if job goes wrong
- Less likely to be punished for genuine errors
Abrasive Wheels Regulations
Abrasive Wheels Regulations
Defines abrasive wheels and types (disc, cone, cylinder, bonded, diamond tip, etc.) Requirements: maximum speeds, proper guards, correct mounting by qualified personnel, registers, rests for workpieces, cautionary notices, condition of floors
PUWER Regulations (Main Points)
- Covers all abrasive discs/wheels including diamond tip
- Maximum wheel speed, abrasive, bond
- Correct maintenance, guarding, flanges
- Proper mounting by authorised persons
Your Commitment to Safety: Take responsibility for your safety and the safety of those around you. Report any hazards or faulty equipment to your supervisor immediately.
Video
Hazards of Abrasive Wheels
Hazards of Abrasive Wheels
- Cuts and burns
- Dust and fumes
- Flying particles
- Noise
- Vibration
- Fire
- Electrical dangers
PPE Requirements
- Full face/goggles EN166B
- Ear protection
- Flame resistant overalls
- Gloves (portable use only)
- Safety boots
- Dust masks/respirators
Safe Use of Machinery
Safe Use of Machinery
Marking System & Wheel Details
Max permissible speed marked
Conform to BS EN 12413
Traceable numbers
Use-by dates (3 years for organic bonded wheels)
Main abrasives: Aluminium oxide, Silicon carbide
Bonds: Vitrified, Resinoid, Shellac, Rubber
Structure: grain, bond, voids
Colour stripes for speeds ≥50m/s
Hazards & Precautions
Guards functions: contain bursts, protect wheel, prevent operator contact, prevent wrong wheel fit
Eye accidents (avoidable with PPE)
Wheel bursts (due to poor mounting, speed, or damage)
Contact with wheels (unsafe positions, no guards, loose clothing, poor workholding)
Video
Noise & PPE
Noise & PPE
- Action levels: 85 dB (1st), 90 dB (2nd), 200 dB (peak)
- Goggles or visors mandatory
- Respirators for dust
- Gloves for portable use only
Revision Points
Revision Points
- Never exceed RPM
- Organic bonded wheels max 3 years
- Store/transport correctly
- Examine equipment and wheels before use
Knowledge is Power: Remember the different types of abrasive wheels, their correct applications, and the hazards associated with each to ensure a safe working environment.
Mind map: Scenario : Vibration & Noise
You notice excessive vibration and noise from a grinder during use.
Poor Mounting
Wheel damage
Possible Causes
Unusual vibration/noise — what does it mean?
Stop, isolate, report, long-term prevention (maintenance, checks, training).
machine fault
Immediate actions
Click on the green button then on each set of words that are revealed
Video
Quiz
Quiz
What is the maximum shelf life of an organic bonded abrasive wheel for hand-held use?
Quiz
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT considered correct PPE when operating an angle grinder?
Do you have questions?
We are here to help you. If something was not clear or you want to delve deeper into any topic, don’t hesitate to contact us. Your curiosity is also part of the learning process.
Thank you for taking the course!
Abrasive Wheels
Steven Smith
Created on September 3, 2025
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Transcript
Abrasive Wheels
Safe Use, Handling and Best Practices for Pedestal and Angle Grinders
Topics Covered
Topics Covered
Introduction
Law: The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
Regulations- Management of Health and Safety 1999
- Manual Handling 1992
- L.O.L.E.R 1998
- P.E.P Regulations 1989
- C.O.S.H.H 1999
- Electricity at Work 1990
- PUWER 1998
- Approved Codes of Practice
- Power Press
- Abrasive Wheels
Approved Codes of Practice- Power Press
- Abrasive Wheels
Employers Duties (HASAWA)
Employers Duties (HASAWA)
Safety policy statement
Maintain a safe working environment
Safely maintained plant
Safe use of articles and substances
Safe systems of work
Not endanger others
Safety consultation
Provide safety information, instruction, training, supervision
Maintain a safe workplace and access/egress
Do not intentionally or recklessly interfere with anything provided for H&S
Comply with HASAWA rules, employer’s safety rules, union safety rules
Take reasonable care of own and others’ safety
Abrasive wheels
"This is the correct way a grinder should be set up. The guard is secure, full PPE is worn, and the workpiece is properly supported. Every step here reduces risk and ensures both the operator and those nearby are protected."
"Here we can see an example of an unsafe setup. The guard has been removed, there’s no PPE in use, and loose clothing is a serious hazard near a moving wheel. These are exactly the kind of oversights that can lead to accidents."
MHSAW Regulations
Employees
Employers
Key Definitions
Key Definitions
Hazard
Something with potential to cause harm.
Risk
Likelihood that the potential for harm is realised.
Video
Benefits of Risk Assessment
Benefits of Risk Assessment
Abrasive Wheels Regulations
Abrasive Wheels Regulations
Defines abrasive wheels and types (disc, cone, cylinder, bonded, diamond tip, etc.) Requirements: maximum speeds, proper guards, correct mounting by qualified personnel, registers, rests for workpieces, cautionary notices, condition of floors
PUWER Regulations (Main Points)
Your Commitment to Safety: Take responsibility for your safety and the safety of those around you. Report any hazards or faulty equipment to your supervisor immediately.
Video
Hazards of Abrasive Wheels
Hazards of Abrasive Wheels
PPE Requirements
Safe Use of Machinery
Safe Use of Machinery
Marking System & Wheel Details
Max permissible speed marked
Conform to BS EN 12413
Traceable numbers
Use-by dates (3 years for organic bonded wheels)
Main abrasives: Aluminium oxide, Silicon carbide
Bonds: Vitrified, Resinoid, Shellac, Rubber
Structure: grain, bond, voids
Colour stripes for speeds ≥50m/s
Hazards & Precautions
Guards functions: contain bursts, protect wheel, prevent operator contact, prevent wrong wheel fit
Eye accidents (avoidable with PPE)
Wheel bursts (due to poor mounting, speed, or damage)
Contact with wheels (unsafe positions, no guards, loose clothing, poor workholding)
Video
Noise & PPE
Noise & PPE
Revision Points
Revision Points
Knowledge is Power: Remember the different types of abrasive wheels, their correct applications, and the hazards associated with each to ensure a safe working environment.
Mind map: Scenario : Vibration & Noise
You notice excessive vibration and noise from a grinder during use.
Poor Mounting
Wheel damage
Possible Causes
Unusual vibration/noise — what does it mean?
Stop, isolate, report, long-term prevention (maintenance, checks, training).
machine fault
Immediate actions
Click on the green button then on each set of words that are revealed
Video
Quiz
Quiz
What is the maximum shelf life of an organic bonded abrasive wheel for hand-held use?
Quiz
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT considered correct PPE when operating an angle grinder?
Do you have questions?
We are here to help you. If something was not clear or you want to delve deeper into any topic, don’t hesitate to contact us. Your curiosity is also part of the learning process.
Thank you for taking the course!