6
• Ensure that the guard is in place, is in good condition and is correctly
mounted, ensure that the guard is regularly inspected. Note: it is
possible for internal grinding to not require a guard, provided the
workpiece encloses the abrasive product.
• Check regularly that the speed of the grinder is not higher than that
marked on it. These speed checks shall be carried out without the
abrasive product mounted and in accordance with the instructions
given by the manufacturer.
• Check that the flanges, as specified by the manufacturer are used
and are in good condition, e.g. free from cracks and burrs, and are
plane.
• Check that the spindle and spindle threads are not damaged or
worn.
• Ensure that sparks and debris resulting from use do not create a
hazard.
• Disconnect the grinder from the energy supply before changing
abrasive product and servicing.
Entanglement hazards
• Choking, scalping and or lacerations can occur if loose clothing,
personal jewellery, neck wear, hair or gloves are not kept away from
the tool and accessories.
Operating hazards
• Avoid contact with the rotating spindle and mounted wheel to
prevent cutting of hands and other body parts.
• Use of the tool can expose the operator’s hands to hazards,
including cuts, abrasions and heat. Wear suitable gloves to protect
hands.
• Operators and maintenance personnel shall be physically able to
handle the bulk, mass and power of the tool.
• Hold the tool correctly. Be ready to counteract normal or sudden
movements and have both hands available.
• Maintain a balanced body position and secure footing.
• Release the start-and-stop device in the case of and interruption of
the energy supply.
• Use only lubricants recommended by the manufacturer.
• Personal protective safety glasses shall be used. Suitable gloves
and protective clothing are recommended.
• For overhead work, wear a safety helmet.
• When cutting off, the workpiece shall be supported such that the slot
is kept at constant or increasing width during complete operation.
• If the abrasive product becomes jammed in a cut slot, shut off the
grinder and ease the wheel free. Check that the wheel is still
correctly secured and not damaged before continuing the operation.
• Grinding wheels and cutting-of wheels shall not be used for side
grinding. (Exception: grinding wheels designed for side grinding.)
Grinders shall not be used over the maximum peripheral speed of
and abrasive product.
• The operator shall pay attention that no bystanders are in the
vicinity.
• Personal protective equipment, such as suitable gloves, an apron
and a helmet, shall be used.
• Grinding sparks can ignite clothing and cause severe burns. Ensure
sparks do not land on clothing. Wear fire-retardant clothing and have
a bucket of water nearby.
Repetitive motion hazards
• When using a grinder to perform work-related activities, the operator
can experience discomfort in the hands, arms, shoulders, neck and
other parts of the body.
• When using a grinder, the operator should adopt a comfortable
posture while maintaining secure footing and avoiding awkward or
off-balanced postures. The operator should change posture during
extended tasks. This can help avoid discomfort and fatigue.
• If the operator experiences symptoms such as persistent or
recurring discomfort, pain, throbbing, aching, tingling, numbness,
burning sensations or stiffness, these warning sings should not be
ignored. The operator should tell the employer and consult a
qualified health professional.
Accessory hazards
• Disconnect the grinder from the energy supply before fitting or
changing the inserted tool or accessory.
• Only use sizes and types of the accessories and consumables that
are recommended by the grinder manufacturer. Do not use other
types or sizes of the accessories or consumables. Ensure that the
dimensions of the abrasive product are compatible with the grinder
and that the abrasive product fits the spindle.
• Ensure that the thread type and size of the abrasive product exactly
match the thread type and size of the spindle.
• Inspect the abrasive product before use. Do not use abrasive
products which can (possibly) have been dropped or which are
chipped, cracked or otherwise defective.
• Ensure that the abrasive product is correctly mounted and tightened
before use and run the grinder at no-load speed for at least 1 minute
in safe position. Stop immediately if considerable vibration or other
defects are detected and determine the cause of these defects.
• Prevent the spindle end from touching the bottom of the hole of cups,
cones or plugs with threaded holes, intended to be mounted on
machine spindles, by checking their dimensions and other relevant
data.
• Where abrasive products are supplied or used with reducing
adaptors or bushings, the user shall ensure that the adaptor or
bushing does not contact the face of the flange and that the clamping
force provides sufficient rotational driving action to prevent the
abrasive product from slipping.
• In cases there flanges are supplied for several types or sizes of
abrasive, always fit the correct flange(s) for the abrasive being used.
• Avoid direct contact with the inserted tool during and after use as it
can be hot or sharp.
• Store and handle the abrasive product with care in accordance with
manufacturer’s instructions.
Workplace hazards
• Slips, trips and falls are major causes of workplace injury. Be aware
of slippery surfaces caused by use of the tool and also of trip
hazards caused by the air line.
• Proceed with care in unfamiliar surroundings. There can be hidden
hazards, such as electricity or other utility lines.
• This grinder is not intended for use in potentially explosive
atmospheres and is not insulated from coming into contact with
electric power.
• Ensure that there are no electrical cables, gas pipes, etc which can
cause a hazard if damaged by use of the tool.
Dusts and fumes hazards
• Dusts and fumes generated while using grinders can cause ill health
(for example cancer, birth defects, asthma and / or dermatitis). Risk
assessment of these hazards and implementation for appropriate
controls for these hazards are essential.
• Risk assessment should include dust created by the use of the tool
and the potential for disturbing existing dust.
• Operate and maintain the grinder as recommended in these
instructions, to minimize dust or fume emissions.
• Direct the exhaust so as to minimize disturbance of dust in a dust-
filled environment.
• Where dust or fumes are created, the priority shall be to control them
at the point of emission.
• All integral features or accessories for the collection, extraction or
suppression of airborne dust or fumes should be correctly used and
maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Select, maintain and replace the consumable / inserted tool as
recommended in the instructions, to prevent and unnecessary
increase in dust or fumes.
• Use respiratory protection in accordance with the employer’s
instructions and as required by occupational health and safety
regulations.
• Working with certain materials creates emissions of dust and fumes,
causing a potentially explosive environment.
Noise hazards
• Exposure to high noise levels can cause permanent, disabling
hearing loss and other problems such as tinnitus (ringing, whistling,
humming in the ears). Therefore, a risk assessment and the
implementation of appropriate controls for these hazards are
essential.
• Appropriate controls to reduce the risk may include actions, such as
damping materials, to prevent workpieces from “ringing”
• Use hearing protection in accordance with employer’s instructions
and as required by occupational health and safety regulations.
• Operate and maintain the grinder as recommended in the
instructions handbook to prevent unnecessary increase in noise.
• If the grinder has a silencer, always ensure that it is in place and in
good working order whenever the grinder is being operated.
• Select, maintain and replace the consumable / inserted tool as
recommended in the instructions handbook to prevent an
unnecessary increase in noise.
Vibration hazards
• Exposure to vibration can cause disabling damage to the nerves and
blood supply of the hands and arms.