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Safe use of grinder

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Toolbox Talk: Safe Use of Grinders

Date: [DATE] Duration: [DURATION] minutes Presenter: [PRESENTER NAME] Location: [LOCATION]

Objective

The objective of this toolbox talk is to provide participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to safely operate grinders, identify potential hazards, and implement appropriate control measures to prevent injuries. By the end of this talk, participants should be able to inspect a grinder for safe operation, select and use appropriate PPE, and follow safe work procedures to minimize risks.

Introduction

Grinders are powerful tools used for a variety of tasks, including cutting, grinding, and polishing. However, they also pose significant safety risks if not used properly. This toolbox talk will cover the essential safety precautions and procedures for operating grinders safely in the workplace.

Presenter Note: Engage the audience by asking if anyone has personal experience related to the topic.

Key Points

  • Proper PPE is essential: Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including eye and face protection, hand protection, and hearing protection [1].
  • Inspect equipment before use: Check the grinder and abrasive wheel for any defects or damage before starting work [2].
  • Use the right wheel for the job: Ensure the abrasive wheel is designed for the intended application and is compatible with the grinder's speed rating [3].
  • Maintain a safe work area: Keep the work area clean, well-lit, and free of obstructions.
  • Follow safe operating procedures: Adhere to established safe work procedures and manufacturer's instructions at all times [4].

Hazard Identification

  • Flying debris: Abrasive wheels can shatter or eject particles at high speeds, causing eye injuries, cuts, and other impact injuries [5].
  • Contact with moving parts: Contact with the rotating wheel can cause severe cuts, abrasions, and amputations.
  • Dust and fumes: Grinding operations can generate harmful dusts, fumes, and vapors, leading to respiratory problems and other health issues [6].
  • Noise: Grinders can produce high noise levels, potentially causing hearing damage.
  • Electrical hazards: Electric grinders can pose a risk of electric shock if not properly grounded or maintained.

Presenter Note: Encourage participants to share any additional hazards they've encountered.

Control Measures

  • Elimination: Consider alternative methods to grinding if possible, such as using pre-cut materials or different tools.
  • Engineering Controls:
    • Machine Guarding: Ensure grinders are equipped with appropriate guards to contain flying debris and prevent contact with moving parts [5].
    • Local Exhaust Ventilation: Use local exhaust ventilation systems to capture and remove dust and fumes at the source [7].
  • Administrative Controls:
    • Training and Competency: Provide thorough training to all grinder operators on safe operating procedures, hazard identification, and control measures [1].
    • Regular Inspections: Conduct regular inspections of grinders and abrasive wheels to identify and correct any defects or damage [2].
  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
    • Eye and Face Protection: Wear safety glasses, goggles, or face shields to protect against flying debris [1].
    • Hand Protection: Use gloves to protect hands from cuts and abrasions [1].
    • Hearing Protection: Wear earplugs or earmuffs to reduce exposure to high noise levels.
    • Respiratory Protection: Use a respirator when grinding materials that produce harmful dusts or fumes [6].

Safe Work Procedures

  1. Inspect the grinder: Check for any damage, loose parts, or defects before use [2].
  2. Verify wheel compatibility: Ensure the abrasive wheel is rated for the grinder's speed and is appropriate for the material being ground [3].
  3. Mount the wheel properly: Follow the manufacturer's instructions for mounting the abrasive wheel, ensuring it is securely fastened and balanced [3].
  4. Adjust the tool rest: If using a bench grinder, adjust the tool rest to be as close as safely possible to the wheel, typically within 3mm 4, 8.
  5. Run the grinder: Before grinding, run the wheel at full operating speed for at least one minute to check for any signs of imbalance or damage [3].
  6. Use proper grinding technique: Apply gentle, consistent pressure and avoid grinding on the side of the wheel unless it is specifically designed for that purpose [3].
  7. Keep the work area clean: Regularly remove any accumulated dust or debris from the work area.
  8. Turn off and disconnect: After use, turn off the grinder and disconnect it from the power source before performing any maintenance or changing the wheel.

Presenter Note: If possible, demonstrate the safe work procedure or use visual aids.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements

  • Safety Glasses/Face Shield: Required at all times to protect against flying particles [1].
  • Gloves: Wear appropriate gloves to protect hands from cuts and abrasions [1].
  • Hearing Protection: Use earplugs or earmuffs in noisy environments.
  • Respirator: Use a respirator when grinding materials that produce harmful dusts or fumes [6].

[Emphasize the importance of proper PPE use and maintenance]

Real-World Example or Case Study

[Provide a detailed description of a relevant real-world scenario or case study]

[Discuss what went wrong or right, and the lessons learned]

Presenter Note: Ask participants if they can relate this example to their own experiences.

Group Discussion

Discuss the following questions:

  1. What are the most common hazards you've encountered while using grinders?
  2. What steps can we take to improve grinder safety in our workplace?
  3. How can we ensure that we always use the correct abrasive wheel for the job?

Presenter Note: Encourage active participation and facilitate the discussion.

Emergency Procedures

  1. Stop the grinder: Immediately turn off the grinder and disconnect it from the power source.
  2. Provide first aid: Administer first aid for any injuries, such as cuts, abrasions, or eye injuries.
  3. Report the incident: Report all incidents, including near misses, to your supervisor immediately.
  4. Investigate the cause: Investigate the incident to determine the root cause and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

Questions and Answers

[Encourage participants to ask questions]

[Provide answers to common questions related to the topic]

  • Q: What should I do if I notice a crack in the abrasive wheel?

A: Immediately remove the wheel from service and replace it with a new one. Do not use a cracked or damaged wheel.

  • Q: How often should I inspect my grinder?

A: Inspect your grinder before each use to ensure it is in safe working condition.

  • Q: What type of respirator should I use when grinding?

A: The type of respirator required will depend on the material being ground. Consult with your supervisor or safety officer to determine the appropriate respirator for the task.

Summary

[Recap the main points covered in the toolbox talk]

  • Always wear appropriate PPE, including eye and face protection, hand protection, and hearing protection.
  • Inspect the grinder and abrasive wheel for any defects or damage before use.
  • Use the correct abrasive wheel for the job and ensure it is properly mounted.
  • Follow safe operating procedures and maintain a safe work area.
  • Report all incidents and near misses to your supervisor immediately.

Action Items

[List specific actions participants should take following this toolbox talk]

  1. Review the grinder safety procedures outlined in this toolbox talk.
  2. Inspect your grinder and PPE before each use.
  3. Report any hazards or concerns to your supervisor.

Remember: Safety is everyone's responsibility. Use the right tool for the job, and use it safely!

Report all hazards, near-misses, and incidents to your supervisor immediately.

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7 source record(s)

Sources used for this answer

[1] General Regulation (N.B. Reg. 91-191)

Page 215

Open source document

Source excerpt

- (b) of a grinder output shaft is identified on the grinder. - 244 (2) An employer shall ensure that an abrasive wheel is - (a) checked for flaws before installation, - (b) fitted with a protective hood of sufficient strength to contain fragments of ruptured wheels, and - (c) mounted in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications. - 244 (3) An employer shall ensure that a tool rest is mounted on a bench grinder as close as is safely possible to the abrasive wheel. - 244 (4) Before applying any work to an abrasive wheel, an employee shall run the wheel at full operating speed in accordance with the manufacturer's specifica -tions. ## 244 (5) An employee shall not - (a) operate an abrasive wheel at a speed in excess of the speed set out in the manufacturer's specifications, - (b) do grinding on the side of an abrasive wheel un -less the wheel has been designed for that purpose, or - (c) adjust a tool rest while the abrasive wheel is in motion. ## Cutting or Shaping Machines ## Cutting or shaping machines ## 245 (1) In this section 'push block' means a block of wood with a handle similar to that of a hand plane and with a shoulder at the rear, that is used to feed material into a machine and is of sufficient length to protect an employee from coming into contact with the machine; ( bloc poussoir ) 'push stick' means a narrow strip of wood or other soft material with a notch cut into one end that is used to feed material into a machine and is of sufficient length to protect an employee from coming into contact with the machine. ( poussoir ) - b) de l'arbre secondaire d'une meule est identifié sur la meule. - 244 (2) L'employeur doit s'assurer qu'une roue abrasi -ve est - a) vérifiée avant son installation pour découvrir toute défectuosité, - b) montée avec un capuchon protecteur d'une résis -tance suffisante pour contenir tout fragment de roues brisées, et - c) installée conformément aux spécif…

[2] Rules for the Administration of the Oregon Safe Employment Act (General Occupational Safety and Health, Division 2, OSHA Oregon)

Page 283

Open source document

Source excerpt

## VENTILATION <!-- image --> - (B) Due to the variety of work and types of grinding machines employed, it is necessary to develop hoods adaptable to the particular machine in question, and such hoods shall be located as close as possible to the operation. - (ii) Exhaust hoods for floor stands, pedestals, and bench grinders shall be designed in accordance with Figure G-2. The adjustable tongue shown in the figure shall be kept in working order and shall be adjusted within 1/4-inch of the wheel periphery at all times. - (iii) Swing-frame grinders shall be provided with exhaust booths as indicated in Figure G-3. - (iv) Portable grinding operations, whenever the nature of the work permits, shall be conducted within a partial enclosure. The opening in the enclosure shall be no larger than is actually required in the operation and an average face air velocity of not less than 200 feet per minute shall be maintained. - (v) Hoods for polishing and buffing and scratch-brush wheels shall be constructed to conform as closely to Figure G-4 as the nature of the work will permit. - (vi) Cradle grinding and polishing operations shall be performed within a partial enclosure similar to Figure G-5. The operator shall be positioned outside the working face of the opening of the enclosure. The face opening of the enclosure should not be any greater in area than that actually required for the performance of the operation and the average air velocity into the working face of the enclosure shall not be less than 150 feet per minute. - (vii) Hoods for horizontal single-spindle disc grinders shall be constructed to conform as closely as possible to the hood shown in Figure G-6. It is essential that there be a space between the back of the wheel and the hood, and a space around the periphery of the wheel of at least 1-inch in order to permit the suction to act around the wheel periphery. The opening on the side of the disc shall be no larger than is required for the grinding operati…

[3] Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2020 (Sask. Reg. 10/2020)

Page 86

Open source document

Source excerpt

## OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY, 2020 S-15.1 REG 10 - (4) An employer or contractor shall ensure that a worker who operates a grinder: - (a) is provided with and uses the following personal protective equipment that meets the requirements of Part 7: - (i) an industrial eye or face protector; - (ii) hand or arm protection; and - (b) is instructed in the potential hazards and safe use of the grinder. 31 Dec 2020 c S-15.1 Reg 10 s10-12. ## Chain saws - 10-13 (1) An employer, contractor or supplier shall ensure that a chain saw is: - (a) equipped with an effective chain brake or a chain and bar that is designed to minimize the possibility of a kickback; and - (b) designed and constructed so that the chain stops when the engine is at idle. - (2) If a chain saw is to be used by a worker operating from an elevated cage or basket, the width of which is less than twice the length of the chain saw, an employer or contractor shall ensure that a secondary platform is installed outside the cage or basket and is used to store the chain saw and to start the chain saw engine. - (3) An employer or contractor shall ensure that a worker who operates a chain saw: - (a) stops the chain while the worker is walking with the saw; - (b) does not operate the saw at a height that is higher than the worker's shoulder level; - (c) holds the saw firmly in both hands while operating the saw; and - (d) maintains the chain saw, cutting chain and safeguards in safe operating condition. - (4) A worker who operates a chain saw: - (a) shall stop the chain while the worker is walking with the saw; - (b) shall not operate the saw at a height that is higher than the worker's shoulder level; - (c) shall hold the saw firmly in both hands while operating the saw; - (d) shall maintain the chain saw, cutting chain and safeguards in safe operating condition; and - (e) shall maintain the chain saw so that the chain stops when the engine is at idle. 31 Dec 2020 c S-15.1 Reg 10 s10-13.

[4] Occupational Health and Safety Code

Page 203

Open source document

Source excerpt

- (b) runs in a trough strong enough to carry the weight of a broken chain, rope, belt or other material that falls from the conveyor. - 372 (2) A worker must use a walkway to cross over a conveyor belt if - (a) the conveyor belt is moving, or - (b) the conveyor belt is motionless but has not been locked out in accordance with Part 15. - 372 (3) A worker must not cross under a moving conveyor belt except at a walkway. ## Crossing conveyor belts 373 (1) A worker must cross over a conveyor belt using a bridge that is at least 1 metre wide and has adequate guardrails. 373 (2) Despite subsection (1), a worker may cross over a conveyor belt at a location other than a bridge if the belt is locked out. 373 (3) A worker must cross under a moving conveyor belt at a designated place where the worker is protected from moving parts of the conveyor and from material falling from the belt. ## Actuated fastening tools 374 A worker must not permit the trigger of an actuated fastening tool to be mechanically held in the 'ON' position unless the manufacturer's specifications permit the tool to be used that way. ## Grinders - 375 (1) An employer must ensure that - (a) a grinder is operated in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications and, subject to subsection (2), equipped with a grinder guard, - (b) the maximum safe operating speed of the grinder accessory in revolutions per minute is equal to or greater than the maximum speed of the grinder shaft in revolutions per minute, and - (c) if a hand held grinder is used, the object being ground cannot move. - 375 (2) An employer must ensure that the guard of a hand held grinder covers the area of the grinder accessory contained within an arc of at least 120 degrees of the accessory's circumference. 375 (3) An employer must ensure that if a tool rest is installed on a fixed grinder, the manufacturer's specifications are followed if they exist, or the tool rest is - (a) installed in a manner compatible with the work proces…

[5] Occupational Safety General Regulations (N.S. Reg. 44/99)

Page 53

Open source document

Source excerpt

- (2) No person shall operate a grinder with an abrasive wheel unless the grinder is rated to provide a number of revolutions per minute equal to or less than the rating of the abrasive wheel. - (3) An employer shall ensure that, before the installation of an abrasive wheel, the abrasive wheel is inspected by a competent person for flaws, defects or cracks. Subsection 97(3) replaced: O.I.C. 2000-130, N.S. Reg. 52/2000; amended: O.I.C. 2013-65, N.S. Reg. 53/2013. - 98 (1) An employer shall ensure that a bench grinder is fitted with a protective hood and side shield of sufficient strength to contain fragments of a ruptured wheel. - (2 ) Where a bench or pedestal grinder is used, an employer shall ensure that - (a) a tool rest is mounted on the grinder not more than 3 mm from the abrasive wheel; and - (b) the grinder is secured to prevent unintended movement. - 99 Where a pneumatic grinder is used, an employer shall ensure that the governors are maintained by a competent person. - Section 99 amended: O.I.C. 2013-65, N.S. Reg. 53/2013. - 100 Unless the manufacturer's specifications otherwise specify, an employer shall ensure that no person - (a) grinds on the side of an abrasive wheel; or - (b) adjusts a tool rest while the abrasive wheel is in motion. ## Compressed air used for cleaning 101 - (1) In this Section, 'compressed air' means air at an absolute pressure greater than 275 kPa. - (2) Where compressed air is used to clean a surface or person, an employer shall ensure that the device that is used to deliver the air is - (a) commercially manufactured and approved in the manufacturer's specifications for the purpose of cleaning a surface or person with compressed air; or - (b) certified by an engineer as adequate for the purpose of cleaning a surface or person with compressed air. \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

[6] Rules for the Administration of the Oregon Safe Employment Act (Construction, Division 3, OSHA Oregon)

Page 370

Open source document

Source excerpt

Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division Oregon Administrative Rules 9BDivision 3 <!-- image --> Wherever the nature of the work requires contact with the wheel below the horizontal plane of the spindle, the exposure shall not exceed 125° (See Figure I - 9 and Figure I - 10.) <!-- image --> - (9) Cylindrical grinders. The maximum angular exposure of the grinding wheel periphery and sides for safety guards used on cylindrical grinding machines shall not exceed 180º. This exposure shall begin at a point not more than 65º above the horizontal plane of the wheel spindle. (See Figure I - 11 and Figure I - 12 and paragraph (b)(7) of this section.) - (c) Personal protective equipment. Employees using hand and power tools and exposed to the hazard of falling, flying, abrasive, and splashing objects, or exposed to harmful dusts, fumes, mists, vapors, or gases shall be provided with the particular personal protective equipment necessary to protect them from the hazard. All personal protective equipment shall meet the requirements and be maintained according to Subparts D and E of this part. - (d) Switches. <!-- image -->

[7] General Regulation (N.B. Reg. 91-191)

Page 214

Open source document

Source excerpt

guard strong enough to contain or deflect any flying ob -ject. - 242 (4) No employer or employee shall alter the design of a machine where it has been designed with a safe -guard that interlocks with the machinery control so as to prevent the operation of the machine unless the safe -guard is in its proper place. - 242 (5) Where an employer has determined that an ade -quate safeguard for a machine cannot be provided, the employer shall ensure that a physical modification of the machine is carried out or a change in work procedure is put into place to protect employees from being exposed to the hazards associated with the lack of an adequate safeguard. 2010-159 ## Safeguards - 243 (1) No person shall remove or render ineffective a safeguard for a machine unless the removal or rendering ineffective is necessary to enable the cleaning, mainte -nance, adjustment or repair of the machine. - 243 (2) Where a person removes or renders ineffective a safeguard for a machine, the person shall ensure that the safeguard is replaced and is functioning properly be -fore leaving the machine or that the machine is in a zero energy state. - 243 (3) Where a safeguard for a machine is to be re -moved or rendered ineffective and the machine cannot be directly controlled by the person who removes or ren -ders ineffective the safeguard, the person shall put the machine in a zero energy state and lock out the machine in accordance with section 239 or follow the code of practice in section 240 before removing or rendering in -effective the safeguard. 2001-33 ## Abrasive Wheels and Grinders ## Abrasive wheels and grinders - 244 (1) An employer shall ensure that the maximum number of revolutions per minute - (a) of an abrasive wheel, as recommended for safe use in the manufacturer's specifications, is identified on the wheel, and - 242 (4) Il est interdit à tout employeur ou à tout salarié de …

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