HSE Department Réf:
GUIDE Date:
Rev: 01
11/12
GRINDER 1/4
Revision history
Rev Date Description of Change
Approval Authority:
Owner Developer Reviewer Approver
Summary
This guideline defines the safety considerations necessary to ensure that grinders can
be used safely by trained and competent persons.
Page 1 of 4
HSE Department Réf:
GUIDE Date:
Rev: 01
11/12
GRINDER 2/4
1.0 GENERAL
Only trained, competent persons may inspect and repair grinding wheels and
equipment.
Inspection shall determine:
Current inspection,
Condition of wheel (no chips, cracks, or any other obvious damage),
Proper wheel rpm rating,
Proper washers (if used),
Properly spaced work rest, guards,
Proper exhaust system.
The following types of wheel construction are listed in order of preference:
Resinoid (organic bond) reinforced.
Resinoid bond.
Vitreous (inorganic) bond.
Wheel rating must meet or exceed the maximum potential rpm of the grinder
on which it is mounted. (Reduction of air pressure or volume to the grinder is
not an acceptable substitute for a wheel of required rating.) All grinding and
cutting wheels must have rpm indication affixed by the manufacturer.
Special adapters, arbors, or other modifications are not permitted; nor may
more than one wheel be mounted between a single set of flanges.
Perk's washers shall be used on all vitreous (inorganic) bonded wheels. These
are not required on Resinoid reinforced wheels. Paper washers must be
removed prior to installing Perk's washers. Grinding wheels have an affinity
for water, which can throw them out of balance; therefore, a wet wheel
should not be used unless it is designed for that purpose.
All abrasive wheels shall be mounted between flanges which are at least 1/3
the diameter of the wheel.
All hand-held power drills, fastener drivers, horizontal, vertical, and angle
grinders with wheels greater than two inches in diameter, disc sanders, belt
sanders, reciprocating saws, saber saws, and other similar operating powered
tools shall be equipped with a momentary contact “on-off” control. Lock-on
controls are prohibited.
All other hand-held powered tools, such as circular saws, chain saws, and
percussion tools without positive accessory holding means shall be equipped
Page 2 of 4
HSE Department Réf:
GUIDE Date:
Rev: 01
11/12
GRINDER 3/4
with a constant pressure switch that will shut off the power when the
pressure is released. (Exception: This paragraph does not apply to concrete
vibrators, concrete breakers, powered tampers, jack hammers, rock drills,
and similar hand-held operated powered tools).
Wheels should be stored in a dry place with constant temperature above
freezing and protected from physical damage.
Guard must be installed and maintained.
2.0 PEDESTAL & BENCH GRINDERS
The Electrical Department will perform an initial inspection and subsequent
maintenance of all grinders. Inspections will be made on a monthly basis and
records maintained by the Electrical Department.
Competent persons will be responsible for installing all wheels and
determining that they are designed for the speed of the grinder.
The individual using the tool is responsible for maintaining the proper
distance between the work rest and the wheel - 1/8 in (3 mm). The work rest
shall remain 90 degrees to the tangent of the wheel at the point of contact.
The maximum allowable space between the wheel and the adjustable guard
at the top of the opening shall not exceed 1/4 in (6 mm).
Grinding is not to be performed on the side of the wheel.
Soft metals such as aluminium are not to be ground on general purpose
wheels.
3.0 PORTABLE GRINDERS
Grinders must be inspected prior to initial use and monthly thereafter.
Crafts using portable grinders will change the grinding wheel when
necessary. Only wheels of rpm rating meeting, or above that of the grinders,
are to be used. (It is preferred that all wheels be rated above the maximum
rpm of the highest speed grinder on the project). The RPM rating will be
stencilled on all grinders.
The Electrical Department will maintain a record of inspections.
4.0 PPE REQUIREMENTS
When using grinders gloves and face shields shall be worn in addition to
standard PPE requirements.
5.0 ABRASIVE DISCS AND CUT-OFF DISCS
Grinding is to be performed on the rim face only of an abrasive disc.
Page 3 of 4
HSE Department Réf:
GUIDE Date:
Rev: 01
11/12
GRINDER 4/4
Check cut-off disc for chips - DO NOT USE IF CHIPPED. The “ring” test
should be applied prior to use to determine if the disc has a crack. Consider
fire potential from sparks.
For bench applications, anchor material securely by mechanical means - DO
NOT HOLD BY HAND.
For applications where portable disc is applied to work or work is hand-fed
into disc, avoid binding through misalignment.
6.0 CLOSE PROXIMITY OF OTHER EMPLOYEES
Employee(s) working within close proximity shall be protected by screens, by
using the same protective equipment or barriers or be required to relocate
away from the danger.
Page 4 of 4
