Grinder Set-Up Safety

Grinder Set-Up Safety

Here are a few safety reminders for preparing to use hand, pedestal, and bench grinders.  This list is not all-inclusive.  You should refer to the owner’s manual for specific information about the grinders used in your operation.

Grinder Guards

Make sure your grinders are guarded.  Common safety violations for grinders include guards being out of adjustment, or missing tool rests, tongue guards, or cowlings from the stone and brush.  Remember the tool rest must be set to within an eighth inch of the stone.  The tongue guard must be set to within a quarter inch of the stone.  The same is true for the brush as well. 

Make sure the shields are installed on the tongue guard for both the stone and brush.  If the shields are scratched, order new ones from suppliers like Grainger and install them on the grinder. 

Mounting and Installation

If the grinder is a bench grinder, make sure it is anchored to the top of the bench.  If it is a pedestal grinder, make sure it is anchored to the floor.  

Ensure the rubber insulation on the power cord is not cracked and that the cords do not have exposed wiring, etc.  If this is found, only a qualified electrical technician can replace the power cord.  Electrical tape to cover the crack cannot be used.  In addition, ensure the plug is grounded.  Missing ground prongs on cords is a very common and dangerous safety violation.

When you are replacing the stone on the grinder, be sure to perform a “ring test” on the stone before installing it on the grinder.  To perform the ring test, first put a string through the opening in the center of the stone.  Then, hold the stone by the string in the air and use the end of a tool like a screwdriver to gently tap the stone.  If you hear a ringing sound, that means there is no crack in the stone.  If you hear a dull clunk, that means there is a crack in the stone.  If that happens, discard the stone or take it back to the company where it was purchased.

Also, make sure the rated RPM speed of the stone matches the RPM speed of the grinder. If your stone is not rated high enough, it may explode and cause fatal injuries.

Angle Grinder Safety

Regarding hand grinders, otherwise known as angle grinders, make sure that the grinding wheel is rated for an RPM speed at least as high as the RPM speed of the tool, and that the guard is installed.  Be sure you do not remove the guard to install a larger grinding wheel. The wheel you use should always fit inside of the guard.  In addition, the handle must be installed while using the grinder.

Other Safety Tips

Personal protective equipment to include eye protection and face protection (shields) must be worn by your employees when operating equipment.  Prescription glasses will not stop a projectile from entering the employees’ eyes.  Eye protection must be rated Z-87.1 or Z-87.  There are companies like UVEX (as an example) who can sell eye protection that will cover eyeglasses.

Do not wear gloves around any rotating part.

Be sure you have been trained to use these tools!  Even though an employee may have worked with grinders their entire career, they still should have documented training with their employer.