Safety and precautions are must to follow before using any tool that is sharper than a knife. Thereby, grinders are among those few sharpest tools that can injure a person in a blink of an eye. Although grinders are a human-friendly tool, however, a single mistake can prove them to be your deadliest enemy. Don’t be scared just trust the article and read carefully the grinder safety measures you need to take.

The article has solved the issue of grinder safety by categorizing each of the grinders in a structured way to briefly guide you about the safety precautions. Each grinder type demands different safety precautions read carefully and you are ready to control your grinders in the safest possible ways.

Basics of Grinder Safety

It is really important to know the core safety measures before diving in deep for particular grinders let’s just discuss some basic precautions that are meant to be followed for all the grinders.

  • Store wheels in a careful manner.
  • Use a safety guard that covers a minimum of one-half of the grinding wheel.
  • Make sure the cables are not damaged and in good condition.
  • Don’t forget your personal protection equipment.
  • Never prefer a used or a second-hand wheel.
  • Excessively tightening the mounting nut is a BIG NO!
  • Do not use grinder tools if tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol or medication.
  • Stay miles away from loose clothes, gloves, jewelry or long hair can be caught in moving part.
  • Avoid accidental starting.
  • Tighten the nuts before you turn the grinder on.
  • Keep a suitable fire extinguisher.
  • Disconnect the plug from the power source before making any adjustments.
  • Inspect the tool before each use.

1. Angle Grinder Safety

Side grinder or disc grinder are some other names for angle grinders. It is a powerful tool used for a number of purposes. Angle grinders are one of the most threatening tools in the workplace. Thereby, adequate and proper angle grinder safety measures must be taken for the sake of workers and their families. The most serious injuries from angle grinders can be lacerations from kickbacks and from attachments like grinding discs and wheels.

1.1. Personal Protective Equipment

PPE is the safest option when seeking to protect oneself from protective equipment. They are accountable for safeguarding your face, hands, feet, and ears. The protective equipment includes:

  • Safety glasses or a face shield
  • Earmuffs
  • Safety boots with steel toecaps
  • Fitted clothing
  • Well-fitted gloves that do not mess with a good grip of the tool.

1.2. Two Hands Better Than One

Always and always prefer using both of the hands while operating an angle grinder. One to firmly grip the handle and dead-man switch (if provided) and the other to support the weight of the tool.

1.3. Left and Right-Handed Friendly Operators

Keep in mind to choose that angle grinder which is capable of both left and right-handed operators. It will help the workers to be more comfortable and safe while working with the tool.

1.4. Don’t Get Confused with Discs

Make sure to use the right disc for the task. A grinding disc is meant for the grinding process while, a cutting disc for cutting.

2. Bench and Pedestal Grinder Safety

A bench grinder is not a commonly used tool and yet expensive tool to buy. It is used to drive abrasive wheels, to sharpen tools and to smooth edges. Bench grinder safety tools are as follows.

2.1. Correct Wheel Size Matters

Just imagine you are wearing an oversized dress at a formal party would you fit in for the occasion? Obviously no. Similarly, to obtain optimal performance never use a wheel that does not fit properly to the spindle.

2.2. Inspect The Wheel

The fitting of the wheel matters the most that can not be compromised. Makes sure to throw away the cracked wheels, never use the wheel that even has come across the slightest blow because it will take away the performance. And yes! Don’t forget to warm up the wheel but with a gradual pressure required to complete a job.

2.3. Smooth Pedestal Surface

Pedestal and bench grinders need to be fastened but it is a must make sure the surface on which the grinders are placed should be a solid, smooth and stable surface to avoid tripping.

2.4. Dress The Grinding Wheel

Dressing the wheel means proper cleaning and smoothing the surface of the grinding wheel. Keep the grinding wheel dressed as frequently as you can so that it is not a compiled mess a lot later. It will allow the wheel to cut faster, cooler and with a better surface finish.

3. Hand-Held (Portable) Grinder Safety

3.1. Right Wheel and Right Dimensions

The use of the right dimension of the grinding wheel plays a vital role in ensuring safety and achieving higher efficiency. It also helps in achieving the maximum allowed rotation speed of the grinding wheel.

3.2. Monitor The Speed

The speed of the grinder should always be monitored. The grinder must not rotate faster than the maximum RPM (Revolution Per Minute) stated on the wheel. Make sure to check that the wheel speed marked on the wheel is equal to or greater than the maximum speed of the grinder.

3.3. Proper Assembly of Spare Parts

Grinding wheel is comprised of ceratin smaller parts which should be properly assembled and tightened together. Always ensure the right flanges are used. They must be attached properly for a smooth movement.

3.4. Holding Portable Ginder is a Technique

The way a portable grinder is held matter s a lot for safety and for working. It can either be held horizontally, vertically or at a right-angle. When holding horizontally and vertically the wheel of the grinder is in contact with the grinding surface. In a right-angle position the grinding face of the wheel is at an angle of between 5 and 15 degrees from the grinding surface.

Wrap Up

Safety measures are mandatory to protect your life against injuries and mishappening while working with grinders. The article has talked about various grinders and their safety measures including the safety for angle grinders, pedestal or bench grinders and hand-held grinders. We have come up with the precautionary measures both for the beginners and the professionals. Do check out the basic safety measures before getting into the grinding process. Do you think the measures are worth considering? Do let us know about your thoughts by posting a comment below.