Safety Tidbit 2.49 – Grinder
Safety
Reference: OSHA
Checklist on Abrasive Wheel
I
bet most of us have been on job sites and seen benchtop or pedestal grinders. Now,
how many were properly set up? OSHA does have a nice little checklist that, I
feel, every company should post near their grinder. There are three main points
to be checked each and every time the grinder is going to get used.
1.
Do side guards cover the spindle, nut and flange and 75% of
the wheel diameter? Or, as my client last week, is the side guard cover closed
or was it left wide open so they could “see” better?
2.
Is the work rest used and kept adjusted to within 1/8-inch
of the wheel? We want to keep everything from getting drawn in (fingers, ties,
stock, etc.).
3. Is the
adjustable tongue guard on the top side of the grinder used and kept to within
1/4-inch of the wheel? We want to keep debris and sparks from flying out.
Two points that need to be checked when
the wheel is being changed:
4.
Is the maximum RPM rating of
each abrasive wheel compatible with the RPM rating of the grinder motor?
5.
Before new abrasive wheels
are mounted, are they visually inspected and ring tested? I believe this should
be done periodically (monthly, quarterly depending on how often the grinder is
used).
And here are a few items thrown in
for good measure:
6.
Is cleanliness maintained
around grinders?
7.
Are goggles or face shields
always worn when grinding?
8.
Are bench and pedestal
grinders permanently mounted?
9.
Does each grinder have an
individual on and off control switch?
With a little bit of preparation
these handy pieces of equipment can be used safely. Unfortunately, we need
constant vigilance to ensure everything is aligned the way it needs to be. I
challenge each of you, every time you see a grinder do an inspection. Also, don’t forget the portable grinders they
need guards and most importantly ring testing.
Hope this was helpful and thanks for
reading my Safety Tidbits! Comments and questions are always welcome. ~ Bryan
P.S.
If you have an interesting safety or health question please let me know.
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