Abrasive Wheel-Equipped Grinders Checklist

23 February 2015

Hand, arm, body and eye injuries, hearing damage and even respiratory problems can result from unsafe usage of abrasive wheel equipped grinders.

This checklist highlights some of the safety precautions that should be taken when working with these useful but potentially dangerous tools.

Is the work rest used and kept adjusted to within 1/8 inch of the wheel?
Is the adjustable tongue on the topside of the grinder used and kept adjusted to within 1/4 inch of the wheel?
Do side guards cover the spindle, nut, flange and 75 percent of the wheel diameter?
Are bench and pedestal grinders permanently mounted?
Are approved goggles or face shields always worn when grinding?
Is the maximum RPM rating of each abrasive wheel compatible with the RPM rating of the grinder motor?
Are fixed or permanently mounted grinders properly connected to their electrical source?
Does the grinder have an individual on/off switch?
Is each electrically operated grinder effectively grounded?
Before mounting new abrasive wheels, are they visually inspected and ring tested?
Are dust collectors and powered exhausts provided on grinders used in operations that produce large amounts of dust?
To prevent coolant from splashing workers, are splashguards mounted on grinders that use coolant?
Is cleanliness maintained around grinders?

Use of Portable Grinders:

Use properly dressed and trued grinding or cutting wheels only.
Keep both hands firmly on the grinder during any operation.
Be sure the cutting or grinding wheel is clear of the work before starting or stopping the grinder.
Use the grinder only when you have good footing and are in a balanced position.
Always check to be certain that you and others near a grinder are wearing suitable eye and face protection.
Make sure the grinder is properly grounded and the power cord is in good condition.
Unplug the grinder before changing grinding or cutting wheels.
Always check to see that the cord is clear of the grinding wheel.
Do not lay a hand-held grinder down until the grinding wheel stops turning.