S A F E T Y
MODERN GRINDER FEATURES
ARE NO SUBSTITUTE
FOR GOOD SAFETY PRACTICE
With increasing numbers of workers
carrying out grinding tasks on
complex job sites, grinder safety
is more important than ever. Despite new
technology making equipment more inherently
safe, grinding is still a dangerous task. Ensure
workers don’t become complacent with clear
guidelines around equipment and consumable
selection, use and maintenance - and of course,
any required personal protective equipment.
Use grinders with in-built safety controls. Choose
grinders with key safety features such as deadman
switch operation, kick-back protection,
adjustable protective guards, and anti-vibration
features.
Select job suited, compliant abrasives. There are
a vast range of abrasive wheels available, with
some suited to multiple applications, and others
designed for a specific purpose – it’s important to
match your abrasive accurately to your task.
Wheels manufactured to meet the requirements
of standard AS 1788.1.1987 display
comprehensive information like wheel application
type, full wheel dimensions, AS safety standard,
protection warnings, maximum wheel speed
and more – details critical to ensure safe wheel
selection.
Use wheels according to the manufacturer’s
instructions. Wheels used incorrectly may fail
and break, producing projectiles that could
cause serious injury or death. Reduce the risk by
ensuring specs and instructions have been read
and understood before use, and never ignore or
exceed manufacturer-imposed limits.
Keep equipment well maintained. Store wheels
securely to avoid moisture or impact damage,
visually inspect them before mounting, and
immediately dispose of any that are damaged or
worn.
Inspect grinders carefully before use to ensure
they are in good working order, ensuring safety
guards are correctly and securely positioned.
Regularly check machine speeds and test to
ensure safe electrical standards and met -
especially after maintenance or repair.
Don’t forget about the workpiece itself. Anticipate
movement of the workpiece when grinding and
be aware of sudden movement that could cause
a kick back, or jam against a wheel causing it to
break. Consider using clamps or a jig to hold the
workpiece securely.
Be aware of heat, electrical and dust hazards.
Use spark arrestors to contain sparks; get a hot
work permit for tasks carried out near flammable
material; use a residual current device (RCD) when
working outside; and manage dust with ventilation
systems and fit-for-purpose vacuums.
Wear appropriate clothing and personal protective
equipment (PPE). When grinding, workers must be
protected against hazards such as sharp spinning
wheels, noise, flying debris, dust and toxic fumes.
Dress appropriately to minimise the risk of
entanglement or other injury by tying back long
hair, wearing tight-fitting clothing (especially
sleeves), and removing jewellery or accessories.
Appropriate gloves may be worn, but never close
to a turning wheel where they may get caught; and
don’t forget safety footwear to protect against
cut or impact injuries from dropped equipment or
materials.
Protect against projectiles with impact-resistant
eye or face shields; particulates and dust with
respiratory protection suited to any specific
contaminants; and block out damaging noise with
the right class of earmuffs or ear plugs.
NZ Safety Blackwoods stocks market-leading
grinders that are efficient, yet don’t compromise
on safety; abrasives to suit a wide range of
applications; and an extensive selection of
compliant safety equipment. Experienced team
members can help you select the right equipment
for the task, plus provide safety advice and PPE to
help keep you and your team safe on the job.
For more contact NZ Safety Blackwoods www.
nzsafetyblackwoods.co.nz, 0800 660 660,
custservice@nzsafetyblackwoods.co.nz.
40 October 2018
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