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Angle Grinder Safety

This document provides guidance on safety measures for using angle grinders. It identifies risks such as kickbacks from grinders that can cause severe cuts. It recommends only using grinders that are necessary for the task and ensuring guards are securely in place. Operators should receive training, wear protective equipment, and follow safe work procedures like allowing the grinder to reach full speed before use. Maintaining grinders and supervising unfamiliar users can help control risks.

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1K views2 pages

Angle Grinder Safety

This document provides guidance on safety measures for using angle grinders. It identifies risks such as kickbacks from grinders that can cause severe cuts. It recommends only using grinders that are necessary for the task and ensuring guards are securely in place. Operators should receive training, wear protective equipment, and follow safe work procedures like allowing the grinder to reach full speed before use. Maintaining grinders and supervising unfamiliar users can help control risks.

Uploaded by

transl6379
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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This information is provided to offer guidance on a particular aspect of legislation.

It is not to be taken as a statement of law and must not be construed to


waive or modify any legal obligation.

ANGLE GRINDER SAFETY



OBJECTIVE
To provide information regarding the potential hazards
associated with using angle grinders, and to assist
employers, employees and operators to minimise the
health and safety risks associated with their use.

RISK CONTROL MEASURES
What are the risks?

Angle grinders are a dangerous power tool. Kickbacks
can result in severe cuts and discs can shatter or
disintegrate producing fragments which may become
lodged in the operators eyes or other parts of the body.

How can these risks be minimised?

Provide operators with training and instruction in
safe work procedures for angle grinders.
Consider whether an angle grinder is the best tool to
perform the task as another tool may be just as
effective.

Do not use a larger, heavier
or more powerful angle grinder
than is necessary as it is much
easier to control a lighter tool.
When using an angle grinder ensure
that the correct grinding disc is
used for the type of task being performed.
Never use discs that have not been
designed for the type of tasks you are doing.
Guards must not be removed. The guard
should cover half of the disc and be
positioned between the disc and the
operator.
Try to use a grinder that has an automatic
cut-off or deadman switch as part of the
handgrip. This is designed to cut off power
as soon as finger pressure is released.
Automatic cut-off switches may not be
available on smaller models and may not be
practicable for certain tasks.
When purchasing a grinder, choose a
grinder that has adjustable handles that can
be moved to suit both left and right-handed
operators.

Before using an angle grinder, check to
ensure that:

The guard and handles are secure.
The correct flange and locking nut is in place
for the type of disc being used, otherwise the
disc can shatter at high speed.
There are no defects or damage to the disc.
A disc which has been dropped may have
developed cracks and should not be used.

When using an angle grinder:

Use two hands to operate an angle grinder.
One hand should grip the handle and
deadman switch (if provided), while the
other hand supports the weight of the tool.
- 2 -

Safeguard Angle Grinder Safety continued
This information is provided to offer guidance on a particular aspect of legislation. It is not to be taken as a statement of law and must not be
construed to waive or modify any legal obligation.
Allow the grinder to run up to operating speed
before applying it to the job.
Hold the grinder against the work piece with
minimum pressure, so the disc does not dig in and
cause it to kickback.
Never bump the grinder onto the object, or let the
disc hit any other object while grinding.
Keep the grinding disc at a 15 to 30 degree angle to
the object. Ensure the work piece is held firmly,
either as part of a larger item or in a bench vice.
Where possible, keep the work at waist height
during grinding.
Adopt a comfortable stance with feet apart so you
feel well balanced and ensure you have a clear view
of the job.
Never use a grinder between the legs while sitting
on the floor.
Stop at regular intervals for a short break to rest
your hands and arms.
Never put a grinder down until the disc stops
rotating.
Remove the plug from the power point before
changing discs.
Never use a cut-off wheel for grinding or a grinding
disc for cutting.
Disconnect the power and place the grinder on a
bench with the disc facing upwards when not in use.
Use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment
(PPE). The following PPE are recommended:
Wide vision goggles, safety glasses or a face
shield
Ear muffs
Safety boots with steel toecaps
Overalls or other fitted clothing
Well-fitted gloves that allow a good grip of the
tool

Other considerations

One-on-one supervision needs to be provided for
people receiving training in the use of angle grinders
or who are unfamiliar with the use of angle grinders.
Use welding screens to stop other workers being hit
by flying particles and sparks.
Ensure all workers maintain a safe distance from
any person who is in the process of grinding.
Ensure all angle grinders are regularly checked for
electrical safety and that all defects are repaired by
a licensed electrician.


FURTHER INFORMATION
For further information please contact:
SafeWork SA
GPO Box 465
ADELAIDE SA 5001
Telephone 1300 365 255
Website www.safework.sa.gov.au

Re-issued April 2011
Review April 2013

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