Safe Use of Angle Grinders and Die Grinders

GRINDER SAFETY Angle Grinders Die Grinders Bench Grinders

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Angle Grinder

Angle Grinder Use Angle grinders generate sparks. When required obtain a hot work permit before use. Keep work area clear of debris and flammable materials. Do NOT use in areas where there is grain dust or other combustible dust accumulation. What is an angle grinder? Angle grinders, also called side or disc grinders, are a handheld power tool used for cutting, grinding and polishing. They can be electric, gas powered, or pneumatic and come in a variety of sizes. Consider disc size, arbor size, motor power, power source and rpm in choosing the correct grinder for the job. Use the correct wheel for the machine s size and speed, and the work to be performed. A cutting disc should not be used for grinding. The RPM rating of the disc/blade must be higher than that of the angle grinder. Adjust guards to deflect flying particles away from operator. Use an 180 guard between operator & wheel. Before use inspect wheels for cracks, defects and wear. Replace worn discs. Allow grinder to come to full speed and warm up before use and to a complete stop after use. Do not grind on the side of the wheel. Do not use liquid coolants. Always use two hands. Keep hands away from rotating wheel and avoid continuous vibration. Wear proper PPE including eye & hearing protection; leather gloves; natural fiber clothing; apron and respiratory protection as needed. DO NOT wear loose fitting clothing or have hanging strings. Maintain good footing, balance & work position. Do not carry grinder with finger on the switch. How does it work? An abrasive or cutting disc is mounted at a right angle and rotates rapidly to perform the task. There is an adjustable guard and a side-handle for twohanded operation

A die grinder is a hand-held power tool that is used on metal projects to grind away small pieces of metal or smooth out rough edges. A die grinder can be outfitted with various types of grinding bits to suit the needs of each project. When using a die grinder, wear safety goggles and protective clothing to protect against metal debris created by the grinder. Die Grinders 90 and Straight Secure the project you are working on so that it will not move while you are grinding. Insert 3/4 of the shank of the grinding bit into the open collet. Tighten the collet by turning it clockwise with the spindle lock wrench. Turn the die grinder on by moving the power switch to the "On" position. Hold the die grinder firmly and gently press the grinding bit against the edge of the metal you wish to remove. Remove the grinding bit from the collet and wipe away any debris from the die grinder so that it is clean and ready for the next project.

Bench Grinder As a bench grinder uses friction to sharpen tools or shape objects, it emits a lot of sparks. You need to be cautious and wear gloves and safety goggles while working with a bench grinder. As you grind an object with a bench grinder try not to hold the object in the same place for a long time. Move its position frequently so the friction doesn t produce heat at the contact point of the object.

Dos Make sure that the speed marked on the wheel is equal to or greater than the max speed of the grinder Stay alert and only work when you are medically fit. Wear proper PPE Remove all combustible materials near the work area to avoid risk of fire. Inspect the grinding wheel for visible defects. Make sure the wheel guard is securely in place. Ensure wheel guard opening is away from the body. Perform a function test. Make sure the face of the grinding wheel is in contact with the workpiece surface when using the vertical grinder Make sure that the entire width of the grinding face of the wheel is in contact with the grinding surface if you are using a horizontal grinder. Make sure that the grinding face of the grinding wheel is at an angle between 5 and 15 degrees from the grinding surface when using a right-angle grinder.

Donts Don t clean or make any adjustments on a moving grinder Don t use a grinder without a wheel guard Don t use cutting discs for grinding work Don t use a worn or expired wheel Don t change the wheel for a larger diameter or higher speed Don t grind materials for which the grinding wheel is not designed Don t put the grinder on the ground until wheel has completely stopped spinning Don t wear loose clothing, articles, or jewelry while grinding Don t bring hand near rotating parts to avoids kick-back