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Abrasive wheels can cause serious injury.  Proper storage, use and maintenance of wheels must be observed.  Following are guidelines for ensuring that these requirements are met:

•Familiarize yourself with the grinder’s operation before commencing work.

•Ensure that proper guards are in place and that safety glasses, face shields, gloves and safety boots are being worn when using portable grinders.

•Never exceed the maximum wheel speed (every wheel is marked).  Check the speed marked on the wheel and compare it to the speed on the grinder.

•When mounting the wheels, check them for cracks and defects, ensure that the mounting flanges are clean and that the mounting blotters are used.  Do not over-tighten the mounting nut.

•Before grinding, run newly mounted wheels at operating speed to check for vibrations.

•Do not use grinders near flammable materials.

•Never use the grinder for jobs which it was not designed, such as cutting.