Safe Work Practices > Use of Portable Grinders

Date Reviewed: February 21, 2023

Abrasive wheels can cause severe injury. Proper storage of new wheels, proper use of wheels and proper maintenance of wheels must be observed.

The following are the minimum accepted practices to be used when using portable grinders:

•Familiarize yourself with the grinder operation before commencing work.

•Ensure the proper guards are in place and that safety glasses, shields, gloves, hearing protection, and safety boots are 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 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 for which it is not designed, such as cutting, unless a proper cutting wheel is installed.