Abrasive wheels are essential equipment in many industries. The range of wheels now available makes them even more flexible and effective workshop tools

But inexperience or carelessness in the use of abrasive wheels can be very dangerous. Serious accidents can and do occur without proper training. Training is a legal requirement.

Both the Health, Safety and Welfare at Work Act 1989 and the Construction Regulations 2001 requireemployers to provide adequate training and to ensure that abrasive wheels are operated only by

employees who have received appropriate training in their safe use.

1. Safety Legislation

·         Safety, Health & Welfare at Work Act 1989

·         General Application Regulations 1993

·         Construction Regulations 2001 

2. Abrasive Wheel Dangers

·         Skin Contact

·         BlindnessRespiratory Problems

·         Fire

·         Noise

·         Vibration

·         Burst Wheels

3. Wheel Examination and Storage

·         General Machines 

·         Petrol Machines

·         Electric Machines

·         Compressed Air Machines

·         Maintenance and Storage

4. Wheel Types and Marking

·         Type Numbers

·         Grinding Face

·         Wheel Markings

·         Dimensions

·         Operating Speed

·         Spindle Speed

5. Machine Types

·         Angle Grinders, Circular Saws

·         Bench and Pedestal Grinders

·         Chop Saw Machines and Concrete Saws

·         Belt Sanders and Belt Grinders

6. Wheel Mounting and Dis-Mounting

·         Basic Guidelines

·         Correct Tools

·         Flanges, Reversible Flanges

·         Wheel Damage

7. Safe Use of Abrasive Wheels

·         Personal Protection  

·         Safety Checks

·         Awareness of Potential Dangers

·         Hot Work Permits

·         Machines in Unsafe Condition

·         Machine Guards

·         Footing and Floor Area

·         Procedure after Use

8. Checking the Machine

·         Flanges

·         Drive Belt

·         Spindle and Seal

·         Air Hoses

·         Electric Leads and Plug