14
RETAIL TRAINING SAFETY FIRST
Angle grinder hazards
TAKE NOTE • Safety glasses must be worn at
Angle grinders are versatile handheld power tools that can perform a variety of tasks thanks to the different accessories that can be attached. Apart from this, angle grinders can also be very dangerous tools if they are not used correctly.
P
all times • Safety shoes with hardened toe ends must be worn • Rings and other jewellery must be removed • Long and loose hair must be contained • Close fitting and protective clothing (apron) must be worn • Always wear ear protection.
ossibly the most
In other words, never use an
An attachment should be appropriate
that the auxiliary handle is
common causes of injury
abrasive disc, like a flap disc or the
for the material you are working with
attached. This handle gives the
to angle grinder users
thicker grinding disc for cutting. The
as well. Do not try and cut metal with
user greater control over the angle
and nearby people are
flap disc has sandpaper attached to
a masonry disc or vice-versa.
grinder and could ultimately save the
lacerations from attachments that
the disc and thus cannot be used for
Furthermore ensure the
break and become projectiles as
cutting purposes.
well as from kickbacks.
Attachments should also be
attachment is the correct size.
user from serious injury if the angle grinder was to kickback.
Angle grinders are available in three
designed for angle grinders.
sizes, 115mm, 125mm and 230mm
ANGLE GRINDER OPERATORS
ANGLE GRINDER ATTACHMENTS
Therefore, do not attach a wood
and each has its own size discs and
Never apply excessive pressure
The attachment (disc) should be
circular saw blade to an angle grinder
attachments, therefore never use
to the angle grinder as this can
appropriate for the task at hand.
and try and cut metal with it.
attachments across platforms. Never
cause the attachment to break
use discs that have decreased in size
and injure the user or nearby
through use on small angle grinders.
people. Excessive pressure also
The last important thing when it
has the tendency to increase the
comes to angle grinder attachments is its rating. Attachments will
the ground or a work bench while
minute ratings and this should
it is still running. Switch off the
not be less than that of the angle
angle grinder and only when the
grinder, otherwise the attachment
attachment comes to a complete
can shatter under the force it is
stand still, should it be put down.
subjected to.
Another big no-no is carrying
TRIED AND TRUSTED SINCE 1930 SALESCOPE 011 728 4192 JUNE 2019 DIY & INDUSTRIAL TRADE NEWS
angle grinders around while
angle grinder is sold with a safety
they’re running. Rather switch it
guard. This is to prevent any debris
off, go to where you want to be and
or hot sparks from reaching the user
only then switch it on again. This
and causing burns or lacerations.
might seem a bit improbable
Never remove the angle grinder’s
because angle grinder cords aren’t
safety guard; if an attachment does
that long, but there are angle
not fit, it means it’s the incorrect size
grinders available that work with
and the guard should then not be
batteries which are very portable.
removed to enable the usage
GENUINE TRI-CIRCLE LOCKS
Do not place an angle grinder on
have maximum revolutions per
For the users own safety, every
OUR NAME IS OUR STRENGTH, INSIST ON
likelihood of kickback.
The angle grinder user should
of the attachment. The lock nuts
never be positioned directly behind
of the angle grinder should also
the angle grinder during use as
regularly be checked to see if they
this impedes the user’s movement.
are not damaged or worn as they
Instead the user should be
can also become lethal projectiles.
positioned next to the angle grinder,
Never over-tighten these lock nuts
which would enable them to move
as this causes the metal ring in the
out of the angle grinder’s path, for
discs to break.
example, during kickback.
ANGLE GRINDER
WORKSPACE
Never use an angle grinder
The work area should always be
where the outer body is damaged
secured in a bench vice or with
or has exposed wires. Always
clamps. Unsecured work pieces can
ensure when using an angle grinder
become lethal projectiles.
