Angle grinder hazards

Possibly the most common causes of injury to angle grinder users and nearby people arelacerations from attachments thatbreak and become projectiles aswell as from kickbacks.

ANGLE GRINDER ATTACHMENTS

The attachment (disc) should be appropriate for the task at hand. In other words, never use an abrasive disc, like a flap disc or the thicker grinding disc for cutting. The flap disc has sandpaper attached to the disc and thus cannot be used for cutting purposes.

Attachments should also bedesigned for angle grinders.Therefore, do not attach a woodcircular saw blade to an angle grinderand try and cut metal with it.

An attachment should be appropriate for the material you are working with as well. Do not try and cut metal with a masonry disc or vice-versa. Furthermore ensure the attachment is the correct size. Angle grinders are available in three sizes, 115mm, 125mm and 230mm and each has its own size discs and attachments, therefore never use attachments across platforms. Never use discs that have decreased in size through use on small angle grinders. The last important thing when it comes to angle grinder attachments is its rating. Attachments will have maximum revolutions per minute ratings and this should not be less than that of the angle grinder, otherwise the attachment can shatter under the force it is subjected to.

For the users own safety, every angle grinder is sold with a safety guard. This is to prevent any debris or hot sparks from reaching the user and causing burns or lacerations. Never remove the angle grinder’s safety guard; if an attachment does not fit, it means it’s the incorrect size and the guard should then not be removed to enable the usage of the attachment. The lock nuts of the angle grinder should also regularly be checked to see if they are not damaged or worn as they can also become lethal projectiles. Never over-tighten these lock nuts as this causes the metal ring in the discs to break.

ANGLE GRINDER

Never use an angle grinder where the outer body is damaged or has exposed wires. Always ensure when using an angle grinder that the auxiliary handle is attached. This handle gives the user greater control over the angle grinder and could ultimately save the user from serious injury if the angle grinder was to kickback.

ANGLE GRINDER OPERATORS

Never apply excessive pressure to the angle grinder as this can cause the attachment to break and injure the user or nearby people. Excessive pressure also has the tendency to increase the likelihood of kickback.

Do not place an angle grinder on the ground or a work bench while it is still running. Switch off the angle grinder and only when the attachment comes to a complete stand still, should it be put down. Another big no-no is carrying angle grinders around while they’re running. Rather switch it off, go to where you want to be and only then switch it on again. This might seem a bit improbable because angle grinder cords aren’t that long, but there are angle grinders available that work with batteries which are very portable.

The angle grinder user should never be positioned directly behind the angle grinder during use as this impedes the user’s movement. Instead the user should be positioned next to the angle grinder, which would enable them to move out of the angle grinder’s path, for example, during kickback.

WORKSPACE

The work area should always be secured in a bench vice or with clamps. Unsecured work pieces can become lethal projectiles.

TAKE NOTE

• Safety glasses must be worn at 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.