20 Jul Bench and Pedestal Grinder Safety

Bench and Pedestal Grinder Safety

Bench and pedestal grinders are commonly used for sharpening, shaping, and removing material from tools and other workpieces. Although simple to operate, grinders can cause serious eye injuries, cuts, entanglement, and severe injuries from an exploding abrasive wheel. Proper installation, guarding, inspection, and operation are essential.

Before Using the Grinder

Bench and pedestal grinders must be securely mounted to prevent movement or vibration during operation. Before each use:

• Inspect the grinder, wheel, guards, and electrical components for damage.
• Verify that the grinding wheel is compatible with the grinder and rated for at least the grinder’s operating speed.
• Inspect the wheel for cracks, chips, warping, or other damage.
• Ensure all guards are installed and properly adjusted.
• Make sure the work area is clean, dry, and adequately lighted.
• Remove loose clothing and jewelry and secure long hair.
• Wear required eye and face protection.

Never use a damaged wheel or operate a grinder with missing or improperly adjusted guards.

Grinder Guarding

Proper guarding helps protect the operator from contact with the wheel and from fragments if the wheel breaks.

Work Rest: Adjust the work rest to within 1/8 inch of the grinding wheel. Keep this clearance properly adjusted as the wheel wears.

Tongue Guard: Adjust the upper peripheral or tongue guard to within 1/4 inch of the wheel.

Wheel Guard: Keep the wheel enclosure securely installed and properly positioned. Never remove or modify the guard to accommodate a workpiece.

Adjustments to the work rest or guards should be made only when the wheel is stopped.

Grinding Wheel Inspection and Ring Test

Before mounting an abrasive wheel, inspect it carefully for cracks, chips, or other damage. Where applicable, perform a ring test according to the wheel manufacturer’s instructions before installation.

Never:

• Mount a wheel that is cracked or damaged.
• Force a wheel onto the spindle.
• Alter the mounting hole to make a wheel fit.
• Exceed the wheel’s rated maximum operating speed.
• Use a wheel that is not designed for the grinder or intended operation.

After installing a wheel, make sure it is properly mounted and guarded before operation.

Personal Protective Equipment

Grinding operations can produce sparks, metal particles, and abrasive fragments.

Wear:

• Safety glasses with side protection as required.
• A face shield over safety glasses or goggles where flying-particle hazards warrant additional face protection.
• Hearing protection when noise exposure requires it.
• Appropriate protective clothing and footwear.

Do not wear loose-fitting gloves, clothing, jewelry, or other items that could become caught by the rotating wheel.

Safe Grinding Practices

When starting a grinder, stand to one side of the wheel until it reaches full operating speed. This reduces exposure if a damaged wheel fails during startup.

• Allow the wheel to reach full speed before beginning work.
• Apply the workpiece gradually and smoothly.
• Keep the workpiece properly supported on the work rest.
• Maintain a firm grip and balanced stance.
• Do not force material against the wheel.
• Keep hands and fingers away from the rotating wheel.
• Never leave a running grinder unattended.
• Allow the wheel to stop naturally—never attempt to stop it with your hand or an object.

Most straight grinding wheels are intended for grinding on the wheel face only. Do not grind on the side of a wheel unless the wheel is specifically designed for side grinding.

Maintenance and Wheel Changes

Turn off and disconnect the grinder from its energy source before changing wheels, making repairs, or performing maintenance. Follow applicable lockout/tagout procedures when servicing could expose an employee to unexpected startup or hazardous energy.

After maintenance or a wheel change, reinstall and properly adjust all guards before returning the grinder to service.

Remember

A grinding wheel rotates at high speed and can release dangerous fragments if it cracks or breaks. Inspect wheels before use, maintain the 1/8-inch work-rest and 1/4-inch tongue-guard clearances, use proper PPE, and always stand to the side during startup.