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Grinding Wheel Safety 101

Updated June 10, 2020 in

You've heard workplace tune of "Safety First!" countless times. Given the extreme heat and stress that a grinding wheel is subjected to during use, it's always good to follow some basic, yet sound safety guidelines.

You've heard workplace tune of "Safety First!" countless times.

Given the extreme heat and stress that a grinding wheel is subjected to during use, it's always good to follow some basic, yet sound safety guidelines...

Surface Grinding Wheel Safety

Ring Test

  • Always perform a ring test on a grinding wheel before mounting it.
  • The ring test will locate an invisible crack.
  • If a sharp distinct ring is heard the wheel is safe.
  • If the wheel is cracked the ring will be dull.
  • DO NOT USE DAMAGED WHEELS.

WARNING! Grinding Wheels Improperly Used Are Dangerous

Grinding is a safe operation if the few basic rules listed below are followed. These rules are based on material contained in the ANSI B7.1 Safety Requirements for “Use, Care and Protection of Abrasive Wheels.” For your safety, we suggest you benefit from the experience of others and carefully follow these rules.

Safe Operating Instructions

Always use a guard

Wear eye protection

COMPLY WITH ANSI CODE B7.1 AND OSHA REGULATIONS
DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM SAFE SPEED MARKED ON WHEEL (MAX RPM)

  1. DO always HANDLE AND STORE wheels in a CAREFUL manner.
  2. DO VISUALLY INSPECT and ring test all wheels before mounting for possible damage.
  3. DO CHECK MACHINE SPEED against the established maximum safe operating speed marked on the wheel.
  4. DO CHECK MOUNTING FLANGES for equal and correct diameter.
  5. DO USE MOUNTING BLOTTERS when supplied with wheels.
  6. DO be sure WORK REST is properly adjusted. [Center of wheel or above; no more 1/8” away from wheel.]
  7. DO always USE A SAFETY GUARD covering at least one-half of the grinding wheel.
  8. DO allow NEWLY MOUNTED WHEELS to run at operating speed, with a guard in place, for at least one minute before grinding.
  9. DO always WEAR SAFETY GLASSES or some type of eye protection when grinding.
  10. DO TURN OFF COOLANT before stopping wheel to avoid creating an out-of-balance condition.
  11. DON’T use a cracked wheel or one that HAS BEEN DROPPED or has become damaged.
  12. DON’T FORCE a wheel onto the machine OR ALTER the size of the mounting hole - if wheel won’t fit the machine, get one that will.
  13. DON’T ever EXCEED MAXIMUM OPERATING SPEED established for the wheel.
  14. DON’T use mounting flanges on which the bearing surfaces ARE NOT CLEAN, FLAT AND FREE OF
  15. DON’T OVER-TIGHTEN the mounting nut EXCESSIVELY.
  16. DON’T grind the SIDE OF THE WHEEL (see Safety Code B7.1 for exception).
  17. DON’T start the machine until the WHEEL GUARD IS IN PLACE.
  18. DON’T JAM work into the wheel.
  19. DON’T STAND DIRECTLY IN FRONT of a grinding wheel whenever a grinder is started.
  20. DON’T FORCE GRINDING so that motor slows noticeably or work gets hot.

Following some basic guidelines can make the difference between a successful job and avoid needless hazards in the workplace!

Stay Safe,

Your Abrasive (yet friendly) Customer Service Team

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