Safety Procedures for Operating Angle Grinders and Bench Grinders

This document outlines the safety procedures for the safe operation of angle grinders and bench grinders, including required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), risk assessments, and emergency shutdown protocols. These procedures are designed to minimize the risk of injury and ensure a safe working environment.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

The following PPE is required when operating angle grinders and bench grinders:

Eye and Face Protection: Safety glasses or goggles with side shields are mandatory to protect against flying debris. A face shield should be used in addition to safety glasses when performing heavy grinding or cutting operations.
Hand Protection: Wear appropriate work gloves to protect hands from cuts, abrasions, and heat. Leather gloves are recommended for most grinding applications.
Hearing Protection: Use earplugs or earmuffs to protect against excessive noise levels, especially during prolonged use.
Respiratory Protection: A dust mask or respirator is required when grinding materials that produce dust, such as concrete or metal. The type of respirator should be appropriate for the specific dust being generated.
Body Protection: Wear appropriate work clothing to protect the body from sparks and debris. A leather apron or sleeves may be necessary for heavy grinding operations.
Foot Protection: Wear safety shoes or boots with steel toes to protect feet from dropped objects and sharp debris.

Risk Assessment

A thorough risk assessment must be conducted before operating angle grinders or bench grinders to identify potential hazards and implement appropriate control measures. The risk assessment should consider the following:

Flying Debris: Grinding and cutting operations can produce flying debris that can cause eye, face, and body injuries.
Sharp Edges: Contact with sharp edges of the grinding wheel or workpiece can cause cuts and abrasions.
Dust Inhalation: Grinding certain materials can generate dust that can be harmful if inhaled.
Noise Exposure: Grinders can produce high noise levels that can cause hearing damage.
Vibration: Prolonged use of grinders can cause hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS).
Electrical Hazards: Damaged cords or improper grounding can create electrical shock hazards.
Fire Hazards: Grinding can produce sparks that can ignite flammable materials.
Wheel Breakage: Grinding wheels can break or shatter if used improperly or if they are damaged.
Entanglement: Loose clothing or hair can become entangled in the rotating wheel.

Control Measures

The following control measures should be implemented to minimize the risks associated with operating angle grinders and bench grinders:

Use the Right Tool for the Job: Select the appropriate grinder and grinding wheel for the specific task.
Inspect Equipment: Before each use, inspect the grinder and grinding wheel for any damage or defects. Replace damaged wheels immediately.
Proper Wheel Mounting: Ensure the grinding wheel is properly mounted and secured according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Work Rest Adjustment: On bench grinders, adjust the work rest to the proper distance from the wheel (typically 1/8 inch) to prevent the workpiece from being caught between the wheel and the rest.
Guards in Place: Ensure all guards are in place and properly adjusted to protect the operator from flying debris and contact with the wheel.
Safe Work Practices: Use a firm grip on the grinder and maintain a stable stance. Avoid applying excessive pressure to the wheel.
Ventilation: Ensure adequate ventilation to remove dust and fumes. Use local exhaust ventilation when possible.
Housekeeping: Keep the work area clean and free of clutter. Remove any flammable materials from the area.
Training: Provide proper training to all operators on the safe operation of angle grinders and bench grinders.

Emergency Shutdown Procedures

In the event of an emergency, such as equipment malfunction, wheel breakage, or fire, the following shutdown procedures should be followed:

Immediately turn off the grinder: Locate the power switch and turn it to the
off
position.
Disconnect the power cord: If safe to do so, disconnect the power cord from the electrical outlet.
Evacuate the area: If there is a fire or other immediate danger, evacuate the area immediately.
Report the incident: Report the incident to the supervisor or safety manager as soon as possible.

Electrical Safety

When operating any electrical equipment, including grinders, it is crucial to maintain a safe distance from electrical lines and apparatus. Always maintain the Minimum Approach Distance (MAD) as specified in the following table:

Voltage Range (Phase to Phase)	Minimum Approach Distance in Feet (Meters)
0 to 50 KV	10 (3)
Over 50K V to 200 KV	15 (5)
Over 200 KV to 350 KV	20 (6)
Over 350 KV to 500 KV	25 (8)
Over 500 KV to 750 KV	35 (11)
Over 750 KV to 1000 KV	45 (14)

Note: This requirement shall apply except where employer, local or governmental regulations are more stringent.