ABRASIVE WHEEL SAFETY GUIDE

Abrasive Wheels improperly used are DANGEROUS. The American National Standards Institute (“A.N.S.I.”) and the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (“O.S.H.A.”) have published standards concerning the proper use, handling, and storage of abrasive wheels. Be sure that all users familiarize themselves with these standards.
The following safety guidelines are based on material contained in A.N.S.I. B7-1, “Safety Requirements for the use, Care and Protection of Abrasive Wheels” but these guidelines are not exhaustive; for further information please go to the links provided at the end of the page.

Safety Page: Section Title

Handling

DO:

Handle all wheels carefully.

Use suitable conveyance.

Place wheels carefully.

DO NOT:

DO NOT drop, bump, or roll.

DO NOT lean wheels against equipment.

DO NOT place tools or any parts on top of wheels.

DO NOT use trucks or conveyances, which do not provide firm support at all times when transporting wheels.

DO NOT toss or throw wheels when placing on a shelf or rack, or in bins, boxes or drawers.

Storage

DO:

Use proper racks, bins, drawers or boxes. Adequate support must be provided to protect wheels while awaiting use. Also allow removal of wheels without disturbing or damaging others and use on a rotational basis. (See A.N.S.I. B7-1 for example of storage rack.)

DO NOT:

DO NOT use a wheel that has been dropped or damaged.

DO NOT expose wheels to water or other solvents.

DO NOT expose wheels to high humidity or freezing temperatures.

Machine

DO:

Always use a machine that is adequately guarded. Wheels can only be used on machines with safety guards that meet A.N.S.I . and O.S.H.A. specifications. Generally, a safety guard should enclose 1/2 of the wheel.

Ensure that the tool has proper flanges. Generally, flanges should be one-third the diameter of the wheel or a minimum of one quarter.

Flanges should be kept in good repair and must be checked periodically for flatness, burrs, or wear.

Take proper care of equipment. Wheels can only be used on machines regularly maintained by qualified personnel including periodic checks of free running spindle speed.

DO NOT:

DO NOT remove the guard from the machine because wheel diameter is too large. This is an indication that the wheel is incorrect for that particular tool. Compare the rated speed for the wheel with the rated speed of the tool. The wheel’s rated speed must be equal to or higher than the tool’s.

DO NOT mount a Type 1 wheel with unequal sized flanges.

DO NOT store the machine with the wheel mounted.

DO NOT attempt to check spindle speed with a tachometer while the wheel is on the tool.

Mounting

DO:

Visually inspect the wheels carefully for any evidence of damage in transit, handling, storage, or prior use.

Perform a “ring test” to the wheel before mounting to detect concealed damage. To “ring test” a wheel, you tap it gently with a light, nonmetallic implement, such as the handle of a screwdriver for light wheels, or a wooden mallet for heavier wheels. A sound, undamaged wheel will give a clear tone. A cracked wheel will give you a dead sound. If a wheel gives a dead rather than a clear sound, it must not be used.

DO NOT:

DO NOT use a wheel that is in a damaged container without performing a “ring test”. Internal “stress cracks” could occur if a box has been dropped or slammed around during shipping.

DO NOT mount a wheel with the power source engaged.

DO NOT use wheels where the machine speed exceeds the maximum speed stated on the wheel.

Use

DO:

Use wheels with the machine guards in place at all times. Secure the work piece.

Always wear impact resistant eye protection, such as impact resistant safety goggles.

Always wear protective clothing.

Allow a newly mounted wheel to run for one minute. Wheels should be allowed to run for one full minute with all guards in place before dressing or grinding.

Let the wheel do the work.

Know what you are trying to accomplish. (i.e. particular quality of finish, heavy stock removal, blending, cleaning, etc.)

DO NOT:

DO NOT tighten the mounting nut excessively.

DO NOT grind on the side of a cutoff wheel.

DO NOT grind completely flat with the wheel. Use proper grinding angle.

DO NOT hold the grinder near your face when engaging the tool. Hold down and away.

DO NOT jam work into the wheel or apply excessive pressure or in feed.

DO NOT use wheels for purposes other than those for which they were designed. READ THE LABEL.

This guide is NOT intended as a substitute for a full knowledge of ANSI B-7.1 and OSHA Standards .It is the obligation of the user to be knowledgeable about the safety considerations of the products and tools being used. For further information on the safe use of these products please see the below links:

ANSI B7.1: American National Standard Safety Requirements for the use, care and protection of abrasive wheels (www.ansi.org)

OSHA: Occupational Safety & Health Administration https://www.osha.gov/

Safety Page: Headliner