In a Nutshell: Abrasive Wheels

Posted on May 6, 2014

Users of Abrasive Wheels should know:

• Formal abrasive wheel training is required, because legislation recommends that training records are kept – Courtley provide this training.
• Most injuries result from wheels breaking or contact with a running wheel.
• Nearly half of all accidents are due to unsafe systems of work or user error.
• All abrasive wheels should be inspected for defects BEFORE USE.
• The correct cutting wheels should be used for differing materials.
• IMPORTANT: The wheel’s maximum RPM speed should always be greater than the machines maximum RPM.
• The guard should always be present and effective.

It can be said that most of the above is common sense, however, sometimes people don’t realise just how dangerous an action is, or believe that it will not happen to them.

Therefore, we would recommend that regular toolbox talks are carried out on topics which seem simple, but have the potential to cause great harm. This is also the reason for specific classroom based training on abrasive wheels.

We cannot guarantee that the operatives will follow the advice they are given; but if they are not given the advice to start with, they can’t be told that they are using the tool incorrectly.

The advisors at Courtley have, unfortunately, had to investigate accidents involving abrasive wheels; and we know that shortcuts intended to save the user a few minutes can end up costing them quite a bit of time in hospital!