Bench Grinder Safety

All types of grinding machines whether pedestal bench mounted free standing or portable can be potentially hazardous if they are not well maintained and used correctly.

Bench grinder safety.

Grinders use powered rotating attachments to work metal and other materials. Fasten pedestal and bench grinders securely. Adjust tool rests to within 3 mm 1 8 in of wheels. The occupational safety and health administration osha is very specific about bench grinder safety.

In addition here are some basic safety dos and don ts when working with these tools. Osha refers to bench grinders as abrasive wheel equipment grinders the safety rules for this machinery are in the code of federal regulations cfr and osha has a very detailed checklist for the bench grinder on its website. Correct wheel size matters. Bench grinder safety the osha standard for grinders osha 29 cfr 1910 215 is one of the most frequently cited violations issued during osha machine safety inspections.

It is used to drive abrasive wheels to sharpen tools and to smooth edges. A risk assessments for a pedestal or bench grinder always includes a core set of recognized hazards and requirements. According to 29 cfr 1910 215 a 4. Work rest height should be on horizontal centre line of the machine spindle.

Improperly adjusted work rests and tongues on bench grinders are the main reasons for the citation. Dos when working with bench and pedestal grinders. Fasten pedestal and bench grinders on a solid surface securely. With an abrasive wire brush or buffing wheel attachment grinders sharpen tools and shape clean or polish metal pieces.

Always follow posted safety guidelines and read all instructions provided by the manufacturer. A bench grinder is not a commonly used tool and yet expensive tool to buy. Ensure all the guards are in place and secure before using a grinder. Never adjust rests while wheels are moving.

Bench grinders are mounted to a bench or tabletop while pedestal grinders are mounted to the floor on a pedestal. Wear only an eye or face shield. Bench grinder safety gauges also known as safety scales these gauges confirm that the gaps between the grinding wheel and the tool rest and tongue comply with osha and ansi requirements. Bench grinder safety make sure the manufacturer s recommended speed as posted on the wheel is compatible with your grinder maintain the tongue guard within 1 4 inch of grinding wheel be sure the outer wheel guard is in place be sure the power transmission cover is securely in place always protect your eyes.

The discussion below describes each hazard points out the related osha requirements and makes suggestions for remediation.