Portable Grinders

Just about every plant and shops use a grinder. We see them just about everywhere, and most shop 

workers will use one at some time or another. Being so common, we take them for granted. But do you 

know that an average wheel turns at a speed greater than a mile a minute? That's fast-so fast that 

it can cause people to get hurt.

In a recent accident, a worker mounted a cracked wheel on a grinder.

He turned it on without replacing the guard and the centrifugal force of the grinder caused the 

wheel to explode with the force of a hand grenade. Several pieces struck the worker resulting in 

injuries to his head, eyes and chest.

Most grinder accidents, even the common ones like particles in the eye or abrasions caused by 

touching a moving wheel, can be prevented with a little forethought. 

Some grinder safety tips that you should remember are:

•  Guards must be provided and adjusted properly to protect you. Replace damaged guards because if 

an abrasive wheel breaks while rotating, it can cause a serious injury.

•  Before use, check the manufacturer's stated running speeds, or markings on the grinder, and 

grinder wheel for the maximum speed that it can be used.

•  Follow manufacturer's manual for the safe use of grinder wheel guards.

•  Clean and service grinders according to manufacturers' recommendations. Record all maintenance 

for grinders.

•  Ensure that a machine will not operate when unattended by checking the dead-man (constant 

pressure) switch.

•  Wear safety glasses or goggles, and a face shield to protect against flying particles. Gloves, 

aprons, safety boots, and respiratory protection may be required, depending on the work.

•  Ensure the floor around the work area is clean.

•  Do not use wheels that are cracked or those that excessively vibrate.

•  Do not operate grinder on wet floors.

•  Use both hands when holding the grinder.

•  Keep the power cord away from the grinding wheel and the material being ground.

•   Avoid using grinders near flammable materials.

•  Do not clamp portable grinders in a vise for grinding hand-held work.

•  Do not force wheels onto a grinder that is the wrong size or change mounting hole sizes.

•  Do not tighten the mounting nut excessively.

•  Do not put the grinder on the floor or working surface until the wheel has stopped turning.

•  Do not keep any materials close to the grinding wheel when it is not in use.

•  Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry as they may get caught in the moving parts of the grinder. 

If you have long hair, keep it tied back.