Week 10: Bench Grinder Safety

Bench Grinder Safety

Personal protective equipment check:

  • Eye protection - clean safety glasses and face shield.
  • Hearing protection for noisy machines and operations.
  • Hand protection - leather work gloves.
  • Use proper respirator when using cutting fluids.
Bench Grinder Safety

Work area safety check:

  • Sufficient lighting.
  • Not in traffic area.
  • No slip or trip hazards.

Pre-use safety check:

  • Ensure that bench or floor-mounted tool is securely mounted.
  • Ensure electrical cords are grounded.
  • Check switch is not damaged.
  • Check to ensure there are no exposed wires.
  • Ensure that cords are free from work area.
  • Make sure all guards are in place and properly adjusted.
  • Check that wheels are rated for higher speed than machine RPM.
  • Check that equipment is securely mounted.
  • Ensure that grinder tool rest gap to wheel is no larger than 1/8 inch.
  • Conduct "ring" test for all new stones - ensure no cracks, breaks or chips.

Operation safety:

  • Use tool rest - no free hand operations.
  • Dress wheels as needed to prevent buildup and over-heating.
  • Stand aside from wheel when starting grinder.
  • Keep hair, sleeves and jewelry out of work area.
  • Replace wheel when you cannot adjust tool rest gap to proper opening size.