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7 January 2011

Abrasive wheels improperly used can be very dangerous. Grinding and cutting wheels for use on hand-held machines operate at speeds as high as 100m/s, which is 225mph. Accidents involving abrasive wheels can cause serious and sometimes fatal injury. Most abrasive wheel manufacturers take great care to ensure that their products are as safe as possible by complying with the European and International standards for abrasives.

But wheels are only safe if used correctly and this can only come as a result of proper training. Records show that most accidents involving abrasive wheels are caused by operator error in handling, storing, mounting or use of the wheel.

Accidents can be minimised by following these four basic safety steps.

Step One

Only use abrasives that conform to European Safety Standards Don’t take risks by purchasing products with uncertain safety
look for the EN number marked on the wheel

Step Two

Ensure that basic safety information is provided with your abrasive products and that it is passed on to those using the wheels To comply with the European Safety Standards, manufacturers and suppliers of abrasives must provide information for the safe use of their products to the end user.

Safety leaflets in many languages are published by FEPA, the Federation of European Producers of Abrasives and are provided with the product by most European abrasives manufacturers.

Step Three

Obtain detailed information on the safe use of abrasive wheels. Refer to this when carrying out risk assessments Codes of practice for the safe use of abrasives are published by the Health & Safety Executive and by FEPA, the Federation of European Producers of Abrasives.

A range of safety posters is published by the British Abrasives Federation

Step Four

Ensure everyone using abrasivewheels is properly trained. It is a legal requirement for all persons using abrasive wheels to be properly trained.

It is very important that you select an accredited training provider for your requirements to ensure that the information provided is accurate, complete and up-to-date.
A range of safety posters is published by the British Abrasives Federation

And remember:
Never allow untrained people to mount or use abrasive wheels

For further information
please visit the Tassia website:
www.tassia.co.uk