Did you know, according to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, Angle grinders cause approximately 5,000 injuries annually, which makes them the third most dangerous tool?
This tool also causes around 11% of forearm and hand injuries. Angle grinders are even ranked the third most dangerous tools in the industry.
Abrasive wheels can be extremely dangerous, which is why anybody operating abrasive wheels must undergo the correct training, and certain legal requirements must be met.
If you or your employees operate abrasive wheels, then this post is for you. Keep reading to learn more about abrasive wheels and what legal requirements you need to meet in order to operate abrasive wheels.
What Are Abrasive Wheels?
Abrasive wheels are wheels, discs, cylinders, or cones that are made up of abrasive particles. In abrasive wheels, the abrasive particles (grit) have been bonded together using organic or inorganic substances, for example, resin.
They are powered wheels commonly used in grinding machines and are defined by:
- The grade of the wheel
- The wheel structure
- The grit size
- The abrasive material
- The coating material.
You’ll find abrasive wheels are common in the industry and are used for a wide range of purposes, such as grinding, cutting, or dressing. Abrasive wheels are used on a wide range of materials.
Abrasive wheels can even be used for cutting materials as well as polishing, sanding, and finishing.
Whether abrasive wheels are used to modify surfaces or to prepare surfaces, they can be very dangerous if handled by untrained workers.
What Are The Abrasive Wheels Regulations And Legal Requirements?
There’s a reason that there are so many regulations and legal requirements for handling abrasive wheels - and that’s simply because they can be very dangerous.
The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations Act
The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations Act of 1998 (also known as PUWER) requires all tools and associated equipment to be suitable for the purpose it’s intended for.
The act also requires that tools are sufficiently maintained to ensure that they are safe to use. Training is also a key part of the act; anybody who uses the equipment should have a solid understanding of the tool and be fully trained to use it.
The Management Of Health and Safety at Work Regulations Act
The Management Of Health and Safety at Work Regulations Act requires that all employers assess any risk to protect the safety of themselves and their employees.
They should also communicate any relevant information related to the assessment to the employees. Employers are required to apply a set of principles when implementing preventative measures, such as:
- Avoiding risks where possible
- Identifying unavoidable risks and how to keep them to a minimum
- Providing appropriate instructions to employees
Employees also have responsibilities that they must follow under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations Act. These include:
- Only using equipment as instructed to do so according to their training
- Inform their employer if any dangerous work accidents or near misses occur
- Communicate with their employer about health and safety issues
The Control of Vibration and Noise at Work Regulations Act
These 2005 acts are related to noise and vibration levels and regulate the exposure to high levels of noise and excess vibrations.
Workers in the industry are often exposed to over 85 decibels - and legally should have access to and wear hearing protection, and have access to a scheme of audiometric testing.
If you own a business that operates abrasive wheels, you should provide quieter tools to try and reduce exposure to harmful levels of noise. You must also choose methods and tools that lower exposure to heavy vibrations.
Any employee exposed to vibration must be assessed, often by using vibration measurement. If an employee is exposed to vibration regularly, they may require regular health checks.
The Electricity at Work Regulations Act
The Electricity at Work Regulations Act of 1989 states that all electrical equipment should have protective divides to prevent them from overloading.
To prevent safety issues, electrical devices should be regularly inspected and maintained, so any breakdowns are prevented.
Portable Appliance Tests (PAT) should be carried out regularly - the frequency is determined by the type of equipment, how often it’s used, and the environment in which it’s used.
To ensure that they are safe to use, portable appliances with abrasive wheels require a PAT at least every three months. The Electricity at Work Act 1989 also states that:
- All electrical systems must be maintained to prevent danger
- Work activities that involve electricity must be carried out safely
- All suitable equipment must be provided to provide protection against electrical hazards
What Risks Are Associated With Abrasive Wheels?
Eye injuries are a common hazard with abrasive wheels - if the correct goggles aren’t worn, workers may experience eye damage and, in some cases, blindness.
This is because the grinding motion can loosen particles that fly directly into the eye - and in some cases, the level of speed may cause the wheel to disintegrate, sending metal flying into random directions.
It’s also very dangerous to touch an abrasive wheel in motion - they can revolve at speeds of 10,000 feet per minute, and making contact with an abrasive wheel at a high speed can not only be painful but can do some serious damage.
The only way to reduce risk is by training staff in the best possible way, using both practical training and theoretical training.
Legal Requirements for Manufacturers
If you are a manufacturer who designs abrasive wheels, there are many different legal requirements that the wheels must meet. For example, all manufacturers must comply with the Health and Safety Act 1974 and the Supply of Machinery Regulations 2008.
The Health and Safety Act 1974 and the Supply of Machinery Regulations 2008 both state that all of their products must be tested and deemed safe before being released to the public.
All abrasive wheels must have a CE marking, UKCA marking or confirmation that safety testing has been carried out and the product has passed.
According to the British Standards BS EN 12413 and BS ISO 525, all wheels must be marked to show:
- Maximum operating speed
- Shelf life or expiry date
- Wheel dimensions
- Restrictions on use
- Traceable manufacturing numbers
- Mounting instructions
- ISO type number
- Rest record number
- Manufacturers trademark
All manufacturers are required to incorporate fibre reinforcement, steel rings, safety inserts, fine grit centres and tape windings. This is to ensure that the wheels are safe and durable and to improve their strength.
Safety Precautions With Abrasive Wheels
When using abrasive wheels, it is important that you follow safety precautions. This is to ensure that you and others around you remain safe while using this piece of equipment. Here are some safety precautions you should follow when using abrasive wheels:
Make sure that you choose the right wheel for the job. If you are unsure whether or not the wheel you have chosen is suitable, make sure to read the manufacturer information leaflet, which should be provided with the wheel. Make sure that you inspect the wheel before you use it to ensure that it isn’t faulty and is safe to use. Only use wheels that have been marked with the speed and wheel type. Examine the wheel and check for any signs of damage, such as chips or cracks.
Choosing the right wheel for your project is a must – if you choose the wrong wheel, you risk damaging the machine or project.
You should also regularly check and inspect your wheels to make sure that they have not been damaged when moved or stored away. This is a requirement according to The Provision And Use of Work Regulations Act 1998 (PUWER).
Why is Abrasive Wheels Training Important?
Simply put, abrasive wheel training is important to ensure that anyone who uses it does so safely and efficiently. Training is important to make sure that operators using this equipment have the knowledge and skills needed to ensure that they are using it safely.
Here at Beaconrisk, we offer a wide range of health and safety e-learning courses, including abrasive wheels. This course is approved by the IIRSM and CPD and is aimed at people who use abrasive wheels or employ others to use abrasive wheels as a part of their job role.
It covers different types of abrasive wheels, safety in their use and how you can identify the type of wheel. For more information on this training course or to speak to a member of our team, don’t hesitate to contact us today at 0151 647 8658. We are more than happy to help!