Having grinding equipment in your shop comes with a lot of responsibility. Grinding equipment comes with plenty of potential hazards to health and safety. Here's what you should know about keeping yourself and everybody else safe while making use of your grinding equipment.

Do You Know the Potential Hazards?

If you operate any kind of machine grinder, you should know all the possible hazards that come with that operation. The most important ones include the following.

• Grinders kick up dust and debris, which can cause respiratory problems.
• The oils you use to lubricate your grinder equipment can cause irritation to skin.
• The wheel can cut or scrape skin.
• If the wheel shatters, it can severely injure or kill the operator or someone close by.
• Sparks from the grinder can cause a fire.

There are more dangers besides, which is why there are regulations for these pieces of equipment. OSHA even keeps a partial list of documented grinder accidents.

How to Stay Safe When Using Your Grinding Equipment

People use grinding equipment in shops and garages everywhere. When the users practice proper safety with these tools, there's nothing to worry about. However, it's easy to cut corners or become accustomed to a not-so-safe way of doing things.

Safety with grinders actually encompasses several different aspects of dealing with them. The first aspect is safety during usage.

Operation

• You should always wear proper eye protection.
• You may need face protection or hearing protection.
• Avoid wearing loose clothing or anything that dangles.
• Keep hair tied back or in a net.
• Keep the area clear of anything that doesn't belong.

Testing and inspection

• Always visually inspect the grinding equipment before and after use.
• Do not use if the wheel breaks.
• Cease usage if the wheel feels wrong or damaged.
• Check plugs and cords.
• Make sure exhaust systems work.
• Use a checklist.

Maintenance and servicing

• Set up a regular maintenance schedule.
• Keep extensive maintenance records.
• Use a checklist.
• Service, repair, or replace all parts that need it; don't wait.

In all cases, you should follow manufacturer's guidelines for your grinding equipment. Another aspect of grinder-equipment safety is training. You need to have training, as does anybody else that uses the equipment. Training should include a working knowledge of everything previously listed.

This all may seem like a lot, especially if you already have your own way of doing things. But each of these aspects is highly important. You shouldn't skip or skimp on any of them. The potential hazards are very serious. You have to mitigate the risks, and continue to do so, for the life of your grinding equipment. Talk to a company such as Allied High Tech or more information.