Safe Operation of Pedestal and Bench Grinders
The Problem
Pedestal and bench grinders are powerful tools that can operate at speeds up to 100 kilometres per hour. While they are essential for many tasks, they also present serious hazards when not handled correctly. Every year, many workers suffer injuries due to overlooked safety practices. Today, we’ll address the key hazards and discuss solutions to ensure everyone operates grinders safely.
Identify the Hazards
- Unsecured Grinders: A shifting or unstable grinder can lead to falling equipment or accidental contact with the rotating wheel.
- Tool Rest and Guard Gaps: Incorrectly adjusted rests or guards can cause material to wedge or lead to wheel shattering.
- Loose Clothing or Accessories: Items like gloves, jewellery, or long hair can get caught in the wheel, causing serious injury.
Safety Practices and Preventative Measures
Secure the Grinder
- Ensure the bench grinder is firmly secured to the workbench or other surface as per the manufacturer’s instructions. A stable grinder prevents movement that could cause contact with the wheel or falling equipment.
Adjust the Tool Rest Properly
- Install and adjust the lower tool rest to maintain a gap of no more than 3 mm between the rest and the grinding wheel.
- A larger gap can allow materials to become wedged, potentially causing the wheel to shatter.
- Re-adjust the gap as the wheel wears down, but only after the wheel has stopped completely.
Adjust the Upper Guard (Tongue Guard)
- Check the upper guard to ensure the gap between the grinding wheel and the guard is no more than 6 mm.
- The tongue guard deflects sparks and contains wheel fragments if the wheel breaks.
- Always stop the grinder before making adjustments.
Dress for Safety
- Avoid loose clothing, gloves, jewellery, or unsecured long hair when operating the grinder. These items can get caught in the rotating wheel, leading to severe injuries.
- Always tie back long hair, remove jewellery, and wear close-fitting clothing.
Real-Life Case or Scenario
A worker was using a bench grinder without checking the tool rest gap. During use, the material slipped between the rest and the wheel, causing the wheel to shatter. The fragments struck the worker, leading to facial injuries. This incident could have been prevented by a quick tool rest adjustment before operation.
Employee Responsibilities
- Ensure grinders are secure and properly adjusted before use.
- Adjust tool rests and tongue guards to meet the correct safety gaps.
- Wear appropriate clothing and remove any accessories that could pose a hazard.
- Immediately report unsafe grinders or damaged wheels to your supervisor.
Employer Responsibilities
- Provide well-maintained and secure grinders.
- Ensure guards, rests, and wheels are in good condition.
- Offer training on grinder safety practices.
- Replace or repair unsafe equipment promptly.
Discussion & Questions
- What steps do you take to ensure the grinder is safe before using it?
- Has anyone here encountered issues with tool rest gaps or guard adjustments?
- Do you have any concerns about operating grinders safely on this site?
Allow employees to share experiences and discuss any issues or concerns they may have.
Commitment/Action Plan
Let’s commit to performing a quick safety inspection of all grinders before use. This includes checking that they are secure, the tool rest and tongue guard are properly adjusted, and that you’re dressed safely for the task. By following these steps, we can prevent injuries and keep everyone safe.
Wrap-Up
Pedestal and bench grinders are excellent tools, but they can be dangerous if safety precautions are ignored. By securing the grinder, adjusting the tool rests and guards, and dressing appropriately, we can eliminate preventable hazards. Thank you for paying attention and making safety a priority.
Standards Overview
Canadian occupational health and safety regulations require all pedestal and bench grinders to:
- Be fitted with properly adjusted work rests and tongue guards.
- Have guards that fully enclose the wheel to contain fragments in case of breakage.
- Be regularly maintained and inspected by a qualified competent person.
These guidelines aim to prevent injuries caused by misuse or poor maintenance.
Disclaimer
“The information provided in this toolbox talk is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional legal, safety, or regulatory advice. The content reflects general best practices and industry standards but may not be applicable to all workplace environments or jurisdictions.
It is the responsibility of employers, supervisors, and workers to ensure compliance with applicable federal, provincial, and territorial laws, regulations, and standards, including but not limited to those set by the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) and relevant provincial occupational health and safety authorities. Site App Pro, its affiliates, agents, or representatives—as well as the authors, presenters, and distributors of this toolbox talk—assume no liability for the use or application of the information provided.
Participants are strongly encouraged to consult appropriate legal, safety, or regulatory professionals regarding specific workplace concerns or questions. Always adhere to your organisation’s policies and procedures for health and safety and hazard management.
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