Safety Precautions for Bench Grinders
A bench grinder, either attached to a pedestal or work bench, is a machine tool used for grinding. It is a powerhouse of precision and versatility in the manufacturing and metalworking industry. A grinding machine employs an abrasive wheel as its primary cutting tool for finishing metal and non-metal workpieces.
Because grinders are commonly used machines in workplaces nationwide, many workers become complacent about their hazards. However, grinders are very dangerous when used improperly. In fact, statistics show that improper grinder use can lead to severe injuries.
Machine guarding requirements for bench grinders focus on minimizing hazards like flying debris and wheel breakage. OSHA regulations mandate proper guarding, including side guards, work rests, and tongue guards. These guards must be in place, adjusted correctly, and maintained to prevent operator injury.
Specific Guarding Requirements include but are not limited to:
Side Guards: Must cover the spindle, nut, and flange projections, and 75% of the wheel diameter.
Work Rests: Must be rigid, adjustable, and kept within 1/8 inch of the wheel to prevent material from being jammed.
Tongue Guards: Must be adjustable and kept within 1/4 inch of the wheel to deflect sparks and contain wheel fragments.
Eye Protection: Through integrated shields and by wearing safety glasses/goggles with side shields or a face shield.
Additional Safety Measures include but are not limited to:
Wheel Inspection: Wheels must be inspected for defects before mounting, and a ring test should be performed.
Operating Speed: The wheel mounted must operate at the same or greater speed as the bench grinder's operating speed.
Mounted: All bench and pedestal grinders need to be securely mounted.
Preventing Entanglement: Operators should avoid loose clothing, jewelry, and untied hair while operating the grinder.
Click the link below to review OSHA’s checklist for Abrasive Wheel Equipment Grinders:
https://www.osha.gov/machine-guarding/new-grinder-checklist
By adhering to these requirements, users can significantly reduce the risk of accidents associated with bench grinders. For additional information on this topic or if you need any other machine safeguarding information, please do not hesitate to reach out to the knowledgeable team at ACS today.