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Abrasive Wheels | 1

Hand and Portable Powered Tools
Abrasive Wheels

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Abrasive Wheels

Subpart P of 29 CFR Part 1910 covers the use of hand and portable tools in general industry. The regulation covers general requirements and specifies guarding requirements for portable powered tools. Requirements for inspection and safe use are also included.

Abrasive wheels are power tools used to cut, grind, polish and buff materials and surfaces. There are different types of wheels, depending upon their uses, but they all have one thing in common: hazards are involved.

Abrasive Wheel Hazards

The use of abrasive wheels involves the hazards of flying particles. As the wheel spins at high RPMs, there is the danger that the wheel or parts of the wheel will fly off.

Because of the hazards, safety guards must be installed and located so as to be between the operator and the wheel during use. Adjustments of the guard must be done so that pieces of an accidentally broken wheel will be deflected away from the operator. The top half of the shield should be enclosed at all times.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

After engineering controls, administrative controls and work practices, PPE can help put a barrier between the operator and the hazards.

PPE for abrasive wheels may include safety glasses, goggles, face shield, steel–toed boots, ear plugs and respirators. Respirators only need to be used if grinding operations produce airborne particles that exceed permissible limit when they cannot be reduced via exhaust or collection devices.

To help prevent injuries, closely inspect the wheels to ensure they have not been damaged. Do not use a wheel if there are signs of damage or defects.

The spindle speed of the grinder must not exceed the maximum operating speed marked on the wheel. Use only wheels marked with the type of wheel and maximum speed in revolutions per minute.

Always select the right wheel type for the job.

Ring Test

Check abrasive wheels using the “ring test.” Tap the wheel gently with a nonmetallic tool. A wheel in good condition will emit a metallic ring. Reject any wheel that sounds “dead” or cracked. (See diagram on Handout.)

Employee Training

OSHA regulations do not have specific employee training requirements for abrasive wheels. However, employees who understand the hazards and know how to inspect and use abrasive wheels, will have less risk of injury.

Training Tips

  • Review 29 CFR 1910 Subpart P.
  • Using the employee handout, review proper abrasive wheel use.
  • Demonstrate the “ring test” and have examples of damaged wheels for the employees to look at.

For more information see 29 CFR 1910 Subpart P—Hand and Portable Tools and Other Hand-held Equipment.

Abrasive WheelsHandout

Abrasive wheels are used to grind, cut polish and buff material or surfaces. There are different types of wheels, depending upon their uses. All types of abrasive wheels involve hazards.

Abrasive wheels have the hazard of flying particles, or the wheel itself (or parts of the wheel) can fly off during use.

Protecting Yourself

Safety guards must be used, and be located between the operator and the wheel during use. The top half of the wheel must be enclosed at all times.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) that might be used when operating an abrasive wheel include:

  • Eye and face protection such as safety glasses, goggles or face shield.
  • Ear plugs or other hearing protection.
  • Steel-toed boots or shoes.
  • Respirator, if required.

Always select the right type of abrasive wheel for the job. Match the speed rating of the wheel to the speed of the tool.

Ring Test

Check abrasive wheels using the “ring test.” Tap the wheel gently with a nonmetallic tool. A wheel in good condition will emit a metallic ring. Reject any wheel that sounds “dead” or cracked.

Limitations of Ring Test

The wheel has to be dry and free of sawdust when applying the ring test, otherwise the sound may be deadened.

The ring test doesn’t work with certain wheels because of their shape or size. Examples include:

  • Wheels 4 inches in diameter and smaller
/
  • Plugs and Cones

  • Mounted Wheels
/
  • Segments

  • Plate-Mounted Wheels
/
  • Inserted Nut and Projecting Stud Disc Wheels

How to Use the Results

The ring test depends on the fact that a crack in the wheel will normally change the sound emitted when the wheel is lightly tapped. An undamaged wheel will give a clear tone. If cracked, there will be a dead sound and not a clear ring.

Comparison of the sound with other wheels of the same lot and specification will allow rejection of any wheel with a suspiciously different ring.

Abrasive Wheels Sign–Off Sheet

The employees of ______Company Name______, have taken part in a training session on Hand and Portable Powered Tools—Abrasive Wheels. The session covered:

  • Abrasive Wheel Safety.
  • PPE when using an abrasive wheel.
  • How to perform the “ring test” to test the abrasive wheels.

Date of Training: / Facility:
Employee Signature / PRINT NAME

______

Supervisor’s Signature