Several components are used in the construction of abrasive wheel grinders. Each component on an active abrasive wheel grinder poses a safety risk to the operator. For this reason, abrasive wheel grinder operators should check each component carefully before operating the tool. Dust-producing grinders can be equipped with dust collectors to decrease the amount of dust that gets airborne.
Typical injuries that are associated with abrasive wheel grinders are lacerations that could be brought on by any number of things. Wheel explosions occur when a tool or material gets caught between the wheel and its guard. Shattered pieces of the wheel rotate around the grinder's flange and injure people in the groin or legs. Touching a moving wheel, getting too close to a moving wheel or getting loose clothing caught in a moving wheel can also result in injury. Inhaling fumes produced while working on certain materials with abrasive wheel grinders can cause respiratory injuries, according to the Oklahoma higher education website.
The side guards should cover an abrasive wheel grinder's spindle and 75 percent of the wheel's diameter. The grinder's work rest should be adjusted to within a eighth of an inch of the wheel. The adjustable tongue guard on the grinder should remain within a fourth of an inch of the wheel. The RPM (rotations per minute) ratings of the wheels used in abrasive wheel grinders need to be compatible with the motor's RPM ratings, according to Beacon Mutual.
Certain safety equipment should be worn at all times while operating abrasive wheel grinders. Beacon Mutual recommends that abrasive wheel grinder operators wear goggles or some other type of shield for the face to avoid injury to the face and eyes from flying debris. Wearing ear protection is also a recommended safety measure that should be considered before operating an abrasive wheel grinder.
There are three basic types of abrasive wheel grinders, including pedestal grinders, bench-mounted grinders and portable grinders, according to Beacon Mutual. Both pedestal grinders and bench-mounted grinders should have permanent mounts. Work areas should be kept clean and free of debris to avoid catching on fire from a spark out of an active abrasive wheel grinder.