Safety

Portable Grinding Safety

06 Sep 2024

Last reviewed by the Product Safety Team in September of 2024.

Get back to basics and review the four simple, but important rules for portable angle grinding safety.

1. Speed

Make sure the abrasive wheel's maximum operating speed is at or above the portable grinder's maximum operating speed. Exceeding the maximum operating speed of an abrasive wheel is extremely dangerous. Excessive speed can cause an abrasive wheel to suddenly shatter!

2 Guards

Use the correct wheel guard for the portable machine and abrasive wheel. Prior to using, properly adjust the wheel guard. All abrasive wheels are breakable and grinding wheel guards can prevent serious injuries.

3. Mounting

Employ only the proper mounting system for the abrasive wheel used. Test any newly mounted wheel by operating that wheel in an enclosed area (i.e., under work bench or in steel drum) for one full minute before attempting to use the abrasive wheel. Make certain that the machine and abrasive wheels are compatible. Never mount an abrasive wheel on a machine NOT designed for that abrasive wheel.

4. PPE

Wear all required personal protective equipment such as eye, face, hearing, and respiratory protection; as well as gloves, aprons, arm guards and safety shoes. The photograph shown here illustrates an operator wearing the required PPE.

For additional information on this topic or if you need any other abrasive safety information, please review the Norton Product Safety page, “best if used by” information, ANSI, OSHA, and all literature provided by the abrasive wheel and machine manufacturer. You may also contact the Saint-Gobain Product Safety Department at (508) 795-2317, or contact your Saint-Gobain Abrasives representative with any safety related questions.