We're sorry, but OSHAcademy doesn't work properly without JavaScript enabled. Please turn on JavaScript or install a browser that supports Javascript.

909 Offshore Oil and Gas Safety II
Skip to main content

Abrasive Wheel Grinders

Abrasive wheel grinders come in many styles, sizes, and designs.

Typical bench and pedestal grinders often have two abrasive wheels, or one abrasive wheel and one special-purpose wheel such as a wire brush, a buffing wheel, or a sandstone wheel.

Employee using a tape measure to check required clearances
Be sure you have the required clearances.

These grinders come with a safety guard covering most of the wheel, including the spindle end, nut, and flange projection. The guards must be strong enough to withstand the effects of a shattered wheel. A work rest and transparent shields are often included.

When using bench grinders:

  • Grinders should have a protective guard and a properly adjusted tool rest with a gap within 1/8 inch between the grinding disc and the rest.
  • The adjustable tongue guard on the top side of the grinder should be within 1/4 inch of the wheel.
  • Ring test the abrasive wheel before they are mounted to ensure that they are free from cracks or other defects. Wheels should be tapped gently with a light, nonmetallic instrument. A stable and undamaged wheel will give a clear metallic tone or "ring."
  • Employees using grinders should wear goggles and full-face shields. Keep these properly positioned near the bench grinder for ease of use.
  • Locate an on/off switch (preferably a dead-man's switch) within reach of the person using the bench grinder.
  • Only trained and competent workers should change grinding discs.
  • The RPM rating of the grinding disk should match, or be greater than, that of the grinder rated RPM.
  • Grinders should never be used to grind wood, plastics, or aluminum.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

3-2. What should be the gap between the grinding disc and the rest?