Axcess Industries has been using bench and pedestal grinders for many years. Axcess knows that these are very dangerous tools. So SafetyEd has come up with a list of tips to help you stay safe when using bench and pedestal grinders on the job.
- Secure both pedestal and bench style grinders securely to the floor or work bench to prevent movement during usage
- Store grinding wheels carefully on racks in dry places, and visually inspect them for warping, chips, cracks, or other damage before installation
- Discard used wheels once they are approximately 2/3 worn
- The wheel guard enclosure should cover most of the wheel, the spindle, and the wheel mounting hardware
- The horizontal work rest should be adjusted to within 1/8-inch of the wheel
- The distance between the tongue guard and the wheel must not exceed 1/4-inch to minimize exposure to flying fragments in the event of wheel disintegration
- A transparent hinge-mounted face guard should be attached over the exposed wheel surface area to provide additional protection from particles thrown off the rapidly spinning disk
- Personal protective equipment includes safety glasses and a face shield–your face as well as your eyes need protection. Do not wear loose fitting clothing that could become caught in the wheel
- Do not stand directly in front of the grinder during start up
Bench and pedestal grinders can cause many serious injuries. Therefore, always make sure to follow SafetyEd’s rules when working with these tools to stay safe.