Telephone (905) Telephone (800) Telephone (0208)

Transcription

1 AUSTRALIA CANADA USA UNITED KINGDOM SINGAPORE MALAYSIA Safetycare Australia Pty. Ltd. Telephone (03) Safetycare Inc. Telephone (905) Safetycare Inc. Telephone (800) Safetycare (UK) Limited. Telephone (0208) SafetyMax Corp Pte. Ltd. Telephone SafetyMax Sdn Bhd Telephone (603) The information contained in this Facilitator s guide is distributed and sold as a guide and for informational purposes only. Safetycare makes no representation or warranty as to the compliance of this program with any and all applicable laws of the purchaser's jurisdiction. 2. Safetycare's liability for any damages to the purchaser or to any other party shall not exceed the amount paid by the purchaser for the guide. In no event shall Safetycare be responsible for any indirect or consequential damages or loss of profits, even if Safetycare has been advised of the possibility of such damage. Some provinces/states do not allow the limitations or exclusion of liability for incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitations or exclusions may not apply to the purchaser. 3. This Facilitator s Guide is supplied as part of a subscription service. This guide is only to be used during a valid subscription period. Where a subscription is not valid, this guide may not be used. Facilitator s Guide ANGLE GRINDER SAFETY Copyright - All Rights Reserved

2 Angle Grinder Safety CONTENTS Introduction to the Facilitator s Guide 3 Introduction to the Video Program; Angle Grinder Safety 4 Transcript of Video Program 5 Part 1 - Types of Angle Grinders 9 Part 2 - Pre-Use Checks 10 Part 3 - Safe Operation 11 Part 4 - Hazards 12 Part 5 - Control Measures 13 Assessment 14 Answers 17 2

3 INTRODUCTION TO THE FACILITATOR S GUIDE Angle Grinder Safety The aim of this Facilitator s Guide, when used in conjunction with the Video program, is to provide the facilitator with discussion points important to the overall development of the program and to allow participants the opportunity of discussing the impact the program may have on current work practices and whether in fact changes may be required. The time allocated to the program will be determined by which areas are seen as important to each Organisation, the time taken to develop the points made in the program and whether other data specific to your own environment is included in addition to, or instead of, the program examples. EACH FACILITATOR SHOULD CAREFULLY READ THE GUIDE DISCUSSION NOTES SUGGESTED AND PREPARE THEIR OWN INPUT ACCORDINGLY. The program transcript is included to allow your Organisation to fully research the program content and develop specific examples critical to the performance of your own workforce. Where the Video program is made available to small or remote sections of your Organisation, some other examples or discussion points may be preferred to suit the needs of these people and if so, should be developed prior to distribution of the program. Maximum benefit will then be obtained by your people. All information included in the Facilitator s Guide may be copied and distributed with the exception of the transcript of the Video program. Any information which is copied or distributed must only be used internally by the Organisation that purchased the guide. SCREEN SHOT FROM THE VIDEO PROGRAM 3

4 INTRODUCTION TO THE VIDEO PROGRAM Duration: 9 minutes An Angle Grinder sometimes called a side or disc grinder is a handheld power tool commonly used for cutting, grinding and polishing. The use of angle grinders can be extremely dangerous. If incorrectly used, angle grinder discs can shatter causing projectiles to fly violently through the air hitting the operator and others in the work area. This program includes: Types of Angle Grinders Pre-Use Checks Safe Operation Disc Shatter Kick Back Other Angle Grinder Hazards Control Measures This program is aimed at professional and non-professional operators of Angle Grinders as a safety and operational guide. 4

5 TRANSCRIPT OF THE VIDEO PROGRAM Angle Grinder Safety Copyright Safetycare. All rights reserved An Angle Grinder sometimes called a side or disc grinder is a handheld power tool commonly used for cutting, grinding and polishing. The angle grinder is a versatile tool and because of the range of attachments that can be fitted, they can be used for work on a wide range of materials including: Metal, Concrete, Stone, and Tiles. However, the use of angle grinders can be extremely dangerous. If incorrectly used, angle grinder discs can shatter causing projectiles to fly violently through the air hitting the operator and others in the work area. Kick back can also occur where the angle grinder suddenly thrusts back towards the operator. Many serious injuries including fatalities have resulted from the incorrect use of angle grinders. Types of Angle Grinders Angle grinders can range from the small-type, to the larger and more powerful type. They can be powered by: Electricity, Petrol Engine, or Compressed Air It is important that you do not use an angle grinder larger than is necessary, as a light tool is much easier to control. Parts of a common angle grinder include the: Body, Metal gear case, On/off switch Multi-position side-handle Spindle lock Safety guard Disc retaining flange, and Disc locking nut which secures the disc. 5

6 The most common discs used with angle grinders include: Abrasive discs - used for grinding, and Cut-off discs - used for cutting. It is extremely important that you check, and use the correct type of disc for the correct type of application. A cutting disc used for a grinding application for example, can have disastrous consequences. Pre-Use Checks Prior to using an angle grinder, perform an overall check of the tool. Look for any damage to parts, guards and switches. Check the disc. First, make sure that the disc is compatible with the job and compatible with the angle grinder you are using, and second, check the condition of the disc itself. A disc that is: Excessively worn, Warped, Wet or damp, or Has been dropped can shatter and must be discarded. Check that the guard is: Securely in place, Covering half of the disc, and Aligned so that it protects the operator. Check that the handle is clean, dry and securely in place. Finally, check the flange and locking nut. Make sure they are the correct type for the disc and grinder, and that they are aligned correctly and tight. Safe Operation Ensure that the angle grinder has reached full operating speed prior to using it. Do not apply excessive pressure to the disc. Let the machine do the work. When grinding, maintain a working angle of approximately 15 to 30 degrees to the work, and ensure the work piece is securely held in place. Make sure that you operate the angle grinder in a comfortable position. Ensure you have a good view of the work, and keep both hands holding the 6

7 angle grinder at all times. Do not attempt to grind work in an awkward position - in general working at waist height with the legs slightly apart is a good stance for grinding. Some grinding operation can create excessive dust and smoke. Always use an angle grinder in a well-ventilated area. And finally, make sure you are wearing all appropriate personal protective equipment. Hazards and Control Measures A disc shattering during operation can have fatal consequences not only for the operator, but anyone in the vicinity of the work area. To reduce the risk of disc shatter it is crucial that: All operators are appropriately trained The disc used is right for the job, and the grinder. Do not apply excess pressure to the disc, and do not 'jog' or bump the work. Kick back is where the angle grinder suddenly thrusts back toward the operator. Kick back accidents with angle grinders can also be fatal. Kick back is usually caused when the disc 'grabs' or gets jammed on the material being worked on. To prevent the risk of kick back occurring: Ensure that the angle grinder has reached full operating speed prior to using it, Ensure the work does not have any unexpected foreign material in it, and Do not apply excessive pressure to the disc or angle grinder. Let the machine do the work. Angle grinding tasks are usually extremely loud. Ensure that you always wear the appropriately rated hearing protection. Many angle grinding tasks produce sparks. Sparks can: Contribute to fires and explosions, and Cause damage to the eyes, face or the body. Ensure the material you are working on is appropriate for angle grinding. Do not grind: Vessels or containers that are pressurised, Materials in contact with fuels or solvents, or In the vicinity of flammable materials. 7

8 Ensure that you wear the appropriate personal protective equipment. This may include: Safety glasses Faceshield Hearing protection Appropriate clothing and footwear, and in some cases A Respirator Make sure the work area is free from excessive rubbish. A neat, tidy workplace will reduce the likelihood of fire hazards Finally, store the angle grinder and discs in the appropriate storage area after each use. This will not only protect the tool itself, but help to ensure the integrity of the discs. Conclusion Angle grinders are versatile power tools that are not without their risks. If you are unsure about any aspect of using an angle grinder, you should seek advice from an appropriately trained and experienced person. By ensuring operators: Are appropriately trained, and Follow all established safe work procedures angle grinders can be used effectively, and safely. 8

9 PART ONE TYPES OF ANGLE GRINDERS Angle grinders can range from the small-type, to the larger and more powerful type. They can be powered by: Electricity, Petrol Engine, or Compressed Air It is important that you do not use an angle grinder larger than is necessary, as a light tool is much easier to control. Parts of a common angle grinder include the: Body, Metal gear case, On/off switch Multi-position side-handle Spindle lock Safety guard Disc retaining flange, and Disc locking nut which secures the disc. The most common discs used with angle grinders include: Abrasive discs - used for grinding, and Cut-off discs - used for cutting. It is extremely important that you check, and use the correct type of disc for the correct type of application. A cutting disc used for a grinding application for example, can have disastrous consequences. DISCUSSION What types of angle grinders are used in your workplace? 9

10 PART TWO PRE-USE CHECKS Prior to using an angle grinder, perform an overall check of the tool. Look for any damage to parts, guards and switches. Check the disc. First, make sure that the disc is compatible with the job and compatible with the angle grinder you are using, and second, check the condition of the disc itself. A disc that is: Excessively worn, Warped, Wet or damp, or Has been dropped can shatter and must be discarded. Check that the guard is: Securely in place, Covering half of the disc, and Aligned so that it protects the operator. Check that the handle is clean, dry and securely in place. Finally, check the flange and locking nut. Make sure they are the correct type for the disc and grinder, and that they are aligned correctly and tight. DISCUSSION What disc types do you commonly use in your workplace? 10

11 PART THREE SAFE OPERATION Ensure that the angle grinder has reached full operating speed prior to using it. Do not apply excessive pressure to the disc. Let the machine do the work. When grinding, maintain a working angle of approximately 15 to 30 degrees to the work, and ensure the work piece is securely held in place. Make sure that you operate the angle grinder in a comfortable position. Ensure you have a good view of the work, and keep both hands holding the angle grinder at all times. Do not attempt to grind work in an awkward position. In general working at waist height with the legs slightly apart is a good stance for grinding. Some grinding operation can create excessive dust and smoke. Always use an angle grinder in a well-ventilated area. And finally, make sure you are wearing all appropriate personal protective equipment. DISCUSSION Where do most angle grinding operations occur in your workplace? 11

12 PART FOUR HAZARDS Disc Shatter A disc shattering during operation can have fatal consequences not only for the operator, but anyone in the vicinity of the work area. To reduce the risk of disc shatter it is crucial that: All operators are appropriately trained The disc used is right for the job, and the grinder. Do not apply excess pressure to the disc, and do not 'jog' or bump the work. Kick back is where the angle grinder suddenly thrusts back toward the operator. Kick back accidents with angle grinders can also be fatal. Kick back is usually caused when the disc 'grabs' or gets jammed on the material being worked on. To prevent the risk of kick back occurring: Ensure that the angle grinder has reached full operating speed prior to using it, Ensure the work does not have any unexpected foreign material in it, and Do not apply excessive pressure to the disc or angle grinder. Let the machine do the work. Angle grinding tasks are usually extremely loud. Ensure that you always wear the appropriately rated hearing protection. Many angle grinding tasks produce sparks. Sparks can: Contribute to fires and explosions, and Cause damage to the eyes, face or the body. DISCUSSION Have you ever seen or experienced any of the angle grinder hazards above? 12

13 PART FIVE CONTROL MEASURES Ensure the material you are working on is appropriate for angle grinding. Do not grind: Vessels or containers that are pressurised, Materials in contact with fuels or solvents, or In the vicinity of flammable materials. Ensure that you wear the appropriate personal protective equipment. This may include: Safety glasses Faceshield Hearing protection Appropriate clothing and footwear, and in some cases A Respirator Make sure the work area is free from excessive rubbish. A neat, tidy workplace will reduce the likelihood of fire hazards Finally, store the angle grinder and discs in the appropriate storage area after each use. This will not only protect the tool itself, but help to ensure the integrity of the discs. DISCUSSION What are the PPE requirements when angle grinding in your workplace? 13

14 ASSESSMENT ANGLE GRINDER SAFETY Name: Date:. I.D. (if applicable): Score 1. Which of these cannot be worked on with an angle grinder? a) Metal b) Concrete c) Pressurised vessels d) Stone 2. What is it called when an angle grinder suddenly thrusts back and toward the operator? a) Kick Back b) Out Kick c) Kick Off d) Kicker 3. When is it acceptable to use a cutting disc for a grinding application? a) When the grinding job is very small b) Never c) Only if you don t have any grinding discs left d) It depends on the situation 14

15 4. When should you perform a pre-use check on an angle grinder? a) Whenever you remember to b) Monthly c) Yearly d) Prior to using it 5. What speed should the disc be rotating prior to engaging it with the work? a) Full operating speed b) Half speed c) Make contact with the work, then turn on the grinder d) None of the above 6. When grinding, what angle to the work should you hold the grinder? a) 90 degrees b) 15 to 30 degrees c) 1 degree d) 0.5 degrees 7. Which of these is an appropriate piece of PPE to wear while grinding? a) Safety Goggles b) Ear Muffs c) Gloves d) All of the above 8. Which of these is not a part of an angle grinder? a) Chain b) Metal gear case c) Spindle lock d) On/off switch 15

16 9. What is the worst possible outcome of a disc shattering during operation? a) Death b) Angle grinder failure c) A scratch to the operator d) Damaged work 10. Angle grinding tasks can produce which of the following? a) Sparks b) Smoke c) Contaminated Air d) All of the above 16

17 ANSWERS TO ASSESSMENT 1. C) Pressurised Vessels 2. A) Kick Back 3. B) Never 4. D) Prior to using it 5. A) Full operating speed 6. B) 15 to 30 degrees 7. D) All of the above 8. A) Chain 9. A) Death 10. D) All of the above 17