Grinder Safety Applications in Grinder Safety Applications in Agriculture ShopsAgriculture Shops

OSHA Standard(s)OSHA Standard(s)1910.215 and 1926.3031910.215 and 1926.303

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“This material was produced under grant SH22228SH1 from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of

Labor. It does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S. Department of Labor, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or

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OSHA and AgricultureOSHA and Agriculture Not all farms fall under OSHA jurisdiction Who is exempt: Farms that only employ

immediate family members or farms with 10 or less employees (this exemption, however, does not apply if the operation has maintained a temporary labor camp within the last twelve months, OSHA directive CPL 02-00-51)

Additional state guidelines may apply

Repair shops, big or small Repair shops, big or small usually have grinders presentusually have grinders present

Farm equipment needs weekly, monthly, and annual services. Grinding may be a part of this.

Preoperational checks in an Ag Preoperational checks in an Ag repair settingrepair setting

What is wrong? What is wrong?

Grinding wheel is plugged with aluminum.

Space between wheel and pedestal is excessive.

Wheel needs to be changed. Clear plastic shield is unserviceable.

What to check for:What to check for:CFR 1926.303 (d)

Wheel must be rated at a higher RPM than the grinder is rated.

Perform ring test on replacement wheel. Distance between pedestal and wheel

cannot exceed 1/8” Wheel must be free of non-ferrous

metals (e.g., copper, lead, aluminum) Secure wheel with equal pressure,

washers Always unplug or de-energize grinder

Personal Protective Personal Protective EquipmentEquipment

Safety glasses CFR 1926.303 (c)(9) Clear or tinted face shield No loose clothing or hair Hearing protection

Start up proceduresStart up procedures

After completing preoperational checks . .

Stand off to the side of the grinder to start it up.

Let the wheel turn for approximately one minute.

Check wheel for balance and alignment. Turn off grinder if it is out of balance.

HazardsHazards

Entanglement Contact Fragmentation Sparks Debris Eye injury

Trueing/dressing the wheel Trueing/dressing the wheel Unplug grinder, set pedestal distance to

1/8”. Spin wheel by hand to identify high spots Select dressing tool that is in good

working order. Start up machine, standing off to the side. With PPE on, rest de-burring tool on

pedestal and gently begin trueing process Turn off grinder, re-evaluate wheel

Wheel dresserWheel dresser

Typical example and use of a wheel dresser

Why dress the wheel?Why dress the wheel?

Keeps pores clean that may be otherwise plugged. Ag applications cover all types of metals.

Clean pores cut better. Clogged pores will require more force,

thus more probability of damaging the stone or wheel. Injuries occur with more force.

Dressing a wheel will help it to rotate properly, less vibration from being out of balance.

Conduct ring testConduct ring testCFR 1910.215 (d)(1)

Ring test is used to determine grinder wheel soundness.

Hold new wheel on a dowel. Tap all four quadrants of the wheel. Listen for a distinct “ring” from the

wheel. A dull thud or dead sound means the

new wheel is defective.

Ring testRing test

Quadrant or sectors of the grinding wheel

General maintenanceGeneral maintenanceCFR 1926.303 (b)(1)

Inspect cords Make sure all guards are in place Look for evidence of misuse,

damage, or electrical issues Inspect grinder wheel: groove,

chunks missing, loose bolts/nuts, and balance of wheel

Preparation for welding, Preparation for welding, painting, or other repairspainting, or other repairs

Hand grinders are very useful when used correctly. Any issues with this scene?

Using a hand grinderUsing a hand grinder

Inspect tool for serviceability Is disk the right size, rating, and

condition? Inspect cord Make sure all guards are in place Check switches

Hand grinder safetyHand grinder safety Clear flammables from work area Wear safety glasses, face shield, and

hearing protection NO loose clothing Do not lock power switch in “on” position Set up screens to protect others and

equipment Do not bind grinder, or bear down too

hard

You never know where or when You never know where or when you will break downyou will break down

Many repairs can be made in the shop

Grinding techniquesGrinding techniques

Do not grind in areas or in positions where grinder will bind and “kick” back

Use a grinder for its intended use only Ease metal parts gently and gradually

into pedestal grinders Move material slowly across the face of

the wheel Do not cut grooves

Helpful hintsHelpful hints

Always use a wheel or disk rated at or above the RPM of the grinder

Keep disks or wheels stored in a safe, dry place

Avoid using disks or wheels that are damaged

Dress wheels as often as required

RisksRisks

Storage Handling Mounting Operator error Fire

EvaluationEvaluation

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