SAFE WORK PROCEDURES

BENCH GRINDER - USE

Task sequence
1. Pre-start checks

Identified hazards in task

Flying objects
Objects being caught
between
Vibration

2. Operation grit grinding

wheels

Flying objects
Entanglement
Blocked wheel
Broken wheel

3. Operation - wire wheels

Flying objects
Entanglement

Key processes to be followed

Check wheels for signs of abnormal wear, cracks or damage.
Ensure that side guards are fitted and secured (no missing bolts or nuts).
Deeply grooved wheels can allow objects to catch between rest and wheel.
Check distance between work rest and wheel should be between 1 2 mm.
Vibration indicates an uneven or damaged wheel inspect for damage.
If vibration persists, check wheel for correct spindle size, mounting, and
damaged washers. If vibration still present, may indicate worn bearings.
Use light pressure against wheel, and grind over full width of wheel if a
faster cut required, use a grinder with coarser grit wheel for roughing work.
Ensure that front safety shields are correctly fitted and in down position.
Ensure that work piece is properly supported on rest when grinding.
Do not wear loose clothing, loose jewellery, long hair or gloves when
using grinder.
Do not use wheels designed for grinding steel for grinding non-ferrous
metals (e.g., aluminium, brass).
Always grind on the face of the wheel never grind on sides of wheel.
Steel and brass wire wheels will lose wires during use, which will be flung
from wheel at high velocity. Where possible, adopt stance to one side of the
wheel to minimise being struck by broken wires.
Do not wear loose clothing, loose jewellery, long hair or gloves when
using wire brush wheel.

Precautions / PPE required

Do not use damaged wheels
replace immediately.
Dress wheels before using again.
Adjust rest to 1-2 mm from wheel.
Dress wheels before using again.

Do not force job into wheel.

Wear eye protection and use
shield when using bench grinder.
Support job on tool rest.
Do not wear gloves to hold work
piece when using bench grinder.
Dress wheel if glazed or blocked.
Avoid contact with sides of wheel.
Wear eye protection and face
shield when using wire brush
wheels.
Support job on tool rest when
using wire wheel on bench grinder

PRECAUTIONS:
The following precautions should be observed, and suitable
safety and warning signs as indicated should be displayed in
areas where bench grinders are used.

SWP07 www.assaohs.com.au

ThisSafeWorkProcedurewasgeneratedon29/11/2013byASSAPtyLtdforuseonlybyCityofDarwin.

ASSA 2010

Page 1 of 2

SAFE WORK PROCEDURES

BENCH GRINDER - MAINTENANCE
Task sequence
4. Replacing wheels

Identified hazards in task

Moving parts

Flying objects
5. Wheel dressing

Flying objects

Key processes to be followed

Switch grinder off and remove plug, or lockout control switch before work.
Loosen tool rest, and move to outermost position to allow wheel to be fitted.
Ensure that replacement wheel is correct sizes (outer diameter, width, and
spindle diameter), and within speed range for the grinder.
Ensure that the appropriate grit size is chosen for the task. Generally, an
all-purpose grinder is fitted with a coarse wheel for roughing work, and a
fine wheel for finishing work, whereas other grinders may be fitted with
wheels more specifically designed for the type of work to be performed.
Carefully suspend the wheel through the centre hole, and gently tap around
the sides near the edge of the wheel with a wooden bar. A sound wheel will
emit a clear ring at all points. A dull sound indicates that the wheel may
be faulty, and must not be used.
Make sure that paper labels or washers are in place on wheel to prevent
direct contact of side washers. Check side washers, and remove any burrs.
Some machines have different threads (right hand and left hand) on either
side of the machine. Never try to force a nut on to the wrong thread.
Spin wheel by hand to ensure clearance before switching on.
Stand to side, and keep area clear when running wheel for first time.
Inspect discs on wheel dresser, replace if necessary.
With grinder switched off, loosen rest and adjust out so that tangs of
dressing tool fit between rest and wheel, and dressing discs can touch
grinder wheel when handle of dresser is lifted upwards. Remove tool.
Switch grinder on, re-insert dresser and bring discs into contact with wheel.
Using transverse to and fro motion, apply light pressure to wheel face and
continue dressing wheel until smooth surface is achieved.
Remove tool, switch grinder off, and re-adjust rest.

Precautions / PPE required

Ensure that grinder is
disconnected and /or isolated
before commencing work.
Wear leather gloves when
handling rough or sharp objects or
when handling wire brush wheels.

Always use the correct size ring

spanner to tighten nuts.
Do not over tighten nuts.
Do not stand in front of grinder
when switching on after replacing
or dressing grinding wheel.
Face shield and eye protection
must be used for wheel dressing.
Wear leather gloves when
dressing wheels, and ENSURE
THAT HANDS ARE KEPT
WELL CLEAR OF MOVING
WHEELS.
Leather apron should be worn.

PRECAUTIONS:
The following precautions should be observed by persons
when handling and dressing grinding wheels.

SWP07 www.assaohs.com.au

ThisSafeWorkProcedurewasgeneratedon29/11/2013byASSAPtyLtdforuseonlybyCityofDarwin.

ASSA 2010

Page 2 of 2