Safe use of angle grinders (PDF 1264kb) - WorkSafe Victoria
Safe use of angle grinders (PDF 1264kb) - WorkSafe Victoria
Safe use of angle grinders (PDF 1264kb) - WorkSafe Victoria
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Guidance Note <strong>Safe</strong> <strong>use</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>angle</strong> <strong>grinders</strong>Hazard Possible consequence Recommended controlsNo cut-<strong>of</strong>f switchAir vents are not regularlycleanedOperators are unable to stop the<strong>angle</strong> grinder in an emergency.Build up <strong>of</strong> dust and debris canca<strong>use</strong> the motor to short-circuit,resulting in an electric shock.• Ensure <strong>angle</strong> <strong>grinders</strong> have a cut-<strong>of</strong>f switch.• Regularly clean air vents and maintain <strong>angle</strong><strong>grinders</strong> in good working condition.Zone 3: Angle grinder operatorsOperators are inexperienced(eg apprentices, trainees, youngworkers or experienced workersnew to the task) or not trainedin the safe <strong>use</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>angle</strong> <strong>grinders</strong>Angle grinder is the incorrectsize for the taskPressure is applied duringoperationAngle grinder is <strong>use</strong>d in a wetenvironmentAngle grinder is <strong>use</strong>d beforeit reaches speedAngle <strong>grinders</strong> are placed onthe ground or benches while stillrunningRunning <strong>angle</strong> <strong>grinders</strong> arecarried around the workplaceIncorrect <strong>angle</strong> grinder orattachment may be selected(see consequences underZone 1).Unsafe <strong>use</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>angle</strong> grindercan result in serious injuries tooperators and nearby workers.Operators can have difficultycontrolling the <strong>angle</strong> grinderand may become injured if itmoves suddenly (eg kickback).Attachments can break underpressure and strike workers.Excessive pressure canalso increase the likelihood<strong>of</strong> kickback.Operators can sustain an electricshock.Kickback can happen orattachments can shatter,resulting in lacerations.Angle <strong>grinders</strong> can move alonga surface while running.The rotating parts can resultin amputations or lacerationsto nearby workers.Moving parts can make contactwith the operator or otherworkers, resulting in amputationsor lacerations.• Ensure operators are provided with trainingand supervision on the safe and correct <strong>use</strong><strong>of</strong> <strong>angle</strong> <strong>grinders</strong>.• Ensure operators demonstrate competencyin performing the task safely.• Only <strong>use</strong> <strong>angle</strong> <strong>grinders</strong> that are an appropriatesize for the task.• Ensure operators do not apply pressureto the <strong>angle</strong> grinder during <strong>use</strong>.• Ensure operators do not <strong>use</strong> liquids when workingwith <strong>angle</strong> <strong>grinders</strong>.• Ensure <strong>angle</strong> <strong>grinders</strong> are <strong>use</strong>d in a dryenvironment.• Before <strong>use</strong>, ensure operators allow the <strong>angle</strong>grinder to run to speed.• Ensure <strong>angle</strong> <strong>grinders</strong> stop turning before beingput down.• Ensure <strong>angle</strong> <strong>grinders</strong> have stopped turning(eg parts are stationary) before they are movedaround the workplace.4
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