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Angle Grinder Safety

7 minutesCrew talk · print & deliver

More serious workshop injuries involve angle grinders than any other hand tool. A 230 mm disc rim travels at around 300 km/h. When a disc bursts or a grinder kicks back, everything is already over — control comes from what you did before you pulled the trigger.

Set up right

  • •Correct disc for the job — cutting discs cut, grinding discs grind; never the other way.
  • •Disc rated for the machine's RPM; check before mounting.
  • •Inspect the disc: no chips, cracks or moisture damage; ring test where applicable.
  • •Guard fitted and positioned between disc and body; side handle on.

Operate right

  • •Full PPE: goggles AND face shield, gloves, FR clothing for hot work.
  • •Let the disc reach full speed off the workpiece; never bury a cutting disc.
  • •Cut so kickback drives the machine away from your body and legs.
  • •Wait for the disc to stop before setting the grinder down.

Hot work discipline

  • •Sparks travel metres — clear or shield combustibles, and know where your extinguisher is.
  • •A fire watch remains 30 minutes after grinding near combustibles.

Discussion — ask the crew

  1. Who checks disc RPM ratings against machines here?
  2. Show the class a correct cutting stance for kickback control.
  3. Where do grinding sparks land in your work area?
Equip this talk

Requisition the cutting discs and related equipment from the Supply Register.

Open Supply Register
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