A bench grinder is the perfect power tool to shape up steel objects by sharpening them. As all types of machinery require basic adjustments and proper maintenance, a bench grinder is not an exception. Every metalworker needs to follow the bench grinder safety rules in order to use this tool without any hazards.
In this article, we will talk about the essential safety procedures you should be aware of when using the best bench grinder on the market. To be more specific, you will find the following info:
1 ) What things you must wear for protection
2 ) Pre-operational, during grinding, and post-operational protection
3 ) Hazards and injuries that may occur and basic safety tips
Bench Grinder Safety: What to Wear for Protection?
- You must wear safety glasses all the time
- Tie up your hair if it’s long and loose
- Wearing a hearing protector is a must
- Your footwear must be cozy and comfy
- Wear protective clothing at all times
Pre-Operational Safety
- Make sure you have a good grasp of all machine operations and controls
- Check to see if your fittings are functional
- Double check your workspace and areas if there are any slip or trip hazards
- Check the machine’s gap between the wheel and the rest is no less than 1.5 mm
- Make sure the outer wheel guard is in place
- Check the wheels are stable and running well
- See if there are any cracks on the wheels to ensure bench grinder safety
- Your grinding machine must have bench grinder safety signs addressing safety hazards that you should read carefully
- Check the machine for ‘Ring Test’ prior to mounting. A clear ringing tone will define it’s in good condition; otherwise, replace it
During Grinding Operation
- Before turning the machine on, stand beside the wheels. Let the machine and wheels reach at the maximum speed that will about one minute
- Only one person can operate the bench grinder at a time
- Gently fetch the workpiece over the face of the grinding wheels
- Readjust the machine’s rest and tongue guard if the wheel wears down over time
- Use clamping pliers when you can’t hold the grinding parts by hand
- Inspect the machine if you notice any defects. Tag the grinder and remove from the service
- Make sure the rpm rating of the grinding wheel is at a higher rate than the grinding motor
Post-Operational Safety
- Turn the machine off if you are done with your work
- Wait until it stops completely
- Clean the work area and look for coolant spills to remove
- Never try to use anything to stop the grinder
Hazards and Injuries
- You must be careful about the spinning wheel. There is a possibility that it could pull your hand, finger, hair, and clothes in
- Parts of the object you are grinding may get sucked into the machine
- Small parts can be thrown out if not clamped properly
- The last grounding parts can be very hot
- A damaged wheel may explode anytime, so replace it
- When you switch off the machine, the running wheel can still prove risk
- Sparks, noise, burns and sharp edges of the machine can still prove fatal
Basic Safety Tips
- You must never use any faulty bench grinder
- Never leave the machine running behind
- Never bend down in front of the machine
- You must not force the workpiece against the wheel
- Double check the small parts when grinding
- Never let your wearing get close to the machine while grinding
- While changing the wheel, get help from an expert
- You must not grind aluminum, copper, brass, and wood except steel
- Make sure you don’t gouge the wheel by grinding in a specific spot
To conclude, a grinding machine of this type requires special caution from the user’s part to avoid any possible danger when using this tool for various purposes. Keep these bench grinder safety rules in mind and you will be able to make the most of this power tool in the safest manner possible.
