Grinding Safety Guidelines

1. Special training is required before using the surface grinder. Ask shop staff to demonstrate proper use of this tool.

2. Abrasive wheel machinery shall not be operated without the appropriate guards in place.

3. Toolrests on bench or pedestal grinders shall be set no more than 1/16 inch from the wheel.

4. Never use a wheel that has been dropped or received a heavy blow, even though there may be no apparent damage. Such wheels may be weakened or unbalanced enough to fly apart on startup.

5. Stand to one side when starting a grinding machine. Damaged wheels will sometimes fly apart, and this is most likely to happen when the machine is being started. Stand to the side so that you will not be in-line with the debris.

6. Do not grind on side of wheel unless wheel is specifically designed for such use.

7. Do not use excessive pressure while grinding. On surface grinder do not exceed .0005 inch downfeed at any time.

8. Report to the area supervisor immediately any cracked, broken or otherwise defective wheels.

9. Have the area supervisor mount and balance new wheels.

10. Keep the grinding wheel dressed. Dressing a small amount frequently is better than having to dress a lot later and will allow the wheel to cut faster, cooler and with a better surface finish. Dressing is cleaning and smoothing the surface of the grinding wheel.

11. Hold work securely while grinding, use the toolrest to support the work when off-hand grinding on bench or pedestal grinders.

12. Do not grind aluminum. Aluminum dust is explosive. Check with shop staff for safety instructions if aluminum must be ground.

13. Wear goggles over safety glasses when grinding on bench or pedestal grinders.

14. If a magnetic chuck is being used, on the surface grinder, make sure it is holding the work securely before starting to grind.