Grinding is the process of removing metal by the application of abrasives which are bonded to form a rotating wheel. When the moving abrasive particles contact the workpiece, they act as tiny cutting tools, each particle cutting a tiny chip from the workpiece.
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| Hazard Category | Hazards | Controls |
| Particles in The Eye | 1. Can occur through attempting to lift. Pulll or push a load outside your physical capabilities. | 1. The company operates a mandatory eye protection policy. This must adhered to at all times. 2. Gogles or a full face mask shall be worn at all times when carrying out grinding. Safety glasses shall be worn underneath a face visor. 3. Screens shall be erected around the operator to protect other personnel. This may be either plywood or flame retardant tarpaulins. 4. Permit to work requirements shall be strictly adhered to at all times. |
| Major Burns/ Grazing | 1. Grazing type burns are not uncommon. This is generally caused by kickback or momentary loss of control of the grinder by the operator. | 1. Tool box meeting are effective method of raising the individuals awareness to hazards. personnel shall maintain a two handed control of grinder at all times. 2. Gauntlets shall be worn while operating grinders to protect the forearms in case the grinder kicks during use. |
Vibration White Finger | 1. Loss of blood circulation in fingers creating permanent numbness, incurable once contracted. 2. Contracted by long periods of using vibration equipment. | 1. Personal Protective Equipment shall be worn at all times(i.e. gauntlets). Natural breaks to be taken as and when required. 2. This risk shall be identified at the tool box stage. |
Slips,Trips and Falls | Extention leads trailing around work sites cause tripping hazards with serious potential injury. | 1. Good housekeeping shall be maintained all times. 2. Cables shall be tied secured overhead to remove risk. 3. If cables must run across the floor, then they must be secured or covered to prevent personnel from tripping or heghlighted with barrier tape. |
Fire or Explosion | 1. Can occur by the ignition of combustible materials or by grinding in gas enriched atmospheres. | 1. Good housekeeping shall be maintained both |
| Over Exposure to Fumes | 1. Caused by grinding exotic materials such as conifer, nickel, etc. or by using grinding methods to remove coatings and paint which may contain toxic materials such as lead or isocyanates. | 1. Personnel shall use localized (filter) fume extraction during paint removal operations or when grinding exotic materials. 2. Operators shall ensure that they wear suitable respiratory protective equipment, i.e. air fed face shield or particulate mask. 3. The work area shall be enclosed to protect other workers and/or a barrier erected around the work area to prevent access (where necessary) |
| Hearing Damage | 1. Personnel can suffer both long and short term hearing problems when exposed to noise levels exceeding 85 dB. | 1. An assessment shall be carried out to identify the levels of noise for which personnel are being exposed. 2. Personnel shall wear protection when working in noisy environments above 85 dB. 3. As a “Rule of thumb” if you are working in an environment where it is necessary to shout to other personnel (Because of noisy work practices) then you should be wearing ear protection. |
| Inadequately | 1. A number of near miss cases have occurred with grinding disc coming free and flying off during operation. 2. This is mainly due to the inadequate positioning or securing of the disc on the grinder. | 1. Only trained personnel shall be permitted to change disc. 2. All near miss incidents shall be reported immediately as it may be a sault with the equipment or disc and not the installation of it. 3. Personnel shall ensure that all are adequately fitted to grinders. 4. When a new disc is installed it shall be tested in an enclosed box for 90 seconds to ensure that it is safe. 5. Grinders are not to be used without guards in position. |
| Lacerations to legs | 1. Can occur when working in confined spaces or areas of restricted access should the grinder kick or slip. | 1. Chain mail aprons shall be worn by the operator while working in confied spaces or areas of restricted access, where there is a possibility of the grinder slipping or kicking. 2. Gauntlets shall also be worn to protect the forearms and hands. 3. Face shields shall be worn to protect the face, forearm and neck. |