Angle Grinder Safety Tips – Operating Guidelines

While you want to operate an Angle Grinder, you have a clear idea about the angle or disc grinder, the grinder’s operating system, and good knowledge about the safety tips and rules to minimize injury.

The handheld power tool like Angle Grinder, also called side or disc grinder, is used for grinding, cutting and finishing or polishing, and sharping. We see this device in the metalwork shop, machinery shop, or construction site. This power tool comes with varieties of attachments and cutters. You can choose the perfect angle grinder depending on the grinder’s arbor power, motor power, disc size, power source, and rpm. Angle grinder or disc grinder also has interchangeable power sources, allowing them to use in workshop applications widely.

This handheld device can be gas-powered, electric, or pneumatic, and also in different sizes. As an angle grinder or disc grinder is a potent tool, it is also one of the dangerous tools in the workplace. It can also run at a high be very dangerous for the user. So, the users strongly advised following the guideline for operating the grinder. In 2008, the U. S. Product Consumer Safety Commission declared that almost 25,000 people were injured using angle grinders.

Two hands always used when operating the grinder. One side is to hold the handle, and the other one is to support the weight. When any consumer wants to buy a grinder, don’t see the size but must know the grinder’s power. If you ideally want to operate an angle grinder, this article is perfect for you. Someone thinks that only a professional can handle it. If you are not a professional but good knowledge about the operating system, you can also operate an angle grinder by following the proper guideline.

Guideline for Operating Angle Grinder:

Before using an angle grinder, you have to familiarize yourself with all the accessories related to the grinder, like cutting wheels, disc, blade, wheel guard, spindle lock button, vent, looking power cord, and power switch. Make sure you have seen the manual properly given with the grinder.

So, now, let’s see how we can operate the angle grinder. Choose the perfect grinder for your project is a very tough job. The steps of operating a grinder are here:

First step- Choose the right grinder: There are mainly four types of angle grinder. They have their features and characteristics. According to the consumer’s necessity, a consumer should select the right one by seeing their features.

1. Electric angle grinder: This is the most shared type of grinder. The electric motor is using for the power of this grinder. The electrical outlets are using this kind of motors, and it needs long cord length. With the help of electric power, you can do your work without Also, have a handle to support the tools.
2. Battery-powered cordless grinder: This grinder runs battery-powered, no need for any cord for support. It is portable; you can use it anywhere you want. This portable grinder has limited runtime because the battery needs to recharge. How long the charge will stay will depend on the quality of the battery. You can use lithium-ion batteries instead of Ni-cad batteries because they are long-lasting and recharged quickly.
3. Pneumatic angle grinder: This type of angle grinder needs air pressure supplied by the air compressor to operate. This grinder is more powerful than any other grinder. If you have an air compressor, then you can use this grinder. Otherwise, it will be an expensive grinder due to the air compressor. This grinder has an additional guard and handle also. It can produce lots of power.
4. Gas-powered angle grinder: This cordless grinder uses gasoline to produce power. This grinder is usually a more powerful angle grinder to perform a difficult job. This heavy grinder is expensive too.

The second step- Choosing the proper disc: There are different types of a disc according to your needs. Please choose the right disc first, which one is best for your work. For grinding hard items like metal or concrete, use the grinding disc. For cutting metal sheet, tile, a pipe used a cutting disc. You have to use a polishing pad and sander for polishing work. To remove paint, use brushing wheels.

Whenever you want to change any tools must unplug the machine, then you can reduce the damage.

The third step- Read the manual: Before using the grinder, read the manual carefully and make sure that you can understand the manual. Then follow the instruction written over there.

Forth step-Need stable surface: Make sure that whatever you work on, the surface must be stable. And, of course, secure the guard properly.

Fifth step-Use the correct wheel: Use the right wheel for the machine size and speed. Use 180° guard between operator and wheel.

The sixth step- Hold the grinder properly: Never hold your grinder on the edge of your work; hold the grinder firmly against your body. Avoiding grinder slipping hold the grinder across your body, then you may save yourself from injury.

There are seven steps- Were proper PPE: Use adequate eye and hearing protection, leather gloves, respiratory protection, natural fiber clothing, and don’t use any loose outfit, need right footing balance, and maintain perfect work position.

Eight step- Switch off after completing the job: Lift your grinder slowly, gently off the surface of your work switch off the grinder after completing your task.

If you read this article correctly, you can say that grinding is not that hard to follow the proper guideline. You can finish your grinding job without making any accident or injury.

Health issue Related to Angle Grinder:

By Ignoring the basic safety, using the cutting and grinding disc, an accident will happen sooner or later. Everyone can do his work quickly and effectively by using this handheld grinder, but these tools also can be dangerous.

Due to the wrong adjustment of wheels and using the tools in the wrong way, most of the accidents occur. When you use the grinder, you must use it correctly. Incorrect use of tools can harm you in different ways, like:

1. Eye injuries
2. Head injuries
3. Skin injuries
4. Amputations of fingers
5. Foot injuries
6. Other injuries

Some of these injuries occur due to flying materials and particles and contact with the tools themselves. There are lots of accidents that occurred by angle grinders. The accidents types and causes are:

1. Communication with the wheels: This device can cut through concrete, stone, and other hard materials, so they have no cutting through human bones and flash. During operation, contact with the wheels can cause serious injury. If you wear safety guard gloves and keep a perfect grip during the process, the damage can reduce. Make sure all the safety measures you have to take before grinding.
2. Wheel breakage: In every abrasive wheel, the risk of injury is common. If you check the disc properly, mount it correctly, and safely use the grinder may reduce the danger of an accident.

When you use a drive must use it before the expiry date, the maximum speed and expiry date mark on the wheel, and never cross that limit. If the wheels are mounted in unsuitable ways, a maximum accident occurs during that situation.

3. Contact with project tiles: The projectile can cause if the motor is bursting and the material is cut or ground. No one can stop the missile, but you can minimize the risks by using the perfect tools. If you use the proper PPE, mainly take the adequate eye and head protection, you can reduce the risk.
4. Kickback: It can cause severe fatal injuries. When the grinder grabs of jams during cutting the material and using the erroneous wheel or wrong speed.

You can reduce the injury when you are trained correctly in mountain wheels and change the wheels perfectly. Set the wheels at the right speed and must change the wheels before it gets dull. Dull and badly set wheels can increase the risk of an accident.

If the user loses control of the tools, it may drop, and the foot and leg injury occurs. Always use proper eye, head, hand, and foot protection and maintain proper dress up, then you can reduce the risk.

5. Entanglement: Wearing the wrong cloth can also cause an angle grinder accident. It is called the risk of involvement. Loose clothing can quickly draw in between the wheels and the workpiece, and accidents occur. Long hair also should be tied properly, and waste material should be removed from the work area to reduce the risk.
6. Electric shock: Portable electrical equipment like angle grinder sometimes may cause electric shock. Check the tools before use and keep away the routing cable from the wheel to avoid contact.
7. Fire: When you are doing your grinding job, you must produce lots of sparks. For reducing the risk, you need to make sure you are working in a safe environment.

If you are working near a fuel station or near to the storage or use of volatile substances, you are creating a risk of fire and explosion quickly. So, to reduce the risk, you have to make sure the environment is safe for grinding.

8. Health danger: Sometimes, long-term damage can occur to your health due to the negligence of proper use during grinding. Dust production during the grinding job mostly centered on the lungs. This condition is known as pneumoconiosis; It occurs in chronic severe lung problems.

Some particles dissolve in the bloodstream; the effects may be seen in the liver, kidney, or sometimes in the brain.

Never forget to check your Vibration Exposure Level before starting your grinding job. The consumer must be aware of particle exposure especially, from wood, silica, and other harmful dust. Don’t forget to use the protective dust musk to protect your mask.

So, to minimize health risk, we have to consider the following things:

• Those who are comfortable and familiar with the grinding job can start doing the grinding, or other people can do the job under their supervision.
• When you will do your welding job must use welding screens to protect the other workers from the flying particles and sparks.
• All the workers should maintain a distance from any person who is involving with the grinding process.
• Regular checkup is necessary for all the accessories related to the grinder; repair all the defects at the proper time.

Many of the angle grinder injuries are very severe, challenging to treat, and disability is high. To avoid all risk factors and continue the grinding job safely, precautions should take, and safety training should give for these tools.

Is it safe to use an angle grinder without eye and ear protection?

During grinding, the angle grinder needs to operate lots of tasks, and at that time, the cutting and grinding disc may come closer with the body part. The operator could easily suffer injury related to burn or eyesores, cuts, or abrasions. During the job, the grinder may produce excessive noise, which can permanently damage the hearing system.

All the users have a question inside their minds: how to use a grinder machine? Safety is the first concern here, and the user must have good knowledge about what kind of safety precautions needs to take. The following safety precaution should follow before start a grinding job:

• Before start grinding, read the manual properly
• You have to adjust the provided guard properly
• Always use the right disc for the right task
• Use the disc which is using for angle grinding purpose
• You should maintain the maximum revolutions per minute (RPM) disc speed (marked on the disc), which is must be higher than the maximum rate of the angle grinder.
• Always use the perfect spindle flange and lock, which is instructed in the manual.
• Never use worn or date over accessories.
• Always remove the plug before changing the disc or after completing the job.
• During grinding, the grinding discs should apply at a 15 to 30-degree angle to the object.
• The user must use two hands to control the device.
• The user must take regular breaks for arms and body.

Finally, the operator always wears adequate eye, ear, and face protection, such as a full-face shield. Use proper hearing protection, protective footwear, and necessary body covering. Without proper eye and ear protection, permanent damage may occur, like permanent or partial eye damage or hearing loss. Health hazards associated with grinding, cutting, and welding include eye, ear, and face impact. This article will give priority to the importance of wearing proper protection during the grinding job.

Eye injuries:

Three types of eye injuries may occur, like-

1. Penetrating and blunt force injuries: This results in a direct blow to the eye and eye area. Following safe work practice and wearing proper ANSI Z87 marked PPE are the best ways to reduce overall eye injuries. Spectacles and some goggles and provide extra protection from dust, particles, and splash conditions. PPE can incorporate powered and supplied air options may be another cause of reducing the number of eye injuries.
2. Foreign body injuries: Foreign body injuries are critical types of damages that are not directly related to cutting, welding, or grinding. Grinding metal pieces or some other small particles fall or rubbed into the eyes occurs this type of injury.
3. Arc radiation injuries: Radiation from arc welding can happen in this kind of damages. Eyes can expose to three types of radiation – visible, ultraviolet, and infrared. Visible light is the portion of the view that we can see. Ultraviolet or UV and IR is the light that we cant see. Exposure to light can cause immediate action on the eye cause injuries known as ‘arc eye’ is the effect of sunburn. Multiple overexposures can cause permanent eye damage or blindness.

Types of protection:

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health provides the following list to ensure that the workers should be the perfect type of protective eyewear.

• Safety glasses: Safety glasses can cover the whole eye and for the general working condition where there is small dust, chips small particles. It has side protection, which includes side shields and wraparound-style safety glasses. The safety glasses should have an anti-fog treatment. The eye and face protection should be American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z87.1-certified.
• Goggles: This can provide more protection than safety glasses. The user should use direct-vented goggles for less fogging when working with large particles. Designed after ski-type goggles with high airflow, which minimize fogging.
• Hybrid safety glasses: Safety glasses with rubber or foam around the lances can give more protection than regular goggles or glass. The wraparound safety glasses that convert to goggles with a soft rubber face seal may offer better peripheral vision than conventional goggles.
• Prescription safety glasses: The user who wears not safety glasses must wear tight-fitting goggles over those glasses. Because while working in a dusty area, contact lancers should wear unvented giggles. The user should use polycarbonate lenses when working in high-impact areas.
• Ensure a proper fit: All the safety guards the user has and wear all these guards correctly. Safety glasses should use firmly on top of the nose and close to, but not against, the face. Due to sweat, if the glasses slide down a little bit, then think that the protection should not correctly take.

Protective eyewear can work best when the user knows how to use it properly. Employers should receive proper training, then use all the protective guards accurately and reduce injury.

Ear injuries:

The grinding, welding and cutting process can create lots of noise. Working in a noise industry or noisy area, no one wants to lose their hearing. For 8 or 9 hours, wearing an air plug or air muff a day is very uncomfortable. One of the common types of injury occurring in the workplace is hearing damage. Lots of people have experienced some hearing loss.

The hearing loss does not cause suddenness. Sometimes it will take over the month or even a year. So, people can’t notice that it is happening. Usually, it occurs gradually and painlessly. After the permanent hearing loss, no one can completely recover from it. To protect against this damage, we should understand why it occurs and what kind of protection we should take before this damage.

The five compulsory elements of OSHA’s Hearing Conservation Standard, 29 CFR 1910.95, are:

• Noise monitoring,
• Annual hearing testing,
• Hearing protectors,
• Annual training and

Types of hearing hazards:

There are mainly two types of hearing loss associated with hearing loss. They are:

1. The sudden spike in loud noise. Gunshots or explosions are included in this category. Sudden loud noise or burst of noise can cause immediate hearing damage. People are not preparing for that kind of situation. In the workplace, these types of sounds come from machines. Sometimes grinding g or cutting sections can create these types of louder sounds. The music can surpass 120 dB, and more sound will damage more.
2. The additional example is a protracted noise that is significantly louder than usual. The closer someone is, the other source of this kind of noise. If you raise your voice to talk to someone only about a meter away for at least part of the day, moderate damage will happen.

Types of protection against hearing loss:

If the workplace is noisy, then the first try to reduce the noise by taking proper initiatives. Using ear protection is not only the solution. Let’s see what steps we can take to reduce noise-

• For the angle grinder, we can use the right fiber disc, which can produce less sound.
• Move noisy machinery away from the main working area.
• If noisy machinery keeps remaining in the workshop, one can reduce noise by applying sound-insulating barriers and anti-vibration mountings.
• The motor should maintain accurately.
• By the implementation of improving working, the technique can reduce noise.
• Should be used hearing protection such as earmuffs and earplugs for extra protection.
• All the workers should get proper training and use all the necessary PPE for controlling the ear damage.
• One should wear fire-resistant foam or silicone custom-molded earplugs or earmuffs during welding.
• The user must wear a full-face welder helmet, which can also cover your ears.

The limits and the duration of noise that can cause damage given by OSHA are:

• 90 dB – Environments with consistent sound below 90dB do not have to provide hearing protection unless an employee reveals for eight or further times.
• 92dB – Any employee who will be visible to clatter at this level needs hearing protection if showing intended for 6 hours.
• 95dB – At this level, it is safe to be insecure, lacking a shield for up to four hours.
• 97dB – At 97dB, somebody can be unprotected from the sound for up to three hours without hearing protection.
• 100dB – 100dB is only innocuous for around two hours, according to OSHA.
• 102dB – By 102dB, somebody should get fortification if they are bare for more than 1.5 hours.
• 105db – People in this atmosphere for one hour need hearing protection.
• 110dB – It is only harmless to be around 110dB for 30 minutes or less before hearing protection is desirable.
• 115dB – Noise at this capacity is individual benign for up to 15 minutes without safety.

From the above discussion, we can understand that we must need proper protections like eye and ear in everyday work situations. No one wants to mislay their earshot or eye power. Welding, grinding, and cutting applications can create a severe hazard in human life. Do the practice to work safely and correctly, use the proper PPE can help reduce this kind of lifelong risk. Remember that this hazard cannot be recover again.