Free toolbox talk · Caught-In/Between · 10 min

Machine Guarding — Abrasive Wheels

General industry · Ver en español

Talking points

  1. Before mounting any abrasive wheel, perform a ring test — tap the wheel gently and listen for a clear ring. A dull thud indicates a crack; do not use the wheel.
  2. The work rest must be adjusted to within 1/8 inch of the wheel face. A larger gap can pull material — or your fingers — into the wheel.
  3. The tongue guard (the adjustable shield above the work rest) must be within 1/4 inch of the wheel surface.
  4. Never exceed the RPM rating printed on the wheel. A wheel running above its rated speed can explode with extreme force.
  5. Always wear a face shield over safety glasses when grinding. Safety glasses alone do not provide adequate protection from flying particles and wheel fragments.

Ask the crew

When was the last time someone adjusted the work rest on our bench grinder — and is it within the 1/8 inch requirement right now?

Standards this talk is built on

A toolbox talk is a short safety briefing. It supports the training a standard requires; it does not replace it.

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Sign-in sheet

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