SAFETY ALERT

GRINDER SAFETY
Summary of Incidents reported in SEIC:
11-Oct-2003 NM - Cutting disc shattered, flying apart, nobody was injured.
27-Sep-2004 LTI - Employee sustained an open fracture injury from a shattered grinding disc.
- Employee was grinding metalwork when the grinding disc edge
12-Feb-2005 MTC
disintegrated smashing through his face shield and into the mouth area.
- Employee was working with grinding machine on pipe when grinding disc
26-Aug-2005 RWC
smashed and one of the pieces hit his right hand.
- Employee was grinding the bottom part of the pipe. Some parts of the
09-Dec-2005 RWC
grinding disc flew out and hit his lips.
- Employee was grinding a pipe when the grinding disc broke and punctured
05-Jun-2006 FAC
his left boot resulting in a small punctured wound on his right foot.

Recommendations:
Grinding machines and abrasive wheels should always be used in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions.
In particular:

- Wear all required personal protective equipment such as eye, face, and hearing protection; as well
as gloves and safety shoes.
- Always ensure the maximum speed (the no load rpm) marked on the abrasive wheel is greater
than the rated speed of the grinder.
- Do not use grinding wheels that are larger than the maximum recommended size, or worn down
wheels from other grinders.
- Never use grinding wheel power tools without the wheel guard attached to the tool and positioned
for maximum safety.
- Store and handle abrasive wheels with care and inspect them for chips or cracks before installing.
- Do not use any wheel that may be damaged.

Results of not following Injury from shattered

manufacturer’s instructions cutting disk (not Shell)

SEIC Central HSES

Operational Safety Support Group