Safe use of angle grinders (PDF 1264kb) - WorkSafe Victoria

Guidance Note Safe use of angle grindersHazard Possible consequence Recommended controlsAttachments used areexcessively worn or damagedGuard has been removedor incorrectly positioned(eg removing the guard to usea larger attachment)The flange and centre hole inthe attachment are different sizesFlanges and nuts are wornor damagedWarped or damaged attachmentscan cause excessive vibration,resulting in sprains and strains.Attachments can also break,becoming projectiles and strikingworkers.Debris or hot sparks fly backat the operator, causing burnsor lacerations.Operator’s hand makes contactwith moving parts, resulting inamputations or lacerations.Attachment can detach from theangle grinder’s body and laceratethe operator and nearby workers.The angle grinder can alsovibrate excessively, resulting insprains and strains.Attachments can becomeprojectiles if they detach fromthe angle grinder.• Before use, inspect attachments for excessivewear or damage.• Discard worn or damaged attachments.• Never remove guards.• Ensure guards are fitted securely in the correctposition before use and are resistant to bendingand twisting.• Ensure the thickness and diameter of attachmentsis within the angle grinder ratings.• Ensure the flange and hole in the attachmentcentre are the same size (eg buy inserts thatprovide the correct spindle hole).• Ensure flanges and nuts are free from weartor damage before use.• Discard worn or damaged flanges or nuts.Zone 2: Angle grinderNo auxiliary handle on anglegrinderOperators have reduced controlof the angle grinder, which cancause lacerations as operatorsmay be unable to stop the anglegrinder making contact withthem during kickback.• Before use, ensure the auxiliary handle is attached.• Ensure operators grip both handles during use.• Ensure the handle is adjustable if there are multipleusers (see picture).Outer body of angle grinderor electrical cord is damagedor has exposed wiresOperators can sustainan electric shock.• Before use, inspect angle grinder body and leadsfor damage.• Repair or discard damaged angle grinders.• Use a safety switch or residual current device.3

Guidance Note Safe use of angle grindersHazard Possible consequence Recommended controlsNo cut-off switchAir vents are not regularlycleanedOperators are unable to stop theangle grinder in an emergency.Build up of dust and debris cancause the motor to short-circuit,resulting in an electric shock.• Ensure angle grinders have a cut-off switch.• Regularly clean air vents and maintain anglegrinders in good working condition.Zone 3: Angle grinder operatorsOperators are inexperienced(eg apprentices, trainees, youngworkers or experienced workersnew to the task) or not trainedin the safe use of angle grindersAngle grinder is the incorrectsize for the taskPressure is applied duringoperationAngle grinder is used in a wetenvironmentAngle grinder is used beforeit reaches speedAngle grinders are placed onthe ground or benches while stillrunningRunning angle grinders arecarried around the workplaceIncorrect angle grinder orattachment may be selected(see consequences underZone 1).Unsafe use of angle grindercan result in serious injuries tooperators and nearby workers.Operators can have difficultycontrolling the angle grinderand may become injured if itmoves suddenly (eg kickback).Attachments can break underpressure and strike workers.Excessive pressure canalso increase the likelihoodof kickback.Operators can sustain an electricshock.Kickback can happen orattachments can shatter,resulting in lacerations.Angle grinders can move alonga surface while running.The rotating parts can resultin amputations or lacerationsto nearby workers.Moving parts can make contactwith the operator or otherworkers, resulting in amputationsor lacerations.• Ensure operators are provided with trainingand supervision on the safe and correct useof angle grinders.• Ensure operators demonstrate competencyin performing the task safely.• Only use angle grinders that are an appropriatesize for the task.• Ensure operators do not apply pressureto the angle grinder during use.• Ensure operators do not use liquids when workingwith angle grinders.• Ensure angle grinders are used in a dryenvironment.• Before use, ensure operators allow the anglegrinder to run to speed.• Ensure angle grinders stop turning before beingput down.• Ensure angle grinders have stopped turning(eg parts are stationary) before they are movedaround the workplace.4

Guidance Note Safe use of angle grindersHazard Possible consequence Recommended controlsDusts or vapours remain inthe work area when using anglegrindersFlammable substances nearangle grindersUntidy and unorganised workenvironmentWorkers can experiencebreathing difficulties as thegrinding of some materials,including those that have beencoated in other substances,can create dangerous fumes.Substances can be ignitedby angle grinder sparks, resultingin fires and burns to workers.Workers can slip or trip overworkpieces, materials, leadsand angle grinders.• Ensure the work area is adequately ventilated(this may require natural airflow or extraction units).• Ensure the work area is regularly cleaned anddusted.• Ensure flammable substances are not placedor stored in areas where angle grinders are used.• Ensure the work area is regularly inspectedand dust and cuttings are cleared away.• Ensure materials and workpieces not being usedare stored until required.• Ensure angle grinders are not stored on the ground.• Ensure angle grinder leads are not too long.Further informationContact the WorkSafe Victoria Advisory Serviceon 1800 136 089 or go to worksafe.vic.gov.auRelated WorkSafe publicationsA guide to safety in the metal fabrication industryMetal Fabrication – Improving health and safetythrough layout and designNote: This guidance material has been prepared using the best informationavailable to the Victorian WorkCover Authority and should be used for generaluse only. Any information about legislative obligations or responsibilitiesincluded in this material is only applicable to the circumstances describedin the material. You should always check the legislation referred to in thismaterial and make your own judgement about what action you may needto take to ensure you have complied with the law. Accordingly, the VictorianWorkCover Authority cannot be held responsible and extends no warrantiesas to the suitability of the information for your specific circumstances;or actions taken by third parties as a result of information containedin the guidance material.6