You can reduce the risk of kickback by making sure you are using the right wheel for the material and have your tool at the right speed.ĭull and badly set wheels also increase the risk of accidents from kickback. Kickback is more likely if you are using the wrong wheel or running at the wrong speed. Kickback can cause the user to lose control of the tool, and it can hit the worker or get dropped, causing foot and leg injuries. Kickback happens when the angle grinder grabs or jams on the material when cutting. Kickback can cause severe and even fatal accidents. It's not always possible to prevent projectiles, but you can minimise the risk by using the right tool, wheel and settings for the material.īecause the risk of projectiles can only be minimised and not eliminated, as an angle grinder safety measure to stop injury, you must wear PPE to protect you from the risk of projectiles, especially eye and head protection. They can happen if the wheel bursts (covered in point 2 above), but also by the material being cut or ground. Projectiles are flying particles and materials. Only mount abrasive wheels on a compatible angle grinder for the wheel, and only if you have the training and capabilities to do so. Many accidents happen because wheels are mounted in unsuitable or improvised ways or on tools not designed for that type of disc. The maximum speed and expiry date get marked on each wheel, never exceed these values. Only use a disc that's in good condition, within its expiry date, and within its speed limitations. You can stop or reduce the risk of a burst disc by knowing the limitations of the disc you are using. This risk must be kept low by checking discs, correctly mounting, and safely using angle grinders. The risk of breakage is inherent in every abrasive wheel. Wear suitable gloves to keep a good grip, and always remain alert and keep concentration during the use of the angle grinder. This type of injury is more likely to happen with inadequate guarding, so check the safety guard is in place before use. Contact with the wheelĪngle grinders can cut through stone, concrete, metal and other hard materials, so they have no trouble cutting through human flesh and bones.Ĭontact with the wheel while in operation can have serious consequences, with deep cuts and even amputations. There are several types of accidents caused by angle grinders: 1. Many of these injuries can be caused by flying abrasive and metallic particles, ejected materials, and contact with the tool itself. Using the wrong wheel for the task, or using the tool in the wrong way, can harm you in a variety of ways, including:

Angle grinder safety isn't just about changing wheels but also selecting the right attachments, correctly using the tool, and putting the necessary controls in place. When you use an angle grinder, you need to use it correctly to avoid injury. They are powerful, sharp, and can cut through hard materials with ease.Īccident statistics indicate that nearly half of all accidents involving abrasive wheels are due to an unsafe system of work or operator error. But they can also be dangerous.Īngle grinders are a type of abrasive wheel. Angle grinders offer a fast and effective way to cut and smooth a variety of surfaces and materials.

Stone disc fragment 3