Angle Grinder Hazard AwarenessOntario Operations2015

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Context

Between the years 2000 and 2014 we have recorded 168 injuries related to the use of angle grinders and the associated work tasks.

There have been 110 first aid injuries, 40 medical treatment injuries, 15 restricted work injuries and 3 lost time injuries.

These are preventable incidents.

Reviewing the immediate and root causes in the 079 and IM systems it indicates that the hazards associated with using this tool are not understood as well as what controls need to be in place.

Grinders should only be used by trained and authorized personnel.

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Purpose

The purpose of this awareness presentation is to communicate the hazards associated with angle grinders and the controls that should be in place for all workers on Vale property when using this tool.

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Angle Grinder Hazard & Controls

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Angle Grinder Hazard & Controls

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Angle Grinder Hazard & Controls

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Pre – Use Inspection

Conduct a pre-use inspection before using hand grinders.

Check to ensure:

• The guard and handles are secure

• The correct flange and locking nut is

in place for the type of disc being used

•There are no defects or damage done to the disc

•Note: Never use a portable grinder without the

guard in place and correctly adjusted

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Follow the Manufacturer’s Information

Before using the portable grinder

for the first time, read the manual.

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Fit Disks Correctly

•The correct type for the material to be worked

•Capable of being safely used at a maximum speed of the machine

•The correct size for the grinder

•Free of any damage, flaws, dampness, warping or distortion

Note: Always unplug the grinder from the power supply, or remove the battery, before fitting or removing a disc.

Ensure any disc to be fitted to the grinder is:

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Improper Grinder Use

Unacceptable – cutting with one hand, no gloves and handle is missing.

Unacceptable – guard missing, handle missing and no gloves

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Proper Grinder Use

Acceptable – guard and handle are on the grinder, gloves are being used.

Acceptable – guard and handle are on the grinder, gloves are being used, using the proper angle for grinding.

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Improper Grinder Use

Unacceptable – guard missing on grinder, work piece not secure, user is in an awkward position and he is not using gloves.

Unacceptable – work piece is not secure, no control of the grinder (not using handle), no work boots or gloves

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Proper Grinder Use

Acceptable – guard is on and rotated to protect the user, handle is on and user is in control with grasping the handle and grinder, gloves are also being used.

Acceptable – guard is on and rotated to protect the user, handle is on and the user is in control with grasping the handle and the grinder, gloves are also being worn.

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Improper Grinder Use

Unacceptable – no guard on the grinder, no handle on the grinder, not wearing gloves or long sleeves, the work piece does not seem too secure.

Unacceptable – work piece is not secure, grinding with a cut-off disc, wearing no gloves.

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Improper Grinder Use

Unacceptable – poor ergonomics without much control over the grinder and using no face shield.

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Improper Grinder Use

Unacceptable – work piece not secure, poor ergonomics, no face shield, where are the sparks landing

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Hazards with Using an Angle Grinder

This is what happens when the grinder is not used properly and the hazards respected.

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Hazards with Using an Angle Grinder

This is what happens when the grinder is not used properly and the hazards respected.

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Hazards with Using an Angle Grinder

It only takes a second to loose control of a grinder

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Respect & Know the Hazards

Angle grinders need to be respected and the user needs to understand the hazards associated with them

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Be a Leader and Use the Grinder Properly