How common are angle grinder accidents?
Angle grinders are amongst the most dangerous tools used in industry and agriculture. Over 5000 documented injuries are related to their use each year which are commonly triggered by a shattering of the abrasive wheel. These injuries are often accompanied by suboptimal health and safety standards.
Why do angle grinders explode?
Grinding operations generate tremendous amounts of heat. This heat causes expansion and if foreign materials are embedded in the stone then the differential rate of thermal expansion between the two materials can cause a wheel to shatter.
What is the most common angle grinder injury?
Most angle grinder injuries are from metal particles lodging in the operator’s eye. However, the most serious injuries are from kick-back, where the disc is thrust back violently towards the operator. Angle grinders used with cutting discs expose workers to a range of severe additional hazards.
What causes grinder discs to break?
Tools not properly maintained can, and do, lead to wheel breakages. Customers must inspect their machines every time a new grinding wheel is mounted. Flanges should be checked for proper type, flatness, burrs, or any damage. Failure to properly inspect the flanges can lead to wheel breakage and personal injury.
How do I stop an angle grinder kickback?
Kickback Kickback is more likely if you are using the wrong wheel or running at the wrong speed. 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. Dull and badly set wheels also increase the risk of accidents from kickback.
When should you throw away a grinding wheel?
If you do not know, a good “rule of thumb” is to discard the wheel when you are 1” away from the recess. Portable cup wheels must be discarded when the machine’s guard prevents proper grinding. In this case a proper guard will determine discard size by preventing additional grinding on the wheel’s rim.
How do you know if a grinding wheel is fractured?
The wheel passes the test if it gives a clear metallic tone when tapped at all four points. If the wheel sounds dead at any of the four points, it is cracked. Do not use it.
Do angle grinder sparks hurt?
Conclusion. In summation, the sparks that result from cutting or grinding metal can be dangerous. Not only can they burn the eyes and skin, but they also can also ignite flammable materials such as wood, paper, or fabric causing a fire.
How long do grinder discs last?
It may be true under ideal storage conditions Resinoid Bonded grinding wheels can survive without any degradation in strength for well over two years.