Abrasive Wheels (Grinders)
Abrasive wheels have countless applications such as manufacturing, maintenance, emergency response and construction. They grind down or cut through a variety of materials including metals. Injuries associated with abrasive wheels are a person being struck by an object, a body part being caught in compressed by equipment or objects, eye injuries from flying chips, particles or a wheel that disintigrates. Abrasive wheels rotate at high speeds generating dust and fumes that adversely affect respirtory function and can contribute to respiratory disease. Excessive noise created while grinding can damage hearing.
Rules
Rules for Specific Activities or Workplaces
- Abrasive wheels and machinery in Longshore, Stevedore and Waterfront Related Operations (WAC 296-56-60233 (7))
- Abrasive Wheels and Tools (WAC 296-155-365)
- Abrasive wheels in Shipbuilding, ship repairing, and shipbreaking (WAC 296-304-08007)
- Agriculture, Guarding Abrasive Wheels (WAC 296-307-19006)
- Fire service equipment (WAC 296-305-06001)
- Machine Safety, Abrasive Wheels and Machines (WAC 296-806-405)
- Portable Abrasive Wheels and Tools (WAC 296-807-180)
- Saw filing and grinding rooms and equipment (WAC 296-78-615)
Hazard Alerts, Bulletins & Notices
Training Materials
Videos
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Library.
Important:
Some videos may contain code violations or information inconsistent with Washington State's Safety & Health rules.
Many commercially produced safety and health videos are based on Federal OSHA Standards. Federal OSHA standards may not be as stringent as the Washington State Industrial Safety and Health Standards. Every effort has been made by the library to evaluate the videos before purchasing them. Safety and Health Standards may have changed since the time of purchase. The user assumes the responsibility of previewing the videos before showing and using it with a knowledgeable instructor.
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Search for videos related to this topic:
- Search for all videos with Abrasive Wheels in the title or description.
- Search for all videos with Grinders in the title or description.
Other Resources
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Important:
"Links" to other information sources are provided as a courtesy, but we cannot vouch for or take responsibility for information contained beyond files administered by the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries. Links from this page do not represent or imply the endorsement of commercial products by the State of Washington, Labor and Industries, or by departmental staff. For more information, read L&I's Intended Usage policy.
Abrasive Wheel Illustrations (Machine Safety Rule Helpful Tool)- Abrasive Wheel Machinery and Tools (NIOSH Safety Checklist)
- Abrasive Wheels and Tools (OSHA Topic Page)
- Abrasive Wheels: ship repairing, shipbuilding, and shipbreaking (OSHA Topic Page)
- Always Wear Eye Protection (L&I Safety Sticker)
- Control of Hazardous Dust During Tuckpointing (NIOSH)
- Eye Protection Training Kit
- Grinders, portable and bench (Power Tool Institute safety page)
- Grinding (NIOSH web site search results)
- Grinding Wheel - Prevent Accidents (L&I Safety Sticker)
- Machine Safeguarding Ideas Bank
- Safety Alert: Abrasive Wheel Grinder Safety (English & Spanish content from Beacon Mutual Insurance Co.)
- Silica Dust - Training Kit
Related Topics
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