
Work place risk assessment and safety appraisal programme
Reports indicate users in the abrasive wheel industry break approximately one abrasive wheel per day. Most of these breakages are caused by human error, and generally go unreported. Our trainers often report that up to 90% of machines examined need urgent repair or modification to make them safe for use. In some instances minor cost is involved in improving the safety of the machine. However ignoring repairs and regular servicing can easily lead to premature damage to a wheel that may involve part or the entire wheel leaving the machine at up to 180 m.p.h. with disastrous consequences. Furthermore we estimate in excess of 50% of operators are using poorly designed, substandard or inappropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) that in the event of an incident occurring may not do the job intended.
Our trainers have also noted the link between inefficiency of the abrasive process and safety on the one hand and poorly maintained machinery and inefficient wheels or discs on the other. Simply stated the most efficient abrasive wheel or disc, in the main, will be the safest and therefore the most inefficient will be the least safe. At Abtec we have produced a risk assessment tool that when implemented can reduce the likelihood of injury when using abrasive wheels and discs. Once implemented the risk assessment tool will enable safety officers, supervisors and workshop mangers to substantially reduce the risk of injury in the work place.
Why have the risk assessment ?
The following are just some of safety procedures often ignored by operators:
- Not checking either the maximum operating speed of the machine, wheel or disc.
- Modifying or removing guards on portable or fixed grinding or cutting machinery.
- Using the wrong wheel for the material to be cut or ground.
- Failure to inspect, examine and test wheels or discs prior to mounting the wheel or disc on the machine.
- Incorrectly mounting the wheel on the machine.
- Allowing a wheel to reduce in diameter ignoring the consequence of reduced surface speed.
- Incorrect or damaged flanges or retaining nuts.
- Not checking use by dates.
- Poor maintenance of machine.
- Insecure mounting of pedestal and bench grinders.
- Using damaged, incorrect or faulty wheels.
- Poor or incorrect personal protective equipment that in the event of an incident may not protect the operator or those in close proximity.
- Improper use of the machine or wheel or disc.
We at Abtec are passionate about safety in the abrasive process. We are proud of our training programme and the response from delegates that have attended. From this response we have added our "Work place risk assessment and safety appraisal programme" which comprises of a detailed report on the safety of your company’s abrasive process along with training in our risk assessment tool for your supervisors, safety officers and managers. The appraisal is carried out on your premises at a date and time convenient for your company and also receives a 50% discount when ordered along with your safety training course. Click here to go to a summary of the workplace risk assessment tool.
If you are still unconvinced of the need for thorough training please click on the link below. This is an independent medical report on injuries suffered by 3 operators and shows quite graphically the dangers involved in using abrasive wheels and discs.
Report of injuries
Please don't allow your operators to become a health and safety statistic.
For available dates or for more information contact Michelle, your training adviser by email at training@abtecindustries.com or by phone free on 0800 027 1928 or 01945 585500.
The work place risk assessment tool concentrates on the following:
Personal protective equipment (PPE) for operators:
• Eye and face protection.
• Hearing protection.
• Hand and arm protection.
• Respiratory protection.
• Foot protection.
• PPE training, storage, access, instructions.
• Other PPE requirements and assessments.
Machinery
• Guards.
• Flanges, spindle, washers and retaining nuts and bolts.
• Work rest where applicable.
• Machine housing.
• Stop/start switches.
• Leakage of oil, grease or fuel.
• Electric leads and/or air hose plugs and couplings.
• Maximum operating spindle speed.
• Coolant application if applicable.
• Machine noise and vibration.
• Filtration/dust control and extraction.
• Work-holding facilities.
• Maintenance and cleaning programme.
Abrasive product(s)
• Tools required for abrasive product removal and replacement.
• Abrasive product disposal procedures.
• Suitability of specification for work-piece material.
• Compliance with abrasive product standards including use by dates.
• Suitability for machine.
• Storage and condition.
• Condition of abrasive product on machine.
• Testing and inspection programme.
• Receipt and handling.
• Dressing and conditioning access and procedure.
• Dressing tool condition.
The working area
• Access to machine controls.
• Condition of floors and surrounding area including slip, trip and obstacle hazard.
• Third parties including work colleagues, site visitors, the general public.
• Working in confined spaces. Working at height. Working near common walkways.
• Fire hazard.
Please note the use of the work place risk assessment tool does not form in any way a contract between the representative of Abtec Industries Limited or Abtec Industries Limited and yourselves. Any remedial action, based on observations and assessment undertaken by the representative of Abtec Industries Limited is solely at your discretion for which the representative of Abtec Industries Limited and Abtec Industries Limited accept no liability.