Equipment/ Angle Grinders
| Angle Grinders | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Sub-category | Metalworking |
| Status | Good working order |
| Last updated | 25 June 2024 11:37:23 |
| Training requirement | no |
| ACnode | no |
| Owner | LHS |
| Origin | Purchase |
| Location | Metalworking Shop |
| Maintainers | Machine Shop Team - lead is Toby |
The space carries a number of angle grinders used for cutting & shaping operations on metals. They wear out and are replaced from time to time, so no specific brands are listed here.
These tools do not specifically require training but this does not mean they are free of risk. All users must familiarise themselves with the safety rules (see risk assessment below). If you have not used one before this is a good introductory video.
Grinders create sparks and therefore constitute hot work. Clear your surroundings of any flammable materials before use.
In addition to the hot work risk, grinding dust is abrasive and can stain metals or woods it comes into contact with. It will damage sensitive equipment in the machine shop and ruin nice wooden projects in the wood shop. For that reason they should only be used in the fab shop unless there is a good reason to do otherwise, cleared with a director/ maintainer, and with appropriate special protection measures in place.
If you use a large number of grinding discs please consider donating some more to top-up - they can be purchased from a variety of locations including the local screwfix/ toolstation.
Risk Assessment - Angle Grinders
This risk assessment is intended to provide guidance on the risk associated with the above equipment and activities in normal use. Please also check general risk assessments for the space as a whole. Any discrepancies, errors or concerns should be raised with the document maintainers or trustees - do not edit this assessment directly. For responsible persons and last update, see 'version log' of the assessment page.
Activity
Grinding metal with handheld angle grinders
Signage
Understanding Risk Rating
LOW - Ensure current control measures are in place and continue with activity
MED - Control measures may be adequate, co-supervision is recommended
HIGH - Do not undertake activity without further consultation with area specialists
Risk Assessment
| Identify Hazards | Who May be Harmed and How | Severity | Control Measures | Likelihood | Risk Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Power Tool Handing | Users, bystanders | High | Members are competent to carry out work. Tools and cables are visually inspected before use. Damaged tools are withdrawn from service for repair or replacement. All members will wear personal protective equipment as specified for the task. Specified Eye protection must be worn at all times when carrying out this activity. | Medium | Medium |
| Hot work | Users, bystanders | High | It should be ensured that there is no combustible material in close proximity to the work. Suitable protection should be provided for any combustible items that cannot be moved and for combustible construction such as wooden worktops. A check should be carried out on all of the surrounding areas to minimise the possibility of ignition by heat transfer. Powder extinguishers are provided at the space. Hot work should be stopped a reasonable time before leaving the space. A thorough inspection of the area should be undertaken once the work is complete after completion. Where necessary, a further check should be carried out before leaving the space. | Medium | Medium |
| Flying debris | Users, bystanders | High | Members are competent to operate the angle grinder and will wear safety goggles provided when grinding. Where necessary, suitable screens must be positioned to protect others from flying debris. | Medium | Medium |
| Waste management | Users, bystanders | Medium | Grinding debris will be segregated, where possible, by starting with a clear collection area and clearing on completion. Metal debris will be hot and should be directed into a suitable fire-resistant containment bin. | Medium | Low |
| Workpiece movement | Users, bystanders | Medium | The workpiece must be suitably positioned at a comfortable working height. It must be secured in place to prevent movement by grinding pressure or vibration | Medium | Low |
| Noise / Vibration | Users, bystanders | Medium | Members are provided with and wear suitable hearing protection when using the angle grinder. They will also comply when working in designated hearing protection zones. Minimise the time members are exposed to vibration i.e. members should take breaks during long jobs. | Medium | Low |
