Abrasive Wheel Training

According to the Health and Safety Executive “nearly half of all accidents involving abrasive wheels are due to an unsafe system of work or operator error.”  Abrasive Wheel training and knowledge is crucial for those who operate an abrasive wheel and operatives should not operate or handle an abrasive wheel without suitable training.  There are a wide range of power tools and processes that use abrasive wheels and ensuring these are used correctly and safely is of paramount importance. Applications range from hand grinding to disc cutting.

This abrasive wheel training course is for anyone who uses abrasive wheels, or employ operatives who use them as part of their work.  Examples of worker who use abrasive wheels are:

This training course is also useful for employers who provide power tools or equipment for use covered under PUWER (the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations, 1998). This course will help employers understand how to implement a safe policy of work relating to abrasive wheels and know their obligations under UK law.

Our abrasive wheel training takes the learner through the different types of abrasive wheel. Abrasive wheels have many applications and come in several different forms. They can be cones cylinders or discs and they can be made of different materials, especially in terms of the type of abrasive or bond that’s used different wheels can be used with different types of machinery, either handheld bench mounted or fixed. The power sources can vary from electricity and batteries to petrol or compressed air. There are hazards associated with using abrasive wheels so correct handling and usage is essential.

It’s crucial to choose suitable wheels for the task at hand. This should be done by a trained and competent person. The different wheel classifications include different types of abrasive and different bonds, all of which can be identified from the markings on the wheels. In addition, it’s critical to correctly identify the wheel and machine speeds in order that they match up in such a way that overspeed situations cannot occur.

The course examines markings and labelling of abrasive wheels. The markings on abrasive wheels, describe their composition. There are two marking systems in general use: the British wheel marking system and the universal wheel marking system. Both systems use numbers and letters to denote the different classifications. Whichever system is in use, there is a set format for the markings as follows –  grit, size, hardness, bond.  Knowing how to read the markings on wheels will enable you to identify the materials used in the wheel. This will enable you to determine the wheels properties and suitability for any particular task.

Storage, handling, checking and testing are all vital to ensure that the wheels remain in top condition. If the wheel is faulty it could be deadly. To ensure that a wheel is good and free from cracks, you can perform a simple ring test or in some instances, a vibration test which are discussed in the course.

Correct storage methods vary according to types of wheel. For example flat cutting off wheels should be laid on a flat surface, such as rigid steel sheeting with nothing between them while large plane wheels should be stood up on their edges.

The Abrasive Wheels Regulations 1970 governs the laws and regulation on abrasive wheels training and operations

PUWER regulations, “The provision and use of work equipment regulations, 1998” place a responsibility on employers to ensure all power tools and equipment provided to employees and contractors are safe to use and are maintained and stored safely.

If the use of an abrasive wheel could cause hazardous dust, COSHH regulations also applies.

Depending on the circumstances of the work involved, you may also need to refer to the Controller Vibration of Work Regulations, 2005 or the Control of Noise at Work Regulations, 2005.