Angle grinders are among the most useful tools on any site. They are also responsible for a disproportionate share of serious tool injuries in the UK. Most of those injuries are preventable.
Disc selection is where most accidents start
Using the wrong disc for the material or the task is the most common root cause of grinder accidents. A cutting disc used for grinding flexes under lateral pressure and can shatter at operating speed. A grinding disc used for cutting is too thick and inefficient.
Every disc has a maximum operating speed marked on it in RPM. The grinder maximum speed must be at or below that figure. Never exceed the disc rated speed, even briefly. Check the rating every time you fit a new disc.
Guard position matters more than most people set it
The guard on an angle grinder is adjustable for a reason. It should always be positioned between you and the sparks, swarf, and potential disc fragments. That means repositioning it when you change cutting angle or switch from cutting to grinding.
Kickback and what causes it
Kickback is the sudden, violent rotation of the grinder when a disc catches. It happens most often when cutting: the disc binds in the cut, the tool rotates toward you, and the disc can catch clothing, hands, or face in a fraction of a second.
It is almost always caused by one of three things: the cut closing on the disc as the material flexes or shifts, the disc hitting an embedded object in the material, or excessive side pressure on a cutting disc.
PPE that is actually necessary
A face shield, not just safety glasses. Sparks and disc fragments come in from angles that glasses do not cover. Leather gloves rated for machinery. Hearing protection for jobs of any length.
Disc storage and inspection
Discs stored in damp conditions, dropped, or cracked even slightly should be disposed of rather than used. Inspect every disc before fitting it. Hold it up to the light and look for cracks, chips, or delamination.
Abracs grinding and cutting discs are stocked at Sprint Drives with flat 4.45 pounds UK delivery.
