Safety Flash
Use of hand-held disc grinders
Use of hand-held disc grinders
- IMCA
- Safety Flash
- IMCA SF 06/01
- Line of FireMachinery and EquipmentPersonal Protective Equipment
- Line of fireMechanical failure
- Grinding equipmentPersonal protective equipment
- Machine guardingPre-use checks
Summary
A worker died when a disc fractured during groove cutting in cast iron and a fragment penetrated his face shield. The flash identifies unsuitable disc size, application and speed rating, alongside removed guards and side handle. Lessons address manufacturer-approved consumables, guarding, tool suitability checks and adequately dimensioned face shields.
Classifications: Line of fire; struck-by hazards.
Classifications: Mechanical failure; equipment failure.
Classifications: Grinding equipment; angle grinder; grinding wheel.
Classifications: Personal protective equipment; PPE; personal protection equipment.
Classifications: Machine guarding; machinery guards; machine guards.
Classifications: Pre-use checks; pre-use inspection.
Summary
An incorrectly fitted abrasive disc fractured during cutting and penetrated a worker’s face protection, causing a fatal injury.
IMCA SF 06/01. Themes: line of fire, machinery and equipment, personal protective equipment.