July 31, 2013 Archive/Subscribe Advertise Join ADCI
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ADCI Informational Update 2013 - 24

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SAFETY ALERT: HANDHELD PORTABLE GRINDERS

What happened?
An employee was using a 4" portable electric angle grinder with a cupped masonry grinding wheel to finish the edges of a newly poured form. During the task the bonded abrasive material of the grinding wheel disintegrated and impacted the employee. The employee suffered multiple injuries including: fractured bones, bruises, cuts and abrasions.

 

Investigation Findings:
  • The 4" portable electric angle grinder operates at 11,000 rpm/minimum.
  • The cupped masonry grinding wheel is rated for 6000 rpm/maximum.
  • The grinder guard was removed to install this specific grinding wheel.

Lessons Learned:
  • All tasks that require the use of a grinder shall be outlined in a Job Safety Analysis (JSA).
  • Common handheld angle grinders may operate at different speeds ranging from 5000 rpm up to 12,000 rpm.
  • Angle grinders are used for many tasks including sanding, cutting and grinding, based on the type of disc selected for the task.
  • Selecting the proper disc to be used for a specific task is critical for grinders to be used safely.
  • OSHA and ANSI state that grinders are required to have guards in place for all applications at all times.


Required Actions:
  • As part of Hazard Hunt Process, the Person in Charge at each jobsite shall submit a detailed inventory of grinders (sizes and operating speed) and grinding discs (sizes and application) to their respective Project Manager and HSE Manager for review.
  • Each worksite that has tasks being conducted that require the use of a grinder shall submit the JSA being used onsite to the Project Manager and HSE Manager for a JSA Desktop Audit to be conducted.
  • Grinders that are found to be missing guards and do not meet the minimum criteria for safe operation shall be taken out of service immediately.
 

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