Grinder Safety Applications in Agriculture Shops OSHA Standard(s) and Produced by Idaho State University Office of Workforce Training

“This material was produced under grant SH22228SH1 from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor. It does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S. Department of Labor, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.” 2

OSHA and Agriculture Not all farms fall under OSHA jurisdiction Who is exempt: Farms that only employ immediate family members or farms with 10 or less employees (this exemption, however, does not apply if the operation has maintained a temporary labor camp within the last twelve months, OSHA directive CPL ) Additional state guidelines may apply

Repair shops, big or small usually have grinders present Farm equipment needs weekly, monthly, and annual services. Grinding may be a part of this.

Preoperational checks in an Ag repair setting

What is wrong? Grinding wheel is plugged with aluminum. Space between wheel and pedestal is excessive. Wheel needs to be changed. Clear plastic shield is unserviceable.

What to check for: What to check for: CFR (d) Wheel must be rated at a higher RPM than the grinder is rated. Perform ring test on replacement wheel. Distance between pedestal and wheel cannot exceed 1/8” Wheel must be free of non-ferrous metals (e.g., copper, lead, aluminum) Secure wheel with equal pressure, washers Always unplug or de-energize grinder

Personal Protective Equipment Safety glasses CFR (c)(9) Clear or tinted face shield No loose clothing or hair Hearing protection

Start up procedures After completing preoperational checks.. Stand off to the side of the grinder to start it up. Let the wheel turn for approximately one minute. Check wheel for balance and alignment. Turn off grinder if it is out of balance.

Hazards Entanglement Contact Fragmentation Sparks Debris Eye injury

Trueing/dressing the wheel Unplug grinder, set pedestal distance to 1/8”. Spin wheel by hand to identify high spots Select dressing tool that is in good working order. Start up machine, standing off to the side. With PPE on, rest de-burring tool on pedestal and gently begin trueing process Turn off grinder, re-evaluate wheel

Wheel dresser Typical example and use of a wheel dresser

Why dress the wheel? Keeps pores clean that may be otherwise plugged. Ag applications cover all types of metals. Clean pores cut better. Clogged pores will require more force, thus more probability of damaging the stone or wheel. Injuries occur with more force. Dressing a wheel will help it to rotate properly, less vibration from being out of balance.

Conduct ring test Conduct ring test CFR (d)(1) Ring test is used to determine grinder wheel soundness. Hold new wheel on a dowel. Tap all four quadrants of the wheel. Listen for a distinct “ring” from the wheel. A dull thud or dead sound means the new wheel is defective.

Ring test Quadrant or sectors of the grinding wheel

General maintenance General maintenance CFR (b)(1) Inspect cords Make sure all guards are in place Look for evidence of misuse, damage, or electrical issues Inspect grinder wheel: groove, chunks missing, loose bolts/nuts, and balance of wheel

Preparation for welding, painting, or other repairs Hand grinders are very useful when used correctly. Any issues with this scene?

Using a hand grinder Inspect tool for serviceability Is disk the right size, rating, and condition? Inspect cord Make sure all guards are in place Check switches

Hand grinder safety Clear flammables from work area Wear safety glasses, face shield, and hearing protection NO loose clothing Do not lock power switch in “on” position Set up screens to protect others and equipment Do not bind grinder, or bear down too hard

You never know where or when you will break down Many repairs can be made in the shop

Grinding techniques Do not grind in areas or in positions where grinder will bind and “kick” back Use a grinder for its intended use only Ease metal parts gently and gradually into pedestal grinders Move material slowly across the face of the wheel Do not cut grooves

Helpful hints Always use a wheel or disk rated at or above the RPM of the grinder Keep disks or wheels stored in a safe, dry place Avoid using disks or wheels that are damaged Dress wheels as often as required

Risks Storage Handling Mounting Operator error Fire

Evaluation 24 Produced by Idaho State University Office of Workforce Training