General Safety Guide

GRINDING WHEELS IMPROPERLY USED ARE DANGEROUS. BE SAFE. PROTECT YOURSELF. ADHERE TO A.N.S.I. STANDARDS. The AMERICAN NATIONAL STANDARDS INSTITUTE ("A.N.S.I.") and the OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY & HEALTH ADMINISTRATION ("OSHA") have published standards concerning the proper use, handling and storage of abrasives wheels. It is recommended that all personnel involved in the use, handling and purchasing of abrasives wheels become familiar with these standards. The following guidelines are based on material contained in A.N.S.I.B7-1 "Safety Requirements for the Use, Care and Protection of Abrasive Wheels." THIS GUIDE IS NOT INTENDED AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR A FULL KNOWLEDGE OF A.N.S.I. and OSHA STANDARDS.

• HANDLE ALL WHEELS CAREFULLY. Do not drop, bump, or roll. Do not lean against equipment. Do not place tools or any parts on top of wheels.
• USE SUITABLE CONVEYANCE. Use trucks or conveyances which provide firm support at all times when transporting wheels.
• PLACE WHEELS CAREFULLY. Take care when placing wheels on a shelf or rack, or in bins, boxes or drawers.

• PROVIDE SUITABLE STORAGE FACILITY. Proper racks, bins, drawers or boxes giving adequate support must be provided to protect wheels while awaiting use, to allow removal of wheels without disturbing or damaging others, and to allow wheel use on a rotational basis. (SEE A.N.S.I. B7-1 FOR EXAMPLE OF STORAGE RACK.)
• DO NOT EXPOSE TO WATER OR OTHER SOLVENTS.
• DO NOT EXPOSE TO HIGH HUMIDITY OR FREEZING TEMPERATURES.

• MACHINE MUST BE ADEQUATELY GUARDED. Wheels can only be used on machines with safety guards than meet A.N.S.I. and OSHA specifications. Generally, a safety guard should enclose one-half of the wheel.
• MACHINE MUST HAVE PROPER FLANGES. Wheels can only be used between flanges mounted in accordance with A.N.S.I. specifications. Generally, flanges should be at least one-third the diameter of the wheel. Flanges should be kept in good repair and must be checked periodically for flatness, burrs of wear.
• MACHINE SHOULD BE WELL MAINTAINED. Wheels can only be used on machines regularly maintained by qualified personnel including periodic check of free running spindle speed (RPM).

• PRIOR TO MOUNTING, ALL WHEELS MUST BE INSPECTED FOR DAMAGE AND CRACKS. WHEELS WHICH SHOW EVIDENCE OF CRACKS OR OTHER DAMAGE MUST NOT BE USED.
• ALL WHEELS SHOULD BE VISUALLY INSPECTED. Carefully inspect the wheel for any evidence of damage in transit, handling, storage or prior use.
• "RING TEST" THE WHEEL. All wheels must be "ring tested" to detect concealed damage. To "ring test" a wheel, you tap it gently with a light, non-metalic implement, such as the handle of a screw driver for light wheels, or a wooden mallet for heavier wheels. A sound, undamaged wheel give a clear tone. A cracked wheel will give you a dead sound. If a wheel gives a dead rather than clear sound, it must not be used.
• CHECK MACHINE SPEED AGAINST MAXIMUM WHEEL SPEED. DO NOT USE WHEELS WHERE MACHINE SPEED EXCEEDS MAXIMUM SPEED STATED ON THE WHEEL.
• USE WHEEL BLOTTERS. Blotters should be used except when A.N.S.I. and OSHA standards do not require them.

• DO NOT USE WHEELS WITHOUT MACHINE GUARDS IN PLACE.
• MAKE SURE WORK RESTS ARE PROPERLY ADJUSTED. The work rest height must be on the horizontal center line of the machine spindle. The gap between the work rest and the grinding face of the wheel must not exceed 1/8 inch.
• DON'T USE A WHEEL THAT HAS BEEN DROPPED.
• ALWAYS WEAR IMPACT RESISTANT EYE PROTECTION, SUCH AS IMPACT RESISTANT SAFETY GOGGLES.
• ALWAYS WEAR PROTECTIVE CLOTHING.
• DON'T EXCEED THE MAXIMUM OPERATING SPEED ESTABLISHED FOR THE WHEEL.
• DO NOT STAND DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF THE WHEEL WHEN MACHINE IS STARTED.
• ALLOW NEWLY MOUNTED WHEELS TO RUN FOR ONE MINUTE. Wheels should be allowed to run for one full minute with all guards in place before dressing or grinding.
• LET THE WHEEL DO THE WORK. Do not jam work into the wheel or apply excessive pressure of infeed.
• DO NOT USE WHEELS FOR PURPOSES OTHER THAN THOSE FOR WHICH THEY WERE DESIGNED.
• TURN OFF COOLANT BEFORE STOPPING WHEEL to avoid out-of-balance condition.