Abrasive Wheels Training

This half-day course highlights the necessary precautions required to reduce accidents and provides an understanding of key legislation.

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What is abrasive wheels training? 

Abrasive wheels training is a legal requirement under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER 98).  It is imperative for those operating abrasive and grinding wheel equipment in the workplace, and provides learners with guidance on precautions for the prevention of accidents in the use of abrasive wheels, particularly injury resulting from either wheel breakage or contact with a running wheel.

According to statistics provided by HSE, nearly half of all accidents involving abrasive wheels are due to an unsafe system of work or operator error.

Some of the hazards involved with abrasive and grinding wheels are more obvious, like wheel breakage or contact with a running wheel, but others are less obvious such as vibration, noise and dust.

Incorrect mounting and use of grinding equipment can lead to accidents to people, plant and equipment.

As stated by the HSE, to reduce risk to health and safety there is no substitute for abrasive wheels training, developing the knowledge and understanding of abrasive wheel operators. This is done through a mix of theory and practical training on the safe operation of machinery, and all aspects of the mounting and use of abrasive wheels.

Take a Look at our Abrasive Wheels Frequently Asked Questions FAQ's

What does abrasive wheels training cover?

This half-day awareness course highlights the necessary precautions required to reduce accidents and provides an understanding of key legislations in line with the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER 1998).

  • Introduction to the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER 1998)
  • Introduction to the PUWER Approved Code of Practice (ACOP)
  • Hazards and risks arising from the use of abrasive wheels
  • Abrasive wheel marking systems - methods of marking abrasive wheels with their type, size and maximum operating speed
  • Safe storage, handling and transport of abrasive wheels
  • Inspection and testing of abrasive wheels for damage
  • Exploration of components used in abrasive wheels such as flanges, blotters, bushes and nuts
  • Correct abrasive wheels assembly, ensuring they are properly balanced and fit for use
  • Dressing an abrasive wheel to remove dulled abrasive or foreign material from the cutting surface and/or removing material to avoid uneven wear of the wheel
  • Correct adjustment of work rests on a pedestal or bench grinding machine
  • Safe use of personal protective equipment (PPE)

How long is the course?

The abrasive wheels training course is approximately half a day in length (4 hours). We can tailor the training to the specific needs of your organisation. Enquire to find out more. 

Who is this course for?

This course is ideal for individuals working in construction, building, fabrication, engineering, automotive and maintenance departments including:

  • Machine Operators
  • Supervisors
  • Managers

It is suitable for just about anyone using portable tools with an abrasive wheel i.e. angle grinders, disc cutters, skill saws, concrete saws or ‘whizzers’.

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In-House (Exclusive)

This course, and many courses like it, can be delivered exclusively for your organisation and staff.

All In-House projects begin with your initial enquiry. You will brief us on your requirements and provide us with the context of your organisation and the reason for the need. We always start with the end in mind - our goal in the initial diagnosis is to understand your desired outcomes; we will ask questions like:

  • What does success look like?
  • Why do you want to change?
  • How will you/we measure success?
  • What do you want to start/stop happening?

Often, you will know exactly what you need for your organisation and have a course in mind - if we have a pre-designed solution that fits your need exactly then we can get straight to delivery arrangements.

Alternatively, you may be in a situation where you have identified a need and require advice to develop a solution; in this case, we will work closely with you to provide targeted solutions - whether we recommend a pre-designed or a fully bespoke solution you can rest assured that our goal is always to meet your objectives and provide a high level of return on in your investment.

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Virtual Courses

Our virtual courses offer a live, interactive digital experience. Hosted by our expert trainers using Microsoft Teams, you will join your fellow learners in a virtual classroom enabling you to carry out group work, discussions, and activities.

You will retain access for up to 3 months after completing the virtual classrooms, enabling you to receive support from your trainer when you take the learning back to the workplace.

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Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Is abrasive wheels training a legal requirement? chevron

In short, the answer is YES.

PUWER 98, which applies to all workplaces and work situations subject to the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, requires, among other things, that employees, including those using, mounting and managing the operation of abrasive wheels, are fully informed and properly trained in their safe use.

 

Does abrasive wheels training need to be accredited? chevron

As stated by the HSE in the hsg17 guidance, there are many abrasive wheels training courses offered by training providers. Courses usually provide a certificate of attendance, not competence, which means that there is no requirement for an official qualification. 

It is highly recommended that organisations keep a record of training in abrasive wheels, showing the trainee’s name and date of training. It is also advisable to keep copies of certificates on file.

How often should abrasive wheels training be completed? chevron

There is no set expiration for training, but TSW recommends that abrasive wheels training is completed by an individual at least every two years.

Organisations should consider the renewal frequency as part of their risk assessments,

What PPE is needed for abrasive wheel use? chevron

The following guidance is provided by the Health and Safety Executive; To comply with the Personal Protective Equipment Regulations 1992 and other regulations, for example, the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations and the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 appropriate protection must be worn.

People who use abrasive wheels on any type of machine are exposed to a number of risks:

  • (a) Injury to the eyes from flying abrasive and metallic particles,
  • (b) Inhalation of dust from dry grinding operations (for example petrol-engined cutting-off machines);
  • (c) Physical injury due to flying wheel fragments or ejected workpieces;
  • (d) Noise and vibration;
  • (e) On construction sites, there will be a need for head protection as well as for feet and hands in addition to the other precautions mentioned.

Eye protection should conform to the relevant BS EN standard - see the link below for details on the standards.

Dust protection (face masks) etc should comply with BS EN 149 Respiratory protective devices.

Loose clothing - such as ties or coat sleeves are easily drawn in between the wheel and the workpiece and should not be worn. Rags and waste should not be used near a revolving wheel as they may also become entangled.

Supervision - Frequent checks should be made by management to ensure that safety precautions are being observed.

*Cited from HSE: Safety in the use of abrasive wheels (hsg17)- hsg17 weblink

 

What is an abrasive wheel? chevron

An abrasive wheel can be defined as a wheel consisting of abrasive particles that are bonded together with various substances. There are two main types of bonding agent: inorganic and organic.

What's the difference between inorganic and organic bonding materials in abrasive wheels? chevron

An abrasive wheel's bond type refers to the bonding material used in the wheel's construction:

  • Inorganic bonds - are mainly vitrified, which means that the wheel is fired in a hot furnace giving the bond a very hard, strong but brittle structure. Inorganic bonded wheels are utilised in precision grinding jobs as due to their properties they hold their shape. However, they do need dressing.
  • Organic bonds - are not fired, instead, they are cured at low temperatures using bond agents such as resinoid (B), rubber (R) and shellac (E). These wheels are tough, shock-resistant and self-dressing. They are utilised in non-precision jobs, for example, fettling and cutting off.

Abrasive Wheels Training Dates

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We don't currently have any public events scheduled for this course.

We are always adding new events to our calendar, so please register your interest and we may be able to schedule one to suit.

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At TSW we are passionate about helping people and organisations meet their full potential.

Make an enquiry and one of our dedicated Learning Advisors will contact you to listen to your needs and help you find the right solutions.

Your Learning Advisor will support you by:

  • Listening to you carefully, to understand your needs and any problems you are trying to solve
  • Asking you questions to help us determine the right solution for you
  • Providing advice, information, and pricing according to your requirements
  • Identifying when one of our in-house experts needs to speak with you, to provide more specialist advice

Rest assured that you will not be contacted by a pushy salesperson. We are here to provide you with tailored information and direct you to the best solution, even if that is not with TSW!