The purpose of our Abrasive Wheels Training Courses is to give advice on precautions for the prevention of accidents in the use of abrasive wheels, in particular injury resulting from either wheel breakage or contact with a running wheel. For the duties of those people using this equipment to be fully understood, the guidance should be read in conjunction with the PUWER Approved Code of Practice (ACOP).
The risk of breakage is inherent in every abrasive wheel. If the number of breakages is to be kept low, the initial care exercised in the design, manufacture and testing must be coupled with the adoption of safety measures by the users. Accident statistics indicate that nearly half of all accidents are due to an unsafe system of work or operator error.
In relation to abrasive wheels, PUWER 99 NI requires, among other things, that all machinery is suitable for its intended use and is properly maintained, and that employees, including those using, mounting and managing the operation of abrasive wheels, are fully informed and properly trained in their safe use.
These courses deal primarily with wheels which are formed by abrasive particles being bonded together, ie bonded abrasives.
Training
There is no substitute for thorough practical abrasive wheels training courses in all aspects of the mounting and use of abrasive wheels. Any training programme should cover at least the following:
- Hazards and risks arising from the use of this equipment and the precautions to be observed
- Methods of marking abrasive wheels with their type, size and maximum operating speed
- How to store handle and transport abrasive wheels
- How to inspect and test for damage
- The functions of all the components used, such as flanges, blotters, bushes, nuts etc
- How to assemble the equipment correctly to make sure they are properly balanced and fit to use
- The proper method of dressing an abrasive wheel (removing dulled abrasive or other material from the cutting surface and/or removing material to correct any uneven wear of the wheel)
- The correct adjustment of the work rest on pedestal or bench grinding machines
- The use of suitable personal protective equipment, for example eye protection
It is recommended that a record of training, showing the trainee’s name and date of training.
Training courses are offered by many organisations which usually provide a certificate of attendance, not competence. Highway Safety & Construction Training can offer two different types of certification;
- Awareness non accredited – Certification from HSCT
- Competency accredited – Regulated through CABWI
- Competency accredited – Regulated through Lantra Awards
- Competency non accredited – Certification from HSCT (NOS standards)