EHS Topic of the Month: Checklist for Abrasive Wheel Equipment Grinders

Checklist for Inspecting Abrasive Wheel Equipment Grinders

From Standard 29 CFR 1910.215:
☑ Do side guards cover the spindle, nut and flange and 75% of the wheel diameter?
☑ Is the work rest used and kept adjusted to within 1/8-inch (0.3175cm) of the wheel?
☑ Is the adjustable tongue guard on the top side of the grinder used and kept to within 1/4-inch (0.6350cm) of the wheel?
☑ Is the maximum RPM rating of each abrasive wheel compatible with the RPM rating of the grinder motor?
☑ Before new abrasive wheels are mounted, are they visually inspected and ring tested?

From other OSHA Standards:
☑ Is cleanliness maintained around grinders? 
☑ Are dust collectors and powered exhausts provided on grinders used in operations that produce large amounts of dust?
☑ Are goggles or face shields always worn when grinding? 
☑ Are bench and pedestal grinders permanently mounted? 
☑ Does each electrically operated grinder have a permanent, continuous and effective path to ground?
☑ Are fixed or permanently mounted grinders connected to their electrical supply system with metallic conduit or other permanent method? 
☑ Does each grinder have an individual on and off control switch?