Why do companies need to ensure equipment is safe? Why do grinders need to be guarded?
Angle grinders are a versatile and useful tool used by many industries and individuals. However, they can be extremely dangerous if not used properly. It is therefore essential that companies take steps to ensure that angle grinders are guarded and that all employees are trained on how to use them safely.
Guarding angle grinders is critical to ensure the safety of employees. Angle grinders are powered by high-speed motors and are used to cut, grind, and polish a wide range of materials, including metal, stone, and concrete. If the cutting disc becomes loose, it can cause the grinder to kick back and potentially cause serious injury. Additionally, flying debris can cause serious injury to the operator and anyone else in the vicinity. A properly guarded angle grinder helps prevent these types of accidents from occurring.
There have been numerous accidents in Australia from people using unguarded angle grinders. In 2020, a worker in Western Australia suffered severe facial injuries when an unguarded angle grinder kicked back and struck him in the face. The worker was not wearing a face shield, and the cutting disc had shattered on impact. In another incident in 2019, a worker in Victoria suffered a severe hand injury when an unguarded angle grinder kicked back and cut his hand.
These types of accidents can have severe consequences for workers, including long-term injuries, disability, and even death. It is therefore imperative that companies take steps to ensure that their employees are using angle grinders safely and that the grinders are properly guarded.
The first step in ensuring the safe use of angle grinders is to provide employees with appropriate training. This training should cover the correct use of angle grinders, including how to change the cutting disc, how to properly install guards, and how to use personal protective equipment (PPE) such as face shields, gloves, and safety glasses.
In addition to training, companies must ensure that angle grinders are equipped with the appropriate guards. The type of guard required will depend on the type of work being performed, but in general, a guard should cover the entire cutting disc and should be designed to prevent the grinder from kicking back.
In conclusion, companies must take steps to ensure that angle grinders are properly guarded and that employees are trained on how to use them safely. Failure to do so can result in severe injuries, disabilities, and even death. By taking a proactive approach to safety, companies can ensure that their employees are protected and that they are meeting their legal obligations to provide a safe working environment. In Australia, the use of angle grinders is regulated by the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) laws, which outline legal requirements for employers to provide a safe working environment for their employees.
Under the OHS laws, employers are required to:
Identify and assess risks associated with the use of angle grinders in the workplace.
Implement control measures to eliminate or reduce the risks associated with angle grinder use, such as providing proper training and guarding the grinder.
Provide information, instruction, and training to employees on how to use angle grinders safely, including the proper use of guards and other PPE.
Ensure that angle grinders used in the workplace are regularly maintained and inspected to ensure they are safe to use.
Monitor the workplace to ensure that safe work practices are being followed and that the control measures implemented are effective.
Keep records of any incidents, near-misses, or injuries that occur in relation to the use of angle grinders in the workplace.
Failure to comply with these legal requirements can result in significant fines and penalties for employers. In addition, employers can be held liable for any injuries or damages that occur as a result of their failure to provide a safe working environment for their employees.
It is important for companies to be aware of these legal requirements and to take proactive steps to ensure that their employees are using angle grinders safely and that they are complying with their legal obligations under the OHS laws.
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