Why security is not a formality
Abrasive tools are extremely dangerous if used incorrectly. A 230 mm diameter wheel rotates at speeds of up to 80 m/s – the speed of a bullet. A wheel breaking at such speeds can cause serious injury or death.
5 main hazards when working with abrasives
1. Contact with abrasive tool at operating speed
Accidental contact with the rotating wheel can cause deep cuts and burns.
- Always tie back long hair and do not wear loose clothing, ties, or jewelry.
- Disconnect the machine from the power supply before replacing the wheel.
- Never remove the protective cover - check its condition before each start-up
- Use protective gloves (minimum EN 388 category 2) when handling.
- After turning off the machine, wait until the wheel has come to a complete stop before moving away.
2. Destruction (breakage) of the wheel during operation
The most dangerous scenario is that the fragments fly at the speed of a bullet.
- Always inspect wheels before use - look for cracks, chips, stains
- Store the wheels in dry conditions without sudden temperature changes.
- Shelf life: Bakelite - 3 years, rubber - 5 years, ceramic - 10 years
- Never use the disc after the expiration date.
- Do not force the wheel into the mounting hole.
- Never exceed the maximum speed indicated on the disc.
- Use the mounting pads (blotters) if supplied.
- Do not overtighten the flanges.
- After installation, idle for at least 30 seconds with the protective cover on, standing to the side
- Never start work when the workpiece is touching the wheel.
- Do not apply excessive pressure or allow to overheat.
3. Sparks, dust and fumes
Abrasive dust can damage the lungs and cause serious illnesses.
- All dry sanding processes must have a dust extraction system
- Use a respirator (minimum EN 149) even if there is a fume hood.
- Do not work with abrasives near flammable materials.
- The protective cover should direct sparks away from the operator.
- Safety glasses (minimum EN 166 Grade B) are mandatory for all operations.
4. Noise
Prolonged exposure to noise leads to irreversible hearing loss.
- Hearing protection (EN 352) is recommended for all manual operations, regardless of noise level.
- An incorrectly selected wheel can create excessive noise - check for compliance
5. Vibration
Vibration from hand tools can cause vibration sickness syndrome (tingling, numbness in the fingers).
- If after 10 minutes of work you feel tingling or numbness, this is an alarm signal.
- In cold conditions, the effect is enhanced - keep your hands warm, stretch your fingers
- Use modern, low-vibration equipment
- Do not squeeze the tool and workpiece too tightly.
- Avoid continuous work — take breaks
- If symptoms appear, consult a doctor.
European safety standards
Only use abrasive tools that meet the highest safety standards:
| Standard | Product type |
|---|---|
| EN 12413 | Bakelite abrasive wheels (cutting, grinding) |
| EN 13236 | Superabrasives (diamond) |
| EN 13743 | Flexible abrasives (fiber discs, flap discs) |
Safety pictograms on abrasive tools
Always check the markings and pictograms on the wheel before use:
| Pictogram | Value |
|---|---|
| Crossed hand | Not allowed for manual machines |
| Water drops | Not permitted for wet grinding |
| Face grinding | Not permitted for face grinding |
| Damaged disc | Do not use a damaged |
| Book | Read the instructions |
| Glasses | Wear safety glasses. |
| Headphone | Wear hearing protection. |
| Gloves | Wear protective gloves. |
| Respirator | Wear a respirator |
| Support disc | Use only with backing pad |
Disposal of abrasive tools
- Dispose of used and defective wheels in accordance with local regulations.
- Remember: the wheel may be contaminated with workpiece material
- Important: Damage the recycled wheels so they are not taken out of the trash and reused.
Employer's responsibility
The employer is obliged to:
- Conduct a risk assessment for each abrasive process
- Provide workers with appropriate protective equipment
- Train staff in safe work methods
- Monitor the condition of equipment and tools
Frequently asked questions
What are the 5 main hazards when working with abrasives?
The five main hazards are: contact with the abrasive tool at operating speed (cuts, burns), wheel breakage (bullet-speed splinters), sparks, dust and fumes (lung damage), noise (irreversible hearing loss) and vibration (vibration sickness syndrome).
What protective equipment is required when working with abrasives?
Mandatory: safety glasses with closed-type lenses (EN 166 Grade B), protective gloves (EN 388 Category 2), hearing protection (EN 352). A respirator (EN 149) is also recommended for dry sanding. A protective cover on the machine is always mandatory.
What is the shelf life of abrasive wheels?
Depends on the type of bond: Bakelite (resin) - 3 years, rubber (vulcanized) - 5 years, ceramic (vitrified) - 10 years. After the expiration date, the wheel must not be used, even if it looks undamaged.
What does the EN 12413 marking on the disc mean?
EN 12413 is a European safety standard for Bakelite abrasive wheels (cutting and grinding). It specifies requirements for strength, balancing and marking. The presence of this marking means that the wheel has passed a burst test at 1.5x the operating speed.
Do you need certified abrasives?
NovoAbrasive is the only Ukrainian manufacturer with MPA Hannover certification. Wheels trusted in 35+ countries.