Work safety
A complete guide to safety rules, standards and recommendations for safe work with abrasive tools. Following these rules will save your health and life.
Never ignore safety rules
Abrasive discs rotate at speeds of up to 80 m/s - the speed of a bullet. Improper use can result in serious injury or death. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and safety rules.
Personal protective equipment
Safety glasses
Closed type with side protection. Standard EN 166
Protective gloves
Leather or textile, without free edges
Hearing protection
Earplugs or headphones for long-term work
Respirator
When working with concrete, stone, dry grinding
10 main safety rules
Check the disc before installation.
Inspect for cracks and damage. Perform the "ringing" test - tap the bowl, it should sound clean.
Velocity correspondence
The maximum disc speed must be HIGHER than the tool spindle speed. Never the other way around!
Use a protective cover
Never remove the guard from the grinder. It protects against splinters and sparks.
Correct clamping
Use only original flanges. Tighten moderately - overtightening may damage the disc.
Let the cruise accelerate.
Before starting work, let the engine idle for 30 seconds.
Do not press too hard.
Let the cutter cut itself. Excessive pressure will cause overheating and breakage.
Avoid side loading
Cutting discs are intended for cutting, not for side surface grinding.
Fix the workpiece
The workpiece must be securely clamped. Never hold the workpiece by hand.
Stand aside.
Never stand in the plane of rotation of the disc. In the event of a breakdown, fragments will fly in that direction.
Store correctly
Dry room, horizontal position, protected from shock and moisture.
Certification and standards
EN 12413
European safety standard for bakelite abrasive discs. Specifies requirements for strength, balancing and marking.
MPA Hannover
German certification. Independent tear test at 1.5x operating speed. NovoAbrasive is the only one from Ukraine.
oSa
Abrasives Safety Organization. International standards for the quality and safe use of abrasive tools.
Frequently asked questions about security
What personal protective equipment (PPE) is required when working with abrasive discs?
When working with abrasive discs, the following are mandatory: closed-type safety glasses with side protection (EN 166), protective gloves without loose edges, and hearing protection for prolonged work.
It is also recommended to use a respirator when working with concrete or stone, and protective clothing without loose elements that can get into rotating parts.
How to properly check an abrasive disc before installation?
Before installation, visually inspect for cracks and damage. Perform the "ringing" test: hang the disc and tap it lightly - a working disc will make a clear ringing sound, a damaged one will make a dull sound.
Check the marking: make sure the maximum speed of the disc is higher than the speed of your tool. Never use discs with visible defects.
How to determine the maximum allowable revolutions (RPM) for an abrasive disc?
The maximum speed is always listed on the disc label (e.g. "max 12200 RPM"). This is a critical parameter: the spindle speed of your tool must be LOWER than the maximum speed of the disc.
Exceeding this limit leads to the destruction of the disc with the ejection of fragments at a speed of up to 80 m/s. The verification formula is: V = (Pi x D xn) / 60000, where D is the diameter in mm, n is the revolutions per minute.
How to properly store abrasive discs?
Store the discs in a dry room at a temperature of 5-30°C and humidity up to 65%. The discs should lie horizontally on a flat surface, no more than 20-30 pieces in a stack.
Avoid direct sunlight and contact with oils and solvents. Do not store near heating devices. Shelf life of Bakelite rings is 3 years from the date of manufacture.
What does the EN 12413 marking on an abrasive cup mean?
EN 12413 is a European safety standard for Bakelite abrasive tools. It specifies requirements for strength, balancing, marking and testing of discs.
Discs with this marking have passed a burst test at 1.5x operating speed. The presence of EN 12413 guarantees compliance with European safety standards and the possibility of legal sale in the EU.
Why can't you remove the protective cover from a grinder?
The guard is a critical safety feature. It protects the operator from sparks, abrasive dust, and debris in the event of a disc breakage.
When the disc ruptures, it flies at speeds of up to 80 m/s, the speed of a bullet. The casing must cover at least 180° of the disc and be directed away from the operator. Working without a casing is the most common cause of serious injuries.
What is MPA Hannover certification for abrasive discs?
MPA Hannover (Materialprufungsanstalt) is a German materials testing institute, one of the most authoritative in the world for abrasive products.
MPA certification means that the discs have been independently tested for strength at 1.5x rated speed, balancing, geometry and other safety parameters. NovoAbrasive is the only Ukrainian manufacturer with MPA Hannover certification.
How to avoid overheating the workpiece when cutting or grinding?
To avoid overheating: do not put excessive pressure on the disc - let it cut by itself; take breaks during prolonged work; use discs of appropriate hardness (softer for hard materials).
For stainless steel, choose discs without iron in the composition (marked "Fe-free"); if possible, use cooling. Overheating changes the structure of the metal and reduces the life of the disc.
Can a cutting disc be used for side grinding?
Absolutely not. Cutting discs (type 41, thickness 1-3 mm) are intended for peripheral cutting only. Lateral loading causes stresses that the disc is not designed for, which can lead to breakage.
Для зачищення та шлiфування використовуйте зачиснi круги (тип 27, товщина 6+ мм) або пелюстковi круги. Це правило врятує вам життя.
How long should the engine be allowed to idle before starting?
Before starting work, let the grinder run at idle for at least 30 seconds. This allows you to: detect vibrations or vibrations that indicate damage; warm up the tool bearings; and ensure that the attachment is secure.
Stand to the side of the disc's rotation plane during this test. If there is vibration, stop operation and check the disc.
Download safety memo
PDF file for printing and placement in the workplace
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