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Use of hand-held disc grinders

One of our members has recently received the following information on an incident:

A fatality occurred when a worker was using an air-powered disc grinder to cut grooves into cast iron. The disc fractured and a large fragment penetrated the worker’s face shield and hit his face, with fatal consequences.

Several rule-violating factors contributed to this incident:

  • the disc installed was larger than allowed for the grinder tool;
  • the disc guard had been removed;
  • the disc was not designed for this type of cutting;
  • the side handle had been removed;
  • the marked disc speed was 4500rpm, while the grinder tool could make 7600rpm.

The following lessons learned were noted:

  • Never remove guards installed by tool manufacturers;
  • Only use consumables recommended for the tool by the manufacturer;
  • Always check if tools are fit for the purpose before use;
  • Ensure face shields in use are adequately dimensioned for their intended use.

Safety Event

Published: 2 April 2001
Download: IMCA SF 06/01

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