Conclusion
Pedestal and bench-mounted grinders are found
in most maintenance shops and manufacturing
plants. They are powerful, versatile devices used to
sharpen cutting tools, drills, chisels and tool bits,
and to remove surface imperfections. But operating
any grinder is a hazardous work activity. A single
mistake can have devastating consequences, not
only to the user but also to those working nearby.
Implementing safe work and operating practices
reduces the chances of incidents involving grinders,
provided that management and line supervisors
support those practices. Strong, visible leadership
and engaged managers can motivate workers and
serve as a catalyst to promote best practices. The
responsibility of implementing these sound best
practices and selling them to operators rests on
their shoulders, and they must be fully on board
with them and committed to ensuring their success.
Furthermore, when an organization employs
practices shown to be effective elsewhere, worker
buy-in and safety ownership can increase. An organization’s
credibility also increases because it is
using a tested process and has taken the forwardthinking
step of confirming that it is doing the best
job possible. Abrasive wheel grinders are versatile,
useful devices when used safely, but extremely
hazardous when not used safely.