Using an angle grinder can help speed up the pace of certain jobs and household projects, but it does raise the risk level for injury when you use a power tool to do the job. So, what are procedures that you should follow so that you don’t injure yourself while using the tool?
Well, there are a few rules to abide by, but there are also some expert tips that will keep you from getting hurt. We will discuss both below so that you can get your project done without any safety issues.
12 Angle Grinder Safety Rules to Follow
Let’s start with the twelve most important rules that you should know about before attempting to use your angle grinder.
Before Using Your Angler
The first thing that you should do before using your angle grinder is to find a proper pair of gloves and a face shield to wear. An angle grinder has a very fast RPM, which can easily make pieces of pavers or metal spring back up at you when you’re cutting. Protecting yourself from this is the best way to stay safe.
The second is to run any new wheels before attempting to cut with them. This will ensure that they are not defective in any way and work properly. It is best to do this while moving the unit, this will allow you to feel any imbalances that could cause further problems.
The third is that you want to is secure the piece of material that you will be cutting, onto a worktable. This will ensure that you do not need to hold it down in any areas and you can use both hands to guide the angle grinder.
The fourth is that you need to ensure that your blade is completely secured before you start the tool. There are so many ways to get hurt with a sharp blade, and if it is not properly secured, then you could have a major problem on your hands. So, test the blade and ensure it is in place and working correctly so you know that it won’t come out or move during your work.
The fifth rule is that you want to equip yourself with PPE, which is personal protective equipment. Although we have addressed gloves and face shields, that is not all that you can do to protect yourself. PPE includes aprons, caps, masks, and goggles. If you are missing any of these, it would be good to get it before you begin working.
During Cutting and Grinding
Now, once you have all your gear and have tested and secured the tool, you will need to abide by the rules for cutting and grinding. When you are using the angle grinder, this is where you have the likeliest chance of getting injured, so take these precautions to keep yourself safe.
The first thing you should do when you are starting the cutting process is to orient the blade so that it will spin away from sharp edges. You might find that this doesn’t feel quite right at first, but this is the angle that you should cut with. This will prevent any kickback and will stop debris from popping up towards you.
The second rule is that you should take your time and not rush when you are cutting your material. Getting done as fast as possible seems like the best idea when you need to get something done, but this can mess you up. Speeding up can cause issues with the blade and can cause kickback. So, stay at a steady pace and try not to rush through the work too much.
The third thing that you should do is to use the blade guard. Some people think that this guard will stop the blade from working as well, and attempt to work without it. However, this can be dangerous and can allow sparks and debris to fly your way as you cut. So, make sure the guard is in place at all times, and if it isn’t, stop cutting and reset it.
The fourth is that you need to follow through until the entire piece of material is cut. Often times, new users will tend to stop near the end of the material and leave a bit that is uncut, which they will attempt to break themselves. This will cause the cut to be uneven, and you could hurt yourself. So, follow through with the cut so that the whole piece of material is fully separated.
After Finishing the Task at Hand
After you have finished cutting the material you will be working with, you want to take safety precautions when putting the tool away. This can be done with just a few steps.
First, you will need to ensure that the tool is unplugged and will not be turned on accidentally. Leaving it plugged in after you are done leaves room for mishaps, and when you are dealing with a sharp blade, that could be disastrous. So, remember to unplug it right away.
Second, you want to place the tool is a safe carrier or case that will keep it from hurting someone when they grab the tool to use it. Leaving it out could make it easier to get injured by accident, which is exactly what you want to avoid with this powerful tool.
Lastly, you will want to store it in a place where younger children can’t find it. Parents know that kids will get into just about anything and that they don’t understand the risks at a young age. So, making sure that it is placed on a higher shelf or hung from a high hook on your tool wall so that they can’t reach it. This will keep it out of their hands and away from their fragile bodies.
4 Additional Tips to Keep in Mind
Even when you are following these 12 rules, some things should also be mentioned if you want to prevent any type of injury. So, here are four additional tips to keep in mind when working with an angle grinder.
The first is that you need to do is keep anything flammable away from your work area. The blade spins very fast, and this means that sparks will fly when you are cutting. This can be especially true when you are cutting metal. The blade can cause more sparks, which makes it easier for something to catch on fire. So, take a sweep of the space to move anything that could be a fire hazard.
Secondly, you want to make sure that when you have the tool plugged in that you do not want to hold it near the power switch. This can be a problem if you accidentally press it and turn the grinder on. This could not only hurt you but anyone or anything around you too. Get used to carrying it other ways and ensure that your fingers are not near the switch.
Lastly, you want to make sure that if anyone else is working with you or near you in your workspace, that they are fully protected too. This means that they should be far enough away that they won’t be in danger, that they are equipped with proper PPE, and that they know the dangers associated with an angle grinder.
If they are working on something too, make sure that your workspaces are far enough apart that sparks and debris won’t get in the other person’s way, and make sure that each of you has room to do your work without bumping into one another.
Summary
Knowing what rules you should follow when using a certain tool will help you stay on top of safety when it comes to yourself and others in the workspace.
This can prevent injuries and fires, so make sure that you are implementing each of these 12 rules and additional tips so that you are using an angle grinder safely.