Job Safety Analysis: Angle Grinder

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Step Potential Hazard Control
Inspect grinder, cord, guard, and accessory Damaged cord, missing guard, loose wheel, tool failure Inspect cord for cuts, verify guard is in place, ensure wheel is rated for RPM of the grinder, replace damaged parts
Select proper grinding or cutting wheel Wrong wheel type, wheel shattering, kickback Use wheel rated for the task, verify compatibility, inspect for cracks or defects before installation
Secure workpiece Movement during grinding, pinch points Use clamps or a vise, maintain stable footing, ensure workpiece does not shift
Don PPE and prepare work area Flying debris, noise, poor visibility Wear safety glasses and face shield, hearing protection, clear the area of bystanders
Start grinder and let wheel reach full speed Wheel failure, tool kickback Hold grinder firmly, stand slightly to the side of the wheel, allow wheel to reach full RPM before contacting work
Perform grinding or cutting Sparks, hot metal, wheel shattering, kickback, fire Maintain two handed grip, direct sparks away from people and combustibles, avoid binding the wheel, keep body positioned out of line with the wheel
Adjust position or change wheel Electric shock, burns, accidental activation Turn off and unplug grinder before making adjustments, allow wheel to stop fully, handle hot parts with gloves
Shut down grinder Burns, rotating wheel injuries Turn tool off before setting it down, wait for wheel to stop completely, unplug when finished
Clean work area Fire hazards from hot metal, leftover debris Remove hot metal fragments, check for smoldering sparks, store grinder and wheels properly

Suggested Personal Protective Equipment

  • Safety glasses with side shields

  • Full face shield

  • Hearing protection

  • Cut resistant gloves

  • Flame resistant or sturdy work clothing

  • Steel toe boots

  • Respirator when grinding metal that produces dust or fumes

  • High visibility vest when working near vehicles or equipment

Always have a complete, well-stocked first aid kit available.

JSA Category: General Maintenance and Shop Operations

* The steps, hazards, and controls displayed above may be incomplete or not suit your department's needs. All job safety analyses should be a completed with frontline worker input to ensure that each potential hazard is identified and mitigated.

Please read about The Essentials Elements of a Solid Job Safety Anaylsis here.

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Job Safety Analysis
Department: __________________________________
Job/Task:   Angle Grinder
Location: __________________________________
Date: ____ /____ /____
Supervisor: __________________________________
Crew: __________________________________
Step Potential Hazard Control
Inspect grinder, cord, guard, and accessory Damaged cord, missing guard, loose wheel, tool failure Inspect cord for cuts, verify guard is in place, ensure wheel is rated for RPM of the grinder, replace damaged parts
Select proper grinding or cutting wheel Wrong wheel type, wheel shattering, kickback Use wheel rated for the task, verify compatibility, inspect for cracks or defects before installation
Secure workpiece Movement during grinding, pinch points Use clamps or a vise, maintain stable footing, ensure workpiece does not shift
Don PPE and prepare work area Flying debris, noise, poor visibility Wear safety glasses and face shield, hearing protection, clear the area of bystanders
Start grinder and let wheel reach full speed Wheel failure, tool kickback Hold grinder firmly, stand slightly to the side of the wheel, allow wheel to reach full RPM before contacting work
Perform grinding or cutting Sparks, hot metal, wheel shattering, kickback, fire Maintain two handed grip, direct sparks away from people and combustibles, avoid binding the wheel, keep body positioned out of line with the wheel
Adjust position or change wheel Electric shock, burns, accidental activation Turn off and unplug grinder before making adjustments, allow wheel to stop fully, handle hot parts with gloves
Shut down grinder Burns, rotating wheel injuries Turn tool off before setting it down, wait for wheel to stop completely, unplug when finished
Clean work area Fire hazards from hot metal, leftover debris Remove hot metal fragments, check for smoldering sparks, store grinder and wheels properly
Suggested Personal Protective Equipment


Supervisor signature: __________________________________
Employee initials: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________