| Step | Potential Hazard | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Inspect grinder, tool rest, work rest, and guards | Missing guards, cracked wheel, improper spacing, tool failure | Ensure tongue guard and tool rest are properly adjusted, inspect wheel for cracks, verify wheel is rated for RPM of grinder |
| Dress grinding wheel if needed | Flying debris, wheel damage, improper surface | Use dressing tool with light pressure, secure yourself with good footing, ensure grinder is off until dressing tool is in proper position |
| Prepare work area and secure tools | Clutter, poor lighting, tripping hazards | Remove unnecessary items, improve lighting, maintain clean work zone |
| Don PPE | Eye injury, flying debris, dust exposure | Wear safety glasses plus face shield, hearing protection, gloves, and respirator if needed |
| Start grinder and allow wheel to reach full speed | Wheel shattering, vibration, instability | Stand off to the side of the wheel, listen for unusual sounds, do not start work until wheel reaches full RPM |
| Perform grinding task | Sparks, flying debris, burns, tool kickback, pulled hands | Keep tool rest within one eighth inch of wheel, apply workpiece lightly, maintain firm grip, keep body slightly to one side of wheel |
| Cool or inspect workpiece | Burns from hot metal, sharp edges | Allow adequate cooling time, use pliers or gloves, handle edges carefully |
| Turn off grinder | Rotating wheel injuries, accidental contact | Let wheel stop fully before leaving machine or making adjustments |
| Clean work area | Fire hazards, leftover metal fragments, dust buildup | Sweep up metal filings, empty dust collection if available, confirm no smoldering sparks remain |
Safety glasses with side shields
Full face shield
Hearing protection
Leather or cut resistant gloves
Flame resistant or sturdy work clothing
Steel toe boots
Respirator when grinding generates dust or when working with questionable material coatings
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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| Step | Potential Hazard | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Inspect grinder, tool rest, work rest, and guards | Missing guards, cracked wheel, improper spacing, tool failure | Ensure tongue guard and tool rest are properly adjusted, inspect wheel for cracks, verify wheel is rated for RPM of grinder |
| Dress grinding wheel if needed | Flying debris, wheel damage, improper surface | Use dressing tool with light pressure, secure yourself with good footing, ensure grinder is off until dressing tool is in proper position |
| Prepare work area and secure tools | Clutter, poor lighting, tripping hazards | Remove unnecessary items, improve lighting, maintain clean work zone |
| Don PPE | Eye injury, flying debris, dust exposure | Wear safety glasses plus face shield, hearing protection, gloves, and respirator if needed |
| Start grinder and allow wheel to reach full speed | Wheel shattering, vibration, instability | Stand off to the side of the wheel, listen for unusual sounds, do not start work until wheel reaches full RPM |
| Perform grinding task | Sparks, flying debris, burns, tool kickback, pulled hands | Keep tool rest within one eighth inch of wheel, apply workpiece lightly, maintain firm grip, keep body slightly to one side of wheel |
| Cool or inspect workpiece | Burns from hot metal, sharp edges | Allow adequate cooling time, use pliers or gloves, handle edges carefully |
| Turn off grinder | Rotating wheel injuries, accidental contact | Let wheel stop fully before leaving machine or making adjustments |
| Clean work area | Fire hazards, leftover metal fragments, dust buildup | Sweep up metal filings, empty dust collection if available, confirm no smoldering sparks remain |
Safety glasses with side shields
Full face shield
Hearing protection
Leather or cut resistant gloves
Flame resistant or sturdy work clothing
Steel toe boots
Respirator when grinding generates dust or when working with questionable material coatings