Safe use of Abrasive Wheels

Course duration 25 - 30 minutes

Learn to spot the risks of grinding and cutting wheels, the law that governs safe use, and the checks that keep operators and everyone nearby safe.

Abrasive wheels run at speeds of up to eighty metres per second, roughly one hundred and eighty miles per hour at the rim, and a hidden flaw can cause one to burst without warning. This course explains why an ordinary bench grinder or angle grinder carries that level of risk, and what to do about it.

You will learn how to select and mount the correct wheel, the checks required before every use including the trial run and ring test, how to set guards and work rests correctly, and the wider hazards of dust, noise and vibration that build up over years rather than seconds. We also cover your duties under PUWER 1998, including Regulation 9 on training and competence, and HSE guidance HSG17.

This is essential awareness training for operators, wheel mounters, supervisors and managers, and useful grounding for anyone working near the operation. Note that it covers the theory and awareness half of the requirement; PUWER still requires hands-on, face-to-face training before anyone is authorised to mount or change a wheel. Study at your own pace on any device, with audio recaps to keep the key checks fresh before your next job.