SAFETY ALERT GRINDER SAFETY Summary of Incidents reported

SAFETY ALERT GRINDER SAFETY Summary of Incidents reported in SEIC: 11 -Oct-2003 NM - Cutting disc shattered, flying apart, nobody was injured. 27 -Sep-2004 LTI - Employee sustained an open fracture injury from a shattered grinding disc. 12 -Feb-2005 MTC - Employee was grinding metalwork when the grinding disc edge disintegrated smashing through his face shield and into the mouth area. 26 -Aug-2005 RWC - Employee was working with grinding machine on pipe when grinding disc smashed and one of the pieces hit his right hand. 09 -Dec-2005 RWC - Employee was grinding the bottom part of the pipe. Some parts of the grinding disc flew out and hit his lips. 05 -Jun-2006 FAC - Employee was grinding a pipe when the grinding disc broke and punctured his left boot resulting in a small punctured wound on his right foot. Recommendations: Grinding machines and abrasive wheels should always be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. In particular: - Wear all required personal protective equipment such as eye, face, and hearing protection; as well as gloves and safety shoes. - Always ensure the maximum speed (the no load rpm) marked on the abrasive wheel is greater than the rated speed of the grinder. - Do not use grinding wheels that are larger than the maximum recommended size, or worn down wheels from other grinders. - Never use grinding wheel power tools without the wheel guard attached to the tool and positioned for maximum safety. - Store and handle abrasive wheels with care and inspect them for chips or cracks before installing. - Do not use any wheel that may be damaged. Results of not following manufacturer’s instructions Injury from shattered cutting disk (not Shell) SEIC Central HSES Operational Safety Support Group