TOOLBOX TALK 010 SAFE USE OF ANGLE GRINDERS

TOOLBOX TALK 010 SAFE USE OF ANGLE GRINDERS Created: 30/05/2015; Rev: 1 Approved for Use: HSEQ Team 1

Hand-held grinders can cause serious injury if used incorrectly. By following the safe work practices in this toolbox you can help reduce the risk of injuring yourself or others while using these powerful tools. Created: 30/05/2015; Rev: 1 Approved for Use: HSEQ Team 2

Pre-Operating Planning • Ensure you are competent and have adequate experience and knowledge in the safe use of angle grinders. • Ask yourself the following question before starting any grinding task: • Is the grinder the safest and best tool to use? Consider using an alternative, e. g. hacksaw, bolt cutters etc. • Is this grinder the safest and best grinder I could use? Does it have all the features I need? Do I need variable speed control, a clutch, anti-kickback systems etc. ? • Ensure Hot Work Permit is raised/current/signed onto appropriately. Use of stand-by/spotter where required. Created: 30/05/2015; Rev: 1 Approved for Use: HSEQ Team 3

Pre-Operating Planning • Remove any combustible materials and/or flammable liquids 5 m from the work area OR cover flammable materials with fire proof blanket (with approval from Supervisor) • If practicable, cordon off the area using welding curtains or other non-flammable means. • Ensure fire extinguishers are available. • Consider the manual handling aspects of the job to be done and whether materials are positioned correctly. • Ensure that there is no entanglement hazard with hair, clothing, lanyards or jewellery. Pay particular attention to loose threads on gloves. • Ensure your work area is properly ventilated. Created: 30/05/2015; Rev: 1 Approved for Use: HSEQ Team 4

PPE to be used Operators: • High-visibility long-sleeved shirt • Long pants • Hearing protection • Hard hat • Steel-capped boots • Double eye protection (safety glasses & face shield) – Hard hat not required when wearing face shield • Fire-resistant gloves Created: 30/05/2015; Rev: 1 Approved for Use: HSEQ Team 5

PPE to be used Stand-By Person/Spotter: • High-visibility long-sleeved shirt • Long pants • Safety glasses • Hearing protection • Hard hat • Steel-capped boots Created: 30/05/2015; Rev: 1 Approved for Use: HSEQ Team 6

Grinding Operations • The grinder must be off before you plug it in. • Always unplug the grinder prior to changing the disk. • Ensure the disk is appropriate for the specific material and purpose. • Secure the work-piece. Kick-back from the grinder on a loose work-piece can cause severe lacerations. • Maintain a firm grip on the tool, always using the auxiliary handle where provided. • Use a dust collection/control system if required. Some dust may be carcinogenic, flammable, or explosive. See the MSDS. Created: 30/05/2015; Rev: 1 Approved for Use: HSEQ Team 7

Grinding Operations • Allow the grinder to reach maximum speed before applying to task. Kick-backs and shattered attachments can occur. • Position your arm and body to resist possible kickback forces. Don’t position your body behind a rotating wheel (line of fire). • Position the cord well away from the rotating surface. • Ensure no personnel or plant in line of fire from the spark stream. Created: 30/05/2015; Rev: 1 Approved for Use: HSEQ Team 8

Grinding Operations • Ensure no personnel in kick-back line of fire. • Ensure spark stream always directed away from power source and leads. • Use special care when working corners, sharp edges etc. • Ensure that item being cut cannot drop and pinch the disk. Support large pieces so they don’t sag under their own weight. Use mechanical aids instead of additional personnel. • Take regular rests if exposed to hand/arm vibration. • Change disks when required – do not use excessively worn-down disks. Created: 30/05/2015; Rev: 1 Approved for Use: HSEQ Team 9

Interaction • What are some good reasons to change out an old grinding wheel with a new one? • What are some unsafe grinding practices? Created: 30/05/2015; Rev: 1 Approved for Use: HSEQ Team 10

Unsafe Grinding Practices • 9 -inch (230 mm) grinders may NOT be used at any time and are banned from site. • Do not use the grinder as a cutting tool when it is fitted with a grinding disk. Cutting wheels or disks should not be used for grinding job, and grinding wheels should not be used for cutting jobs. • Do not apply pressure to attachments during grinding operation. Pressure can cause attachments to break and strike the operator or nearby workers. Created: 30/05/2015; Rev: 1 Approved for Use: HSEQ Team 11

Unsafe Grinding Practices • Avoid bouncing or snagging an accessory. • Do not walk or change position until the disk has reached a full stop. • Do not attempt to hold the job in one hand operator the grinder with the other. • Do not attach a saw blade to a grinder • When disks are worn small through use, they cannot be used on smaller machines. Created: 30/05/2015; Rev: 1 Approved for Use: HSEQ Team 12

Unsafe Grinding Practices • Never remove manufacturers’ guards from grinders while operating • Never remove handles – handle removal shall only be approved with a risk assessment that deems the task safe without the handle Created: 30/05/2015; Rev: 1 Approved for Use: HSEQ Team 13

When the task is complete • If fire watch is required – maintain fire watch for the designated period as noted on the hot works permit. • If fire watch is not required – double-check area after approximately 30 minutes after the task is complete. • Ensure any disks are broken/binned at the end of their life. Created: 30/05/2015; Rev: 1 Approved for Use: HSEQ Team 14

Questions? Leadership – Safety – Environment and Sustainability – Integrity – Innovation – Created: 30/05/2015; Rev: 1 Continuous Improvement Approved for Use: HSEQ Team 15