PLT/Small Plant/TBT-PLT-042
Angle Grinder Safe Use and Guarding
Plant & Equipment › Small Plant › Angle Grinder Safe Use and Guarding
Toolbox Talk
Angle Grinder Safe Use and Guarding
Angle grinders are one of the most commonly used and most dangerous power tools on construction sites. They cause severe lacerations, amputations, and eye injuries every year. The most serious injuries occur when the guard is removed, when the wrong disc is fitted, or when the grinder kicks back during cutting. The guard must be in place for every task, the correct disc must be matched to the material and the grinder speed, and the operator must be trained in safe use before picking up the tool.
Key Hazards
Disc burst sending fragments at high velocity towards the operator and bystanders
Kickback throwing the spinning grinder into the operator's body or limbs
Lacerations and amputations from contact with the exposed rotating disc
Eye injuries from flying sparks, debris, and disc fragments during grinding
Control Measures
- Ensure the guard is correctly fitted and positioned before starting the angle grinder.
- Select a disc rated for the grinder's maximum speed and matched to the material being cut or ground.
- Inspect the disc before fitting for cracks, chips, and damage that could cause it to burst.
- Wear safety goggles or a face shield, hearing protection, and cut-resistant gloves for all grinding tasks.
- Allow the disc to reach full speed before applying it to the workpiece.
- Secure the workpiece firmly using a clamp or vice and never hold it with your free hand.
- Position yourself to one side of the disc rotation, not in line with it, to avoid fragments if it bursts.
- Never remove the guard to access a tight area — use a different tool or request a smaller grinder.
- Disconnect the power before changing discs and use the correct spanner to tighten the flange nut.
Remember
- The guard must be fitted for every task — removing it is the single most dangerous thing you can do.
- A disc that bursts at full speed launches fragments with enough force to cause fatal injuries.
- Use only discs rated for the grinder's speed — an over-speed disc is at severe risk of bursting.
- Kickback occurs when the disc catches in the cut and is the most common cause of grinder lacerations.
- Position yourself to the side of the disc rotation so fragments travel away from you if it breaks.
- Inspect every disc for damage before fitting — a cracked disc will fail catastrophically under load.
Applicable Legislation: PUWER 1998 · BS EN 12413 (Bonded Abrasive Products) · Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 · CDM Regulations 2015
Delivered By
RAMS Builder
Generate professional Risk Assessment and Method Statements in minutes. 10 document formats, site-specific content, instant Word download.