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1. Module 1. The law and the hazards of abrasive wheels

   Abrasive wheels are used for grinding, cutting and finishing on bench grinders, angle grinders and cut-off saws. A wheel spinning at high speed carries a lot of energy, and if it breaks, pieces fly out like bullets.

   What you will learn

   • Describe the legal duties for abrasive wheels in the UK.
   • Name the main hazards of abrasive wheels.
   • Explain who may mount a wheel.

   Key points

   • Abrasive wheels are work equipment: employers must provide suitable, guarded, maintained equipment and adequate training.
   • Bursting, contact, kickback, sparks, dust, noise and vibration are the main hazards.
   • Only trained and appointed people may mount wheels.

   Based on: Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974; Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER); HSE guidance HSG17, Safety in the use of abrasive wheels.

2. Module 2. Types of wheels and their markings

   Using the right wheel for the machine and the job is the first defence against breakage. Every wheel carries markings that tell you what it is and how fast it can safely spin.

   What you will learn

   • Name the main types of abrasive wheel.
   • Read the markings on a wheel.
   • Check that a wheel suits the machine and the material.

   Key points

   • Choose the right type of wheel for the machine, task and material.
   • Read the markings: size, maximum speed, restrictions and expiry date.
   • The wheel's maximum speed must be at least the machine's maximum speed.
   • Never side-grind with a cutting disc.

   Based on: Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974; Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER); HSE guidance HSG17, Safety in the use of abrasive wheels.

3. Module 3. Storage, handling and inspection

   Wheels can be damaged long before they are mounted: dropped, stored badly or exposed to damp. A careful check before mounting catches most problems.

   What you will learn

   • Store and handle wheels correctly.
   • Inspect a wheel before use.
   • Carry out a ring test on a vitrified wheel.

   Key points

   • Store wheels dry, supported and away from damage; use older stock first.
   • Inspect every wheel before mounting: cracks, chips, damp, warping, labels, dates.
   • A ring test on vitrified wheels: a clear ring is good, a dull thud means do not use.
   • Never use a dropped wheel until it has been checked.

   Based on: Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974; Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER); HSE guidance HSG17, Safety in the use of abrasive wheels.

4. Module 4. Mounting and safe use

   Correct mounting and safe working habits prevent most abrasive wheel accidents.

   What you will learn

   • Follow the steps to mount a wheel safely.
   • Set guards and work rests correctly.
   • Use grinders safely, with the right PPE.

   Key points

   • Only trained and appointed people mount wheels, following the steps every time.
   • Keep guards fitted and adjusted; set the work rest as close as practicable.
   • Test run for at least a minute, standing to one side.
   • Wear eye protection and a face shield, hearing protection and dust protection as needed.

   Based on: Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974; Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER); HSE guidance HSG17, Safety in the use of abrasive wheels.

5. Module 5. Practical assessment: your inspection video

   To finish, you show that you can carry out the pre-use checks and the mounting steps safely. You do this with the machine unplugged, and you upload a short video for review.

   What you will learn

   • Prepare a safe setup for the practical.
   • Record the pre-use checks and mounting steps on an isolated machine.
   • Understand how the video is reviewed.

   Key points

   • Keep the machine isolated for the whole video.
   • Show markings, inspection, ring test (where suitable), mounting and guard adjustment.
   • Explain the test run and PPE.
   • Your employer decides who is authorised to mount wheels.

   Based on: Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974; Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER); HSE guidance HSG17, Safety in the use of abrasive wheels.

HygieneReady certificates confirm completion of training. They are not a regulated qualification. Definitions of the key terms are in the glossary.