Injuries involving Angle Grinders

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Blaise Phillips
6 years ago
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Injuries involving Angle Grinders During the month of July, we experienced another two incidents at Mondi operations related to the use of an angle grinders.

We have been fortunate not to have had any life altering injuries.

personal protective equipment and have not used the angle grinders for the purpose for which they have been designed.

1 Injuries involving Angle Grinders During the month of July, we experienced another two incidents at Mondi operations related to the use of an angle grinders. Fortunately, in both instances the operators did not suffer any life altering injuries. The Group has now experienced three recordable cases in 2016 related to the use of angle grinders. We have been fortunate not to have had any life altering injuries. Over the past couple of years, we have had a number of incidents and injuries where employees and contractors have not followed the safety rules when operating angle grinders, have not worn suitable personal protective equipment and have not used the angle grinders for the purpose for which they have been designed. We have to take the necessary steps to stop the current trend of incidents involving the use and handling of angle grinders to prevent us from experiencing serious or lift altering injuries in Mondi. 4 July 2016 Steti Mill, Czech Republic Whilst conducting roof repairs the operator wanted to cut a timber section of the roof. He did not have the suitable wooden saw so he placed a circular saw disk on the angle grinder. In order to make the saw disk fit the operator had to remove the safety cover. Whilst cutting the timber the operator lost control of the grinder resulting in the rotating disk hitting and cutting his leg just above the knee. Classification of Injury: Lost Time Injury (S3) 17 May 2016 Frantschach Mill, Austria When attempting to switch the angle grinder on, the torque of the grinder caused the grinder to rotate in a clockwise direction. The rotating grinding disk came into contact with the operator s glove and cut his finger. Classification of Injury: Medical Treatment Case 19 July 2016 Sendenhorst, Germany The contractor was busy cutting a heavy metal beam by using a large angle grinder when the cutting disk broke off at the locking nut. The cutting disc dislodged from the angle grinder spinning out of control, hitting and cutting the contractors arm. Classification of Injury: Lost Time Injury (S4)

Main causes of injuries. One of the most common injuries when operating angle grinders is caused by kickbacks and cutting/grinding discs shattering. Introduction.

Mondi premises during maintenance and repair works, projects and annual shuts.

2 Main causes of injuries. One of the most common injuries when operating angle grinders is caused by kickbacks and cutting/grinding discs shattering. Introduction. Angle grinders, both large and small are versatile portable electrical and battery powered tools and are commonly used by the employees from the Mondi on-site workshops, by contractors working on Mondi premises during maintenance and repair works, projects and annual shuts. These angle grinders can be used for many different tasks when fitted with various attachments, including grinding and cutting disks depending on the material that is to be worked on and the task to be conducted, i.e. cutting or grinding. The risk with this is that operators use the wrong attachments for the specific material being worked on or type of task being conducted. Supervisors shall ensure that the hierarchy of controls is considered, safe equipment provided and teams are trained and work is audited. As we have a history of incidents related to the operation of angle grinders, this Safety Alert has been developed as a guide for all our operations regarding the safe use of angle grinders. A kickback occurs when the cutting or grinding disk is suddenly jammed or caught by the material that is being worked on. This results in the grinder being forced backwards towards the operator s body or face. Mondi has experienced a close call of this nature where the grinder cut the face shield. Other injuries occur when angle grinders are accidentally switched on either whilst being placed on the floor, whilst handling the equipment and when carrying battery operated angle grinders. Injuries to other persons in the area are caused by flying sparks and particles entering the eyes. Consider the Hierarchy of Controls Before using the angle grinder consider if the task can be eliminated, however if not possible then consider substituting the activity by using a bench mounted power cutting or hand saw. After considering the above and the use of the angle grinder is still required then always ensure that the necessary guarding and other safety devices are fitted and that the safe operating procedures are understood and followed. Always ensure that the necessary personal protective clothing and equipment is used. These are described in further detail in this document. Suitable controls must be implemented at all our operations to ensure the operators of the equipment are trained deemed competent and authorised to use the angle grinders without posing a risk to their own safety or that of others. This practice note does not cover all the required controls and therefore the operations and contractors must ensure the equipment used and the attachments meet with the local legislation and supplier safety specifications.

3 General Standards. The decision on what model of angle grinder should be purchased shall not be based on the cheapest available price but rather on the quality and availability of the built-in safety features of the equipment. The same applies to the purchase of grinding and cutting discs. Select suitable grinding and cutting discs for the task at hand or material worked on; Only fasten the disc into place with the use of the tools provided by the suppliers. General safety standards should include the following: Fitted with an automatic cut off switch, ensuring the grinder is switched off as soon as the finger pressure is released; Restart protection provided over the operating switch of the large grinders; Safety guard fitted around the grinding or cutting disc and can be securely fastened; Safe operating speed is displayed on the grinding machine; Auxiliary handle fitted to side of the grinder and can be placed on both sides of the grinder to accommodate both right and left handed persons; Grinding disks have not passed the expiry or minimum size. Grinding and cutting discs are of a good make and the safe operating speed is displayed. Correct Tools and Attachments Always ensure that the discs are installed correctly and securely fastened with the correct tools as supplied by the manufacturer. Always: Use attachments that are designed for the specific angle grinder being used; Ensure speed rating of the disc is higher than the maximum speed of the angle grinder; Safe Operation of Angle Grinder To ensure maximum safety at all times the operator shall consider the following safety tips by ensuring: The correct disc is fitted for the activity; The correct size angle grinder is available; Safety guard is securely fastened in the correct position; Auxiliary side handles securely in place; The area is free of water and wet conditions to prevent electric shock; Suitable shields & fire blankets are in place to prevent other persons from the sparks; Workpiece is supported against movement during the cutting or grinding process; Use of a workbench and vice to secure workpiece; The angle grinder is running at full speed before cutting or grinding commences; The disc stops rotating before placing the angle grinder down on floor or workbench; Electrical connections are disconnected when not in use to prevent accidental starting or prior to replacing the disc; Secure grip before starting the grinding machine; Correct posture when operating the angle grinder; A clean and tidy work area at all times, preventing tripping and slipping hazards; Required personal protective clothing and equipment to be worn and used as described below; Metal is not placed on concrete floor to prevent disc coming into contact with concrete causing it to jam and shatter.

Body Posture It is always better to secure the workpiece on a table to ensure correct body posture, however it is understood that this is not always possible if equipment has been installed and

When the workpiece is located higher or lower the risk of injury increases.

bench vice or with suitable clamps. Note: It is prohibited in Mondi to hold the workpiece by hand whilst operating the angle grinder.

These should be placed as close to the work area as possible.

impact rating); Hearing protection; Long sleeved shirt jacket, pants and or overalls; Safety boots with steel toecaps; Level 5 cut resistant gloves.

4 Body Posture It is always better to secure the workpiece on a table to ensure correct body posture, however it is understood that this is not always possible if equipment has been installed and cannot be removed and placed on a workbench. Note: The best position of the workpiece is between shoulders and knee height as indicated below. When the workpiece is located higher or lower the risk of injury increases. Securing of the Workpiece High Risk Zone Lower Risk Zone Medium Risk Zone High Risk Zone To ensure workpieces do not move during cutting or grinding activities, they shall be securely fastened in a bench vice or with suitable clamps. Note: It is prohibited in Mondi to hold the workpiece by hand whilst operating the angle grinder. This behaviour has the potential of fatal or life altering injuries. Supervisors shall ensure sufficient workbenches, bench-vices and clamps are provided for the work to be conducted safely. These should be placed as close to the work area as possible. Personal Protective Clothing & Equipment As a mandatory minimum, the following personal protective clothing and equipment shall be worn when operating the angle grinder: Face shield (appropriate impact rating); Hearing protection; Long sleeved shirt jacket, pants and or overalls; Safety boots with steel toecaps; Level 5 cut resistant gloves. Note: Never wear loose clothing and or loose hanging jewellery when operating an angle grinder. Trained and Authorised Persons. Only trained and authorised persons may operate angle grinders on Mondi premise. Summary It is Mondi s belief that all injuries are preventable and therefore it is of utmost importance that operations implement and enforce suitable controls that will reduce the risk levels and prevent incidents occurring related to the operation and handling of angle grinders. Operation of angle grinders are in nature high risk activities that often have the potential of causing fatal or life altering injuries. Over the years many incidents have occurred on Mondi premises related to angle grinders, with the three most recent ones referred to in this document. Although the three incidents referred to in this document fortunately did not result in any life altering injuries they had the potential of serious injuries. All three did however result in recordable cases and therefore three of our colleagues did not return home without injuries at the end of their shift. Therefore, all operations shall place the necessary focus on ensuring controls and procedures are in place and understood by persons required to operate angle grinders, to prevent any further incidents and injuries taking place.

5 Contract Safe use of Angle Grinders Contact

GENERAL OPERATIONAL PRECAUTIONS PRECAUTIONS ON USING DISC GRINDER

GENERAL OPERATIONAL PRECAUTIONS WARNING! When using electric tools, basic safety precautions should always be followed to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock and personal injury, including the following.