Portable grinders – hand safety
- Safety Flash
- Published on 18 October 2016
- Generated on 26 December 2024
- IMCA SF 28/16
- 2 minute read
A member has reported on a review of abrasive wheels on board a chartered vessel as a part of abrasive wheel training delivery, in which there were a number of significant faults found with portable hand grinders. These required urgent and immediate attention.
The three issues illustrated below cover the appropriate and proper safe use of power tools:
Worn disc and as new disc 9″ Grinder with 5″ disc fitted
Our member noted the following:
- Grinders and grinding discs should never be used in this manner.
- Grinding discs should be inspected before use to ensure that they are in acceptable condition and are the correct size, type and rating for the grinder.
- There have been many fatalities caused by incorrect discs being used – many due to the disc shattering at speed.
- Only trained and competent personnel should use abrasive wheels.
- If you aren’t sure, ask!
Whilst no cause for complacency, it is instructive to note that incidents involving inappropriate use of hand-held grinders tend to be further in the past, possibly indicating that lessons have been learnt in recent times. Returning to those lessons is nevertheless an entirely appropriate use of time and resources.
IMCA Safety Flashes summarise key safety matters and incidents, allowing lessons to be more easily learnt for the benefit of the entire offshore industry.
The effectiveness of the IMCA Safety Flash system depends on the industry sharing information and so avoiding repeat incidents. Incidents are classified according to IOGP's Life Saving Rules.
All information is anonymised or sanitised, as appropriate, and warnings for graphic content included where possible.
IMCA makes every effort to ensure both the accuracy and reliability of the information shared, but is not be liable for any guidance and/or recommendation and/or statement herein contained.
The information contained in this document does not fulfil or replace any individual's or Member's legal, regulatory or other duties or obligations in respect of their operations. Individuals and Members remain solely responsible for the safe, lawful and proper conduct of their operations.
Share your safety incidents with IMCA online. Sign-up to receive Safety Flashes straight to your email.