Angle Grinder Safety Checklist

Posted by Katy | Toolstop on 1st Jan 2021

Angle Grinders are an essential tool for many trades, but they can also be very dangerous if not used correctly. That is why we have created this Grinder Safety Checklist to show you all the main Angle Grinder Safety Tips. For all Angle Grinder Safety Precautions, keep reading!

Angle Grinder Safety - Why is it so important?

Being safe when using an Angle Grinder is a no-brainer. However, as we all know, over-familiarity with our power tools can lead to sloppiness, and sloppiness with a grinder can mean very serious injury. This Toolstop University Guide will take you through a basic, but essential Angle Grinder Safety Checklist to help keep you safe on the site.

A point to note when buying grinder discs is to make sure that the rpm rating matches or exceeds the rpm of your tool. You can check out our complete guide to angle grinders here to find out more.

How to Stay Safe when using an Angle Grinder

It’s imperative that you follow all of the manufacturer’s guidelines and adhere to all on-site Health and Safety instructions for grinder use, including wearing the appropriate PPE. Click here for the list of Corded Grinders that we currently have in stock for next day UK delivery!

Step 1: Inspect the power cord and the plug

Be on the lookout for damage to the plug such as bent pins. The label on your grinder will indicate the voltage of the machine, this should correspond to the plug fitted and the fuse.

Then inspect the power cord. The best way to do this is to run your fingers down the cable, looking out for splits or cracks in its insulated sleeve. Make sure the cord is unplugged first.

Now carefully examine the grommet that attached the power cord to the grinder. There shouldn’t be any exposed cables or wires.

Grinder Safety Checklist

Step 2: Inspect the body of the grinder

Now we’re on the lookout for damage to the body of the grinder itself. Pay particular attention to the vents; these should be clear of debris and dust, etc.

Test the switch of the grinder making sure it works as the manufacturer intended. The grinder’s side handle should be properly attached, and again, examine this for any damage.

Next, look at the guard. This should, again, not show signs of damage and should be attached to the grinder securely. It also should be the correct guard for the grinder you’re using and shouldn’t be modified in any way.

Angle Grinder Safety Precautions

Step 3: Inspect the flanges

The flanges are a vitally important part of your grinder, obviously. These should be in good working order and undamaged. If you’ve performed all of these checks, you’re ready to fit the grinding or cutting disc to the grinder.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to do this, not over tightening the disc. Spin the disc with your hand a few times, making sure it’s been fitted correctly and it isn’t camming out.

You’re now ready to start using your grinder! We’ve got a whole video that walks through the above steps, courtesy of Makita and Toolstop University. You can watch it below: