Grinding machine

Grinding machines are meant to ease the burden of labour for employees and increase the speed at which production work is done. Employers should ensure that their grinding machines are in good, sound and effective condition by subjecting them to a time to time inspection by skilled assessors.

Grinding machines have a huge potential of causing occupational injuries which can vary from cuts, loss of body parts and even worse, death. As many aspects of grinding machines need to be examined, a thorough risk assessment is a must.

Most grinding machines are electrically operated. Bad electrical connections in the machinery cables can pose as a dangerous safety hazard for the user and the surroundings hence; it should be ensured that the connection socket is safe. A risk assessment should also establish if the electric cables are free of cracks and that there are no exposed wires. The just mentioned hazards could contribute to an electric shock, or worse, the electrocution of an employee.

Guards are not negotiable for grinding machines. Grinding machines have components that move and rotate at high speed when in operation. It is important that a risk assessor establishes if guards are fitted firmly and if they enclose the moving parts to avoid items or body parts from getting stuck in the machinery while the machine is in use. Health and safety officials should, while conducting a risk assessment, ensure that worn out or loose guards are replaced or given attention as soon as they are identified to avoid unnecessary incidents or injuries.

A proper grinding machine should have a grinding wheel that is mounted by means of metal flanges, with a layer of material between the flange and the wheel. It should be established if such organisation is the one that grinding machines have and if the material in-between is thick enough to prevent any contact between the wheel and the flange.

Different grinding machines operate at different speeds. It is essential that employers ensure that they are equipped with relevant grinding machines for the nature of their job. Operators should adhere to the recommended operation speed. The operation speed should be clearly labelled on the machine. The label should also give other important information such as the dimensions of the wheel that should be used. A risk assessment should ensure that all grinding machines are labelled and are used according to the stipulations of the manufacturer.

Is there a notice at every grinding machine with regards to the wearing of eye protection? This is a question that employers should always ensure that they answer it with a 'yes'. Employers should ensure that they not only put up notices but also provide the necessary eye protection where required. They should even go as far as ensuring that employees wear the supplied safety goggles during production hours. As flying particles pose a serious threat to the safety of an employee operating the machinery, as well as bystanders, nobody without eye protection should be allowed in the vicinity of an operational grinding machine. Sparks that result from a grinding process could also contribute to affected eye sight in the long run if eyes are not protected. Additionally, sparks could cause a fire, hence it is important that the immediate vicinity is cleared of any flammable contents and that fire-extinguishers are on stationed nearby.

Employers should ensure that where eye protection is not provided, at least all machinery is firmly fitted with shields in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications. These would also help safe-guard the employee from the hazards associated with the machinery. Also, to achieve maximum safety, employers should ensure that the shields are positioned in a correct position so that they save their purpose.

Machinery and equipment is an employee's friend. But they will rely on health and safety inspectors to ensure this 'friendship' can work out for the best.