The Importance of Grinding & Cut-Off Wheel Safety

For some time, grinding wheel manufacturers have been involved in compliance with, and publishing information about, the safe use of these products.

One of these basic documents is the American National Standards Institute ANSI B-7.1 1988 & Addendum entitled "Safety Requirements for the Use, Care & Protection of Abrasive Wheels".

The safe use of abrasive wheels relies upon common sense, and recognition of these two factors:

GRINDING WHEELS CAN BE BROKEN.

ROTATING WHEELS DEVELOP STRESSES, WHICH CAN CAUSE THE WHEEL TO BREAK.

Since wheels can be broken, they must be handled, stored and used with care. Because rotating wheels develop stresses, their safe operating speed must never be exceeded. Ultimately, the user assumes responsibility for carefully selecting, properly handling, and safely using any abrasive grinding or cutting wheel.