Learn how to safely operate an abrasive wheel machine in just one day.

Overview in brief

This is a whistle-stop tour of the key safety aspects you need to be aware of when operating a machine fitted with abrasive wheels. 

It covers both theory and hands-on practice.

You’ll learn all about the essential safety regulations you need to know and how to protect yourself with the right clothing.

You’ll also cover how abrasive wheels work, how they’re constructed and why it’s important to select the right speed for the job.  And to keep them in tip-top condition, we’ll even show you how to look after and store them.

Then you’ll have the chance to practise operating the abrasive wheel machine that you’ve brought along with you. You’ll be cutting into stone and metal and may also use a resinoid wheel with water.

The finer details

 The course covers the following theoretical and practical sessions:

• Introduction
• Abrasive wheel safety and the law
• Personal protective equipment (PPE)
• The abrasive wheel
• Speed
• Inspection, handling, transportation and storage
• Machine and wheel components.

Practical session- will depend upon your type of abrasive wheel machine:

• Bench mounted grinder
• Hand held electric driven grinder/disc cutter
• Bench mounted cut-off saw
• Hand held engine driven disc cutter. 

Who should attend?

Anyone needing to operate a machine with abrasive wheels for cutting and grinding operations. 

This course is ideal for you if you work in any of these industries- agriculture; arboriculture/forestry, construction/fencing, environmental, conservation, facilities management, highways, horticulture/landscaping, local authority and utilities.

What will be covered?

At the end of this course, you’ll be able to:

• Identify the health and safety requirements for abrasive wheel operation
• Carry out a risk assessment and implement control measures, including emergency procedures
• Understand the legislative requirements and responsibilities of abrasive wheel operations
• Understand the characteristics of abrasives and their uses
• Understand and interpret the marking system of abrasive wheels
• Understand how to handle and store abrasive wheels
• Understand how to select and check abrasive wheels before use
• Understand and identify what speeds should be adhered to in wheel selection
• Identify the main components and understand their functions
• Mount an abrasive wheel and /or a diamond wheel
• Understand the difference between truing and dressing a wheel (bench grinders)
• Dress a wheel and identify dressers (bench grinders)
• Adjust work rests correctly (bench grinders)
• Use operating precautions and be aware of avoiding hazardous conditions
• Carry out daily maintenance on petrol powered machines (disc cutter and cut-off saws)
• Operate the equipment in a safe and appropriate manner.