PLANT & EQUIPMENT - SAFE OPERATING PROCEDURE

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File Number

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PLANT /EQUIPMENT NAME ANGLE GRINDER

LOCATION School of Agriculture, Food & Wine workshops and field sites. TASK OR ACTIVITY Preparation of metal components for welding processes SOP PREPARED BY
NAME POSITION SIGNATURE

Terry MacKenzie Ben Pike Joern Nevermann

AFW HSO Technician Technician HAZARD IDENTIFICATION RESIDUAL RISK

SEE RISK ASSESSMENT # DATE OF RISK ASSESSMENT -

Med

SAFE OPERATING PROCEDURE

DO NOT OPERATE THIS ITEM OF PLANT IF;

YOU HAVE NOT COMPLETED THE COMPULSORY UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY INDUCTION COURSE, THE LOCAL AREA INDUCTION AND/OR POSSESS THE REQUISITE TRADE QUALIFICATIONS OR TRAINING COMPETENCY QUALIFICATION FOR THIS ITEM OF PLANT. ANGLE GRINDERS ARE CONSIDERED TO BE ONE OF THE MOST HAZARDOUS TOOLS THAT CAN BE USED IN ANY WORKPLACE AND SHOULD ONLY BE USED IF NO SAFER ALTERNATIVE IS AVAILABLE.

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT REQUIRED

REFERENCE DOCUMENTATION: University of Adelaide Policy & Procedure Plant & Equipment School of Agriculture, Food & Wine Hot Work Procedures School of Agriculture, Food & Wine Confined Space Procedures School of Agriculture, Food & Wine Field Work Procedures

PLANT & EQUIPMENT - SAFE OPERATING PROCEDURE

1. SITE PREPARATION: 1.1. Ensure that the area around the grinding process is clear of people. Remember that a stream of sparks from an angle grinder can travel many metres and cause injury to a third party. Where possible use welding screens to contain the sparks. CAUTION Where possible welding screens should be used to contain the sparks. 1.2. Ensure the work area is clear of all slip and trip hazards 1.3. Ensure that the work area is clear of all flammable or combustible materials. 1.4. Ensure that you have applied for a Hot Work Permit and it is displayed in the work area. INFORMATION Hot Work Permits may be obtained from the office of the Technical Services Coordinator or from the School web site at 2. EQUIPMENT PREPARATION: 2.1. Check the external surfaces of the tool including the power cable and plug to ensure there are no breaks or defects. Any defective equipment should be tagged out of service and repaired before it is used again. INFORMATION Out of Service tags may be obtained from the office of the Technical Services Coordinator 2.2. Check the disk for obvious faults and defects. Replace any discs that show any defects or that you consider may be unsafe to use. Discard the suspect disks into a rubbish bin, do not leave them lying around to be used inadvertently or by another person. HAZARD - Due to the high spindle speed of an angle grinder, damaged or weakened disks may fly apart during use putting the operator or bystanders at risk of injury. 2.3. Check the Electrical Safety Test Tag to ensure the equipment has been tested and is in date. If the tool is out of test, it should not be used and tagged out of service until the next testing period. 2.4. Ensure the trigger mechanism operates correctly prior to plugging in the tool or turning it on. 2.5. Ensure ELCB is connected especially when using the tool in combination with an extension cord. 2.6. Ensure that all guards and handles are in place and secure. Any defective equipment should be tagged out of service and repaired before it is used again. 2.7. Ensure that all required PPE is in good condition and correctly fitted. INFORMATION Advice regarding the selection and fitting of PPE may be obtained from the office of the Technical Services Co-ordinator. 2.8. Keep a fire extinguisher and/or knapsack at hand. 3. WORK PREPARATION: 3.1. Ensure that the work piece is clamped or held securely, preferably in a bench vice. 3.2. Where possible all grinding procedures should be carried out at about waist height. 4. OPERATION: 4.1. Ensure you have a firm grip of the grinder with both hands as it will kick at start-up. Angle grinders should never be used with one hand. 4.2. Ensure you have a comfortable posture and your feet are firmly placed. 4.3. Switch on the grinder and allow it to run up to full speed before you start grinding. 4.4. While grinding, do not force the wheel onto the work as this will cause the wheel to dig-in and may result in kick-back.
S:\Science\AgFood&Wine\OHS Supervisors\Ben Pike\Safe Operating Procedures\Angle Grinder.docx Produced By T MacKenzie Date Produced 28 February 2010 Date of Next Review - 30 July 2012

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PLANT & EQUIPMENT - SAFE OPERATING PROCEDURE

4.5. Use even and controlled strokes while grinding, do not bump the disk onto the work piece or allow it to strike against any objects as this will damage the disk. 4.6. Use the flat of the disk, do not use the radial edge of a disk to grind with. 5. DISK CHANGING & ADJUSTMENT: 5.1. Isolate the power to the tool before adjusting or changing a disk or undertaking any adjustment. 5.2. Use the correct tools for any disk changing or adjustment operation. 6. SHUT-DOWN AND CLEAN-UP: 6.1. Ensure the disk has completely stopped before putting the grinder down. 6.2. Check area for smouldering debris. 6.3. Store grinder in its designated area. 6.4. Put away any other tools and equipment used. 6.5. Place all off-cuts into waste bins provided and return any material to the stock racks. 6.6. Sweep down workbenches and sweep the floor to remove any grinding dust.

S:\Science\AgFood&Wine\OHS Supervisors\Ben Pike\Safe Operating Procedures\Angle Grinder.docx Produced By T MacKenzie Date Produced 28 February 2010 Date of Next Review - 30 July 2012

Version 1.0

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