With any kind of construction work or manual labour staff are required to go through rigorous training, because they are in close proximity or are expected to use tools that without training could be a detriment to their health or life. Simple training such as ladder training may seem like a trivial course, when in actual fact this is a necessity as without the sound knowledge of using a ladder puts the users' life at great danger and could even be fatal.
One of the most important and yet dangerous tool of them all is the abrasive wheel. Abrasive wheel training is an absolute must for all users, simple knocks or a lack of understanding could cause a very risky accident. The machine itself needs plenty of skill and strength to use, as it is easy to lose your grip and consequently lose control. There are rules and legal regulations to using an abrasive wheel, which are always included in all of the abrasive wheel training courses.
The training course itself is not just about how to use an abrasive wheel safely, but also what to do in the event of an emergency and how to prevent accidents from occurring. As training is a legal requirement for anyone needing to use an abrasive wheel, it is imperative that the user enrols onto a certified course that is run by experts. Under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER), all employers have the responsibility to ensure adequate training is given to the staff, before setting them out to work with the piece of equipment. This regulation also applies to self-employed individuals.
An abrasive wheel training course normally lasts for a day and covers all aspects from usage to safety equipment. On a typical course candidates are expected to begin with a detailed lesson on the laws and regulations to using an abrasive wheel, how to conduct a risk assessment, the hazards and dangers of using a wheel, and using protective clothing and equipment. The start of the course is imperative to beginners and new employees, as all experienced users will have almost memorised the regulations.
The next stage to the training will be focussed on the actual abrasive wheel, how it works, what a grinding wheel is, the difference in the speed of an abrasive wheel, different model types, different bond types and the typical specifications to the cutting process. In depth knowledge of this is essential for the effective use of a wheel and prevention of any accidents that may be caused from a lack of understanding of how this works. As many of these come in different speed setting, a lot of emphasis is placed on how to handle each one.
Next is the understanding and knowledge of safe storage and handling of the equipment. Whilst it is important to know how to use an abrasive wheel, it is equally as important to know how to pack it away without damaging the wheel. Furthermore it is also important to know how to fully inspect and test one of these before usage, which is why a lot of time is spent on going over this point.
The training will then proceed to the machine controls, work area, condition of the floor, the condition of the bearings and the provision and guarding of the work rests. The final part of the training will conclude with a recap, including dressing of the wheel, wheel balancing, assessing personal protective equipment, correct mounting and removal of the wheel, and a demonstration of the cutting and grinding technique. This is followed by a written test exam and ended with a review. All users are expected to pass, otherwise they are not authorised to use the wheel when at work. Legally they can be removed from the work area if sufficient documentation is not presented.
Author Resource:-
Anna Stenning is an expert on abrasive wheel training having researched into the kind of knowledge users must have before applying to work with this equipment.
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