Abrasive Wheels Training Certificate Inspection and Storage — Questions and Answers
Question 1: How should abrasive wheels be stored to prevent damage?
- Stacked flat on a concrete floor
- In a clean, dry area, supported on racks or in bins, away from extreme temperatures and moisture (Correct answer)
- Hung on nails through the bore hole
- Left on the workshop bench for easy access
Correct answer: In a clean, dry area, supported on racks or in bins, away from extreme temperatures and moisture
Abrasive wheels should be stored in a clean, dry, frost-free environment on suitable racks or in bins. They must be protected from moisture (which weakens resinoid bonds), extreme temperatures, and physical damage. Large wheels should be stored on edge, small wheels can be stacked flat with separators.
Question 2: What visual defects should be checked for during a pre-use inspection of an abrasive wheel?
- Only check that the wheel is the correct colour
- Cracks, chips, gouges, excessive wear, damaged bore, and missing/illegible markings (Correct answer)
- Only check the manufacturer's logo is present
- Visual inspection is not necessary if the wheel is new
Correct answer: Cracks, chips, gouges, excessive wear, damaged bore, and missing/illegible markings
Pre-use inspection should check for cracks, chips, gouges, uneven wear, flat spots, damage to the bore, missing or illegible safety markings (including maximum RPM), and signs of moisture damage. Even new wheels can be damaged during transit and must be inspected.
Question 3: How often should the guards on abrasive wheel machines be inspected?
- Only when a new wheel is fitted
- Before each use as part of pre-use checks, and formally at regular intervals (Correct answer)
- Once a year during the annual service
- Guards do not need inspection as they are permanent fixtures
Correct answer: Before each use as part of pre-use checks, and formally at regular intervals
Guards should be inspected before each use as part of daily/pre-use checks (checking for cracks, correct adjustment, secure fixings) and formally at regular scheduled intervals as part of the planned preventive maintenance programme required under PUWER 1998.
Question 4: What is the shelf life concern with resinoid (resin-bonded) abrasive wheels?
- Resinoid wheels have no shelf life concerns
- The resin bond can deteriorate over time, typically with a recommended shelf life of 3 years from manufacture (Correct answer)
- They must be used within 24 hours of opening the packaging
- They improve with age like fine wine
Correct answer: The resin bond can deteriorate over time, typically with a recommended shelf life of 3 years from manufacture
Resinoid (resin-bonded) abrasive wheels have a limited shelf life, typically 3 years from the date of manufacture. The resin bond can absorb moisture and degrade over time, weakening the wheel. Manufacturers mark wheels with a use-by date. Vitrified wheels do not have this issue.
Question 5: What should be recorded in the abrasive wheel register or log?
- Only the purchase price of each wheel
- Details of each wheel fitted including type, size, maximum speed, date of mounting, and name of the person who mounted it (Correct answer)
- Just the date of disposal
- No records are required for abrasive wheels
Correct answer: Details of each wheel fitted including type, size, maximum speed, date of mounting, and name of the person who mounted it
Good practice (and often company policy) requires maintaining records of wheels fitted including: wheel specification, serial/batch number, machine fitted to, date of mounting, name of the appointed person who mounted it, and any issues found during inspection. This provides traceability and audit trail.
Question 6: During inspection, what does excessive vibration of an abrasive wheel typically indicate?
- The wheel is running at optimal speed
- The wheel may be out of balance, cracked, unevenly worn, or incorrectly mounted (Correct answer)
- The machine needs more lubrication
- The workpiece is too soft
Correct answer: The wheel may be out of balance, cracked, unevenly worn, or incorrectly mounted
Excessive vibration can indicate several problems: the wheel is out of balance, has developed a crack, is unevenly worn, is incorrectly mounted, or the spindle bearings are worn. The machine should be stopped immediately and investigated, as vibration increases the risk of wheel failure.
Abrasive Wheels Training Certificate Inspection and Storage
How should abrasive wheels be stored to prevent damage?