Abrasive Wheels Training Certificate PPE and Risk Assessment 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What type of hearing protection may be required during prolonged abrasive wheel operations?
- No hearing protection is needed as grinding is quiet
- Ear defenders or ear plugs conforming to BS EN 352 when noise exceeds 80 dB(A) (Correct answer)
- Cotton wool in the ears is sufficient
- Hearing protection is only needed above 100 dB(A)
Correct answer: Ear defenders or ear plugs conforming to BS EN 352 when noise exceeds 80 dB(A)
Under the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005, hearing protection must be made available at 80 dB(A) (lower exposure action value) and must be worn at 85 dB(A) (upper exposure action value). Abrasive wheel operations commonly exceed these levels. Protection must conform to BS EN 352.
Question 2: Which of the following is a key control measure to reduce dust exposure during dry grinding operations?
- Opening a window
- Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) fitted at the point of dust generation (Correct answer)
- Sweeping the floor regularly
- Working faster to reduce exposure time
Correct answer: Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) fitted at the point of dust generation
Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) is the primary engineering control for reducing dust exposure during dry grinding. LEV captures dust at the point of generation before it can enter the operator's breathing zone. Under COSHH, LEV systems must be examined and tested at least every 14 months.
Question 3: What must a suitable and sufficient risk assessment for abrasive wheel use include?
- Only the names of employees who will use the equipment
- Identification of hazards, who might be harmed, evaluation of risks, control measures, and review date (Correct answer)
- Only the manufacturer's safety data sheet
- A photograph of the abrasive wheel
Correct answer: Identification of hazards, who might be harmed, evaluation of risks, control measures, and review date
Under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, Regulation 3, a suitable and sufficient risk assessment must identify hazards, identify who might be harmed and how, evaluate the risks and decide on control measures, record significant findings, and set a review date.
Question 4: When is respiratory protective equipment (RPE) required during abrasive wheel operations?
- Never, as dust from grinding is not harmful
- When engineering controls such as LEV cannot adequately control dust exposure below workplace exposure limits (Correct answer)
- Only when grinding lead-based materials
- RPE is only recommended, never required
Correct answer: When engineering controls such as LEV cannot adequately control dust exposure below workplace exposure limits
RPE is required under COSHH when exposure to hazardous dust cannot be adequately controlled below workplace exposure limits (WELs) by other means such as LEV. RPE must be suitable for the hazard, properly fitted (face-fit tested for tight-fitting masks), and maintained.
Question 5: Under the Hand Arm Vibration Regulations 2005, what is the daily exposure action value for hand-arm vibration?
- 1.0 m/s²
- 2.5 m/s² (Correct answer)
- 5.0 m/s²
- 10.0 m/s²
Correct answer: 2.5 m/s²
The daily exposure action value (EAV) for hand-arm vibration is 2.5 m/s² A(8). Above this level, employers must introduce a programme of controls. The exposure limit value (ELV) is 5.0 m/s² A(8), which must not be exceeded. Angle grinder use is a common source of HAV exposure.
Question 6: What should be done if a risk assessment identifies that an abrasive wheel operation presents a fire risk from sparks?
- Ignore it as sparks are a normal part of grinding
- Remove combustible materials from the area, provide appropriate fire extinguishers, and use spark guards/screens (Correct answer)
- Stop all grinding operations permanently
- Only grind during the night shift when fewer people are present
Correct answer: Remove combustible materials from the area, provide appropriate fire extinguishers, and use spark guards/screens
When sparks present a fire risk, control measures include removing combustible materials from the work area, providing appropriate fire extinguishers (typically CO2 or dry powder), using spark guards and screens, and ensuring a hot work permit system is in place where appropriate.
Abrasive Wheels Training Certificate PPE and Risk Assessment 2
What type of hearing protection may be required during prolonged abrasive wheel operations?