Guarding Requirements Flashcards
6 cards from real Abrasive Wheels Training Certificate practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Guarding Requirements flashcards as text
What standard covers the design and testing of guards for portable grinding machines in the UK?
Answer: BS EN 60745 (for handheld motor-operated tools) and BS EN 12413 (for abrasive wheels)
BS EN 60745 is the harmonised standard for handheld motor-operated tools including angle grinders, specifying guard design, dimensions, and testing. BS EN 12413 covers the abrasive product itself. Both are relevant to angle grinder safety — the machine and wheel must each comply with their respective standards.
What does a 'dead man's switch' (hold-to-run control) provide on angle grinders?
Answer: The grinder stops immediately when the operator releases the trigger, preventing continued rotation if the tool is dropped or control is lost
A hold-to-run (dead man's switch) trigger ensures the angle grinder stops immediately when the operator releases grip, for example if they trip, lose control, or are injured. This prevents a dropped spinning grinder from continuing to rotate uncontrolled, reducing contact injury risk. PUWER requires controls that are safe in foreseeable fault conditions.
What additional guarding is required when angle grinding near pedestrians or other workers?
Answer: A spark containment screen or fire blanket placed between the grinding area and other workers, plus warning signs and exclusion zone
Grinding sparks can travel 3–10 metres. Workers in the vicinity must be protected by spark containment screens or fire blankets. An exclusion zone must be established around grinding operations and marked with warning signs. Only authorised workers wearing appropriate PPE should be within the exclusion zone.
What is the purpose of the supplementary side handle on an angle grinder?
Answer: To provide a two-handed grip, improving control and reducing the risk of the tool being pulled out of control by reaction torque or snatch
The supplementary handle allows the operator to control the angle grinder with both hands, providing better control against reaction torque, kickback, and tool snatch. Two-handed operation also keeps the operator's body in a more controlled, balanced position. Using an angle grinder with one hand increases the risk of losing control.
What must be inspected on angle grinder guards before each use?
Answer: Check for cracks, bending, or deformation (which would indicate previous disc burst), check all fixing points are secure, and confirm the guard is correctly positioned and adjusted
Guards must be inspected before each use: cracks, bends, or deformation indicate the guard has already been stressed by a disc burst and may not provide adequate protection in a further incident. Loose fixings could allow the guard to shift during use. A damaged or deformed guard must be replaced before the machine is used.
What is a 'two-stage switch' on an angle grinder and why is it required?
Answer: A switch that requires deliberate actuation in two steps (e.g., squeeze lock-off then pull trigger) to prevent accidental starting, as required by BS EN 60745
A two-stage switch (anti-restart/anti-inadvertent-start switch) requires a deliberate two-step action to start the machine — typically pressing a safety lock-off button before squeezing the trigger. This prevents accidental starting if the machine is dropped, picked up with a hand on the trigger, or has a faulty trigger spring.