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by Les Oldridge AIRTE, AMIMI
The Abrasive Wheels Regulations 1970 (2)
, AS I STATED last week, the new law concerning "grinders" came into operation on April 2 1971. Regulation 6 deals with the speed of abrasive wheels. Wheels of more than 55 millimetres (2.165in.) must have the manufacturer's maximum permitted speed in revolutions per minute clearly marked on the wheel or its washer. Where smaller wheels are used a notice stating their maximum permitted speed must be permanently fixed in the room where they are used.
In the case of a "mounted wheel or point" the permissible overhang must also be stated.
"Mounted wheel or point" is defined in the Regulations as a wheel or point consisting in either case of abrasive particles held together by mineral, metallic or organic bonds whether natural or artificial and securely and permanently mounted on the end of a mandrel or quill.
"Overhang" means that part of the mandrel or quill which is exposed between the collett in which the mandrel or quill is held and the part of the abrasive material nearest to the collett. Where the grinding is not carried out in any one room, for example when portable tools are used, the notice must be displayed at some point where it can be easily read by workmen engaged in the grinding processes.
The maximum stated speed must not be exceeded. Where the diameter of the wheel has been reduced (when it has worn down seems to be the most likely reason for this happening) then the speed of the wheel may be increased proportionally.
As well as controlling wheel speeds, the new Regulations also deal with the speed
of spindles on which the abrasive wheels are mounted. There must be on these machines a notice indicating the maximum work ing speed of the spindle; where there is more than one spindle speed then each speed must be shown and if the machine has a variable speed control then the maximum and minimum speed must be displayed. The maximum speed must not be exceeded.
The occupier of premises where grinders are used must, when required by a factory inspector, provide all facilities and inform ation for determining the working speed of any shaft, spindle, pulley or other appliance which is used to operate an abrasive wheel.
The speed of every air-driven spindle used for grinding must be controlled by a governor or other device so that the maximum speed is not exceeded and these governors must be properly maintained.
All practicable steps must be taken to ensure that any abrasive wheel used is suit able for the work for which it is used so as to reduce the risk of injury. Wheels must be properly mounted. No workman using a grinder must wilfully misuse or remove any guard or misuse any protection flanges or rests for workpieces. Full and proper use must be made of safety devices and any defect must be reported forthwith to the appropriate person.
Training
Regulation 9 deals with the training and appointment of persons employed to mount abrasive wheels. No person must mount these wheels unless:—
(a) he has been trained in accordance with the Regulations; (b) he is competent to carry out the duty;
(c) he has been appointed by the occupier of the premises to carry out that duty on that particular type of wheel; every such appointment must be entered in a register kept for the purpose or on a certificate attached to a register and signed and dated.
Every person appointed to carry out these duties must be given a copy of the entry in the register or on the certificate.
The training must include suitable and sufficient instruction in the following matters in relation to each type of wheel the trainee is to be responsible for:—
(1) Approved advisory literature relating to the mounting of abrasive wheels.
(2) Hazards arising from the use of abrasive wheels and precautions which should be observed.
(3) Methods of marking abrasive wheels as to type and speed.
(4) Methods of storing, handling and transporting abrasive wheels.
(5) Methods of inspecting and testing abrasive wheels to check for damage.
(6) The functions of all components used with abrasive wheels, including flanges, bushes and nuts used in mounting and including knowledge of the correct and incorrect methods of assembling all components and correct balancing of abrasive wheels.
(7) The proper method of dressing an abrasive wheel.
(8) The adjustment of the rest of an abrasive wheel.
(9) The requirement of the Regulations.
Many technical colleges, supported by Industrial Training Boards, are running short courses on this subject and fleet operators would be well advised to send one or two members of their repair staff on such a course so that they can be properly trained. Unless some action on these lines is taken I cannot see how the appointment of a member of staff to mount the wheels can be properly made.