Proforma Safety LLC – Houston, TX| Safety consultants to oil and gas, petrochemical industries, onsite HSE representation, safety training, auditing and inspections.

Proforma Safety, LLC

Proforma PSI…when performance counts.

Angle Grinder Accident is a Reminder to Read the Manual

As a contractor was prepping a 3" piece of stainless steel pipe with a new 4" angle grinder, the disk spool spun off the grinder and skittered across the floor, fortunately without damage to life or property.

The good news was the contractor was wearing PPE at the time. The bad news was the manufacturer had introduced design changes to this particular model that made the assembly process slightly different. The contractor had not retained the manual or instructions, thinking it was exactly like others in the shop. When he began to attach the grinding wheel, he did not notice that the assembly was not fitting properly, but believed it secure. Soon after starting the grinder, the lock nut holding the grinding wheel detached from the shaft and released the wheel.

It was determined that a spacer that was installed on the shaft should only be installed when using the cut-off disk, not a grinding disk with a screw-on hub. The grinding disk with the screw-on hub can not be securely attached to the grinder.

Lessons learned

Manufacturers provides manuals for a reason. Always retain the instruction manual and read it!

When a new tool is introduced to a shop, responsibility should be delegated to someone who will take ensure all personnel will receive proper training or instructions in the use of the tool.

When purchasing a tool, make sure it’s the right tool for the job, i.e. cut-off tool versus angle grinder, cut-off disk versus grinding disk.