Abrasive Wheels Training

Abrasive wheels are essential cutting tools composed of bonded abrasive particles, designed for grinding and cutting tasks. Common equipment classified as abrasive wheels includes angle grinders, bench grinders, pedestal grinders, cut-off saws, disc cutters, and skill saws.

Unfortunately, nearly half of all accidents involving abrasive wheels stem from unsafe working practices and user error. To address this, it’s crucial that employees who operate these tools receive thorough training, ensuring they always adhere to safe working practices. In line with the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (P.U.W.E.R.), it is a legal requirement for anyone operating abrasive wheels to complete adequate training that proves their competence in safely and compliantly handling this machinery.

Key points

·       Experience: Ideal for delegates who regularly operate abrasive wheels as part of their daily role in industries such as construction, metalworking, woodworking, glass production, stone and quarrying, and automotive repair.

·       Duration: The online course takes approximately 30 minutes to complete, allowing employees to learn at their own pace.

·       Assessment: Includes 10 multiple choice questions, with a pass mark of 80%, allowing participants to check their understanding and reinforce key concepts.

·       Teaching Method: Delivered through an interactive e-learning platform, ensuring participants stay engaged. The course is IOSH Approved, CPD Certified, and SCORM Compliant.

·       Training Requirement: In the UK, training is mandatory for anyone using abrasive wheels at work, as stipulated by the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) 1998. This course meets the standards set by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) under their guidance for the safe use of abrasive wheels.

·       Benefits:

o   Enhances awareness of employee responsibilities and the importance of competency in using abrasive wheels.

o   Compliments practical training with a focus on safe use and maintenance.

o   Developed by highly qualified, experienced health and safety consultants.

o   Summaries at the end of each section to enhance understanding.

Abrasive Wheels Training online – aims and objectives

SOCOTEC’s Abrasive Wheels online training course is designed to introduce delegates to the safe use of abrasive wheels, equipping them with a thorough understanding of the associated hazards and risks. Throughout the course, delegates will learn about the legislative framework, best working practices, and essential control measures to mitigate the risk of injury and ill health when using abrasive wheels.

Outcomes of Abrasive Wheels Training

By the end of the course, delegates will:

• Understand the different types of abrasive wheels and their specific applications.
  Identify the hazards and risks linked with abrasive wheels and understand the necessary safety measures.
• Be able to safely store, handle, transport, inspect, assemble, mount, and use abrasive wheels.
• Recognise when and how to conduct a risk assessment and the appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Be familiar with the relevant legal and regulatory frameworks, ensuring compliance with the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) 1998.

Upon completion, delegates must pass a final assessment consisting of ten multiple choice questions. Those who successfully pass will immediately receive a downloadable and printable Abrasive Wheels certificate.

Who is the Abrasive Wheels online course suitable for?

This course is ideal for employees who use abrasive wheels as part of their daily responsibilities, such as engineers, builders, electricians, carpenters, and project managers. It serves as a solid introduction prior to practical training or as a refresher for those with previous experience. However, this course does not cover the in-depth training required for those mounting abrasive wheels.

Industry Recommendations

While there are no mandatory refresher dates, it is generally recommended by industry best practices that delegates update their knowledge every three years to remain compliant with current legislation and health and safety guidelines.

Abrasive Wheels – course overview

The Abrasive Wheels training course comprises four interactive modules, followed by a final assessment that delegates must complete to successfully pass the course. The modules are as follows:

Introduction to Abrasive Wheels

-          Understanding what abrasive wheels are, their types, and the risks involved.

-          Responsibilities and legal requirements for employers, employees, and manufacturers.

Choosing the Right Abrasive Wheel

o   Selecting the correct abrasive wheel based on task, material, equipment, and specifications.

Abrasive Wheel Safety

o   Identifying hazards, such as explosions, flying debris, and incorrect use.

o   Control measures including proper inspection, handling, storage, and mounting practices.

o   Use of machine guards and PPE.

Employer and Employee Responsibilities

o   Employers’ duties in risk assessments, training, and equipment maintenance.

o   Employees’ obligations to follow safety guidelines to ensure a safe working environment.

If you’re booking e-learning for over 20 people, please use the form below and we will provide you with a quote. For bookings of less than 20, please make your purchase online.

SOCOTEC also offers a face-to-face Abrasive Wheel course, which is available to purchase via this link.