FLAT REINFORCED BONDED WHEEL FOR CUTTING OFF WITH A PETROL SAW
Terminology: Reinforced resinoid wheels may also be named as cutting wheels, cutting discs, flex wheels, flex discs.
Reinforced resinoid wheels improperly used can be very dangerous: wheels run at up to 100 m/s on petrol saws and can eject parts at a speed of 360 km/h (225 mph) in case of breakage. FEPA has designed this page to provide the essential safety recommendations for use of reinforced resinoid wheels on petrol saws, with diameter 300mm to 400mm.
Safety recommandations for the use of reinforced resinoid wheels for petrol saws
80% of the accidents are due to a misuse of the abrasives products. Theis website has been realised by the FEPA experts to spare the end-users to get hurt while using this kind of products.
FEPA General Safety Principles
What is a safe product? What should I look for?
■ FEPA recommends that only products conforming to EN 12413 and marked as such should be used.
■ Reinforced resinoid wheels not bearing EN 12413 may not conform the highest safety standards
■ Before selecting the wheels, ensure that the expiry date has not been exceeded.
■ All wheels should be examined carefully for damage or defects before fitting on the machine.
How should I handle and store the wheels?3A
■ All abrasives wheels are fragile. They should be handled with care.
■ Wheel should be stored on a flat, rigid surface, avoiding damp and frost or wide variation in temperature.
■ Use the oldest wheels (on “first in, first out” basis)
3B
How should I fit the wheel on the machine?3C
■ Follow carefully the instructions given in the machine handbook.
■ Never fit a wheel which is loose or too tight on the spindle.
■ Tighten only with the tool supplied with the machine.
■ Ensure the wheel is properly gripped to prevent slippage, but do not tighten with excessive force. Never use a hammer.
■ Keep flanges and screw threads clean and free of burrs and rust.
■ Replace distorted or damaged flanges before fitting the wheel.
■ Run all wheels after fitting for at least 30 seconds at operating speed keeping behind the guard in case the wheel breaks.
■ Refer to the FEPA recommended mounting check list.
3D
How should I protect myself?
FEPA recommends the use of following personal protective equipment (often written PPE):
- Eye protection
- Ear protection (ear sets)
- Hand protection (gloves)
- Lung protection (dust mask, also called respirator)
■ Never remove the protective machine guard and make sure it is properly adjusted to deflect debris away from you.
■ Ensure that no other person is at risk, especially near the machine while working.
How should I handle the wheel after use?3E
■ Before storing the machine or transporting it to another location, always remove the wheel and store it as recommended.
■ Always carefully examine the wheel for damage or defects, and destroy and discard if damaged.
■ Do not fit worn-out wheels on a smaller machine. Destroy them.
■ If the wheel does not bear a legible expiry date, or has exceeded this date, dispose it as recommended below.
■ When disposing of worn out or defective wheels, it is recommended to damage them to prevent someone from removing them from waste and re-using them.
3F
How can I get proper training?
■ It is a legal requirement for all employees involved in the use of abrasives wheels to be properly trained and also re-trained on a regular basis. They should consult their employer if they have not received this training.
■ The wheel manufacturer or supplier can advise you on suitable accredited training providers.
■ As a private consumer, you should read carefully the safety information found in:
- The cutting-off machine handbook
- The FEPA general safety principles leaflet (see above)
- The FEPA safety leaflet for cutting and grinding wheels with petrol saws: soon available
This website is intended to give information on safe use of abrasives in compliance with European standards, and not to give advice on product selection. You should read the information given on the product or its packaging to determine suitability. For any specific question, contact the retailor who supplied you the product.