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DEPRESSED CENTRE WHEELS FOR GRINDING WITH A VERTICAL GRINDER

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These products are resinoid depressed centre grinding wheels and flap discs.

These wheels improperly used can be dangerous: They run at up to 80 m/s on vertical grinders and can eject parts at a speed of 288 km/h (180 mph) in case of breakage. FEPA has designed this page to provide the essential safety recommendations for use of depressed centre wheels on vertical grinders, with maximum diameter of 180 mm.

Abrasive Products

Safety recommendations for the use of depressed centre wheels for grinding with vertical grinders

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

Dos & Don’ts for these products

Soon available

What is a safe product? What should I look for?

■ FEPA recommends that only wheels conforming to EN 12413 or EN 13743 and marked as such should be used.

■ Wheels not bearing an EN number 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?14A

All depressed centre wheels are fragile. They should be handled with care.

Wheels 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).

14B

How should I fit the wheel on the machine?14C

Follow carefully the instructions given in the machine handbook.

Never fit a wheel which is loose or too tight on the flange.

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.

14D

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?14E

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.

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.

14F

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 grinding machine handbook 
  • The FEPA general safety principles leaflet (see above)
  • The FEPA safety leaflet for this specific application (soon available)
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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.

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