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In this edition of “Ask the Expert”, two of 3B Training’s experienced instructors share insights from the frontlines of the Abrasive Wheels course. From expired tools to misunderstood PPE, two of our experienced trainers, Cathryn and John, explain the most common pitfalls and why formal training is so important for safety and compliance.
Q: What’s the biggest mistake you see when it comes to abrasive wheel use?
Cathryn: The biggest problem when using abrasive wheels is choosing the wrong disc for the wrong material – and the continued use of expired wheels.
John: Removing the handle from Angle grinder (it’s classified as a two handed piece of machinery). Leaving the wheel on the machine. Not checking the wheel prior to use.
Q: Are people still using damaged or expired wheels?
Cathryn: Delegates are generally aware of not using damaged wheels, but delegates are unlikely to be checking the dates of discs.
John: Unfortunately yes, most people who sit the course do not know that abrasive wheels have out of dates stamped on the wheel itself.
Q: What’s the most common misconception that delegates are surprised to learn on the Abrasive Wheels course?
Cathryn: Common misconceptions are the risk of injury when the tools are used incorrectly.
John: The disk itself has a date stamped on it and this is its use by date. If it’s out of date then you must not use it. Also using the correct blade for the material to be cut.
Q: What is something you learn in an Abrasive Wheels course that you can’t ‘pick up’ from experience?
Cathryn: Delegates learn about long-term health hazards that are irreversible. Replacing older equipment with newer equipment would reduce these effects.
John: What to look for in regard to the wheel itself, damage contamination and out of date wheels.
Q: How often is tool maintenance overlooked?
Cathryn: Delegates are aware not to use damaged wheels, but are less likely to carry out scheduled inspections.
John: All the time. The condition of some of the equipment I have come across is terrible. The course covers the condition of the equipment and as to why it is so important to check it before every use.
Q: What about PPE? Is it an issue that you flag often?
Cathryn: PPE is generally used correctly. However, respiratory protection equipment (RPE) has the most misunderstandings. It is the most likely to be used incorrectly and poorly maintained.
John: Wearing the correct PPE when using the abrasive wheel equipment helps to prevent injury to the eyes and ears and also protects the lungs from the dust that is created. I get told all the time by the delegates on the course that they don’t wear it as often as they should or not at all.
Q: Why is the Abrasive Wheels course so important?
Cathryn: Abrasive wheel course training is important to improve workplace safety and comply with legislation.
John: The training course shows the importance of following what is laid out in guidance and in the regulations. It’s there to help the user of the abrasive wheel equipment keep safe while using it. It’s the main part I believe is to show them and instil into their mindset that they are at work, and no injury is worth it just to get the job done.
Working with abrasive wheels might seem routine, but as our expert reminds us, routine can be risky when basic checks are missed or training is outdated. From recognising tool expiry dates to using the right disc for the right job, every detail matters.
Training not only reduces injuries – it protects long-term health and ensures you stay on the right side of workplace regulations.
Explore 3B Training’s Abrasive Wheels courses to refresh your knowledge, address common mistakes, and keep your site safe and compliant.
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