Belt grinders are powerful tools that help fabricators remove unneeded material. They reach greater speeds than belt sanders, allowing them to grind away even the densest metals. It’s crucial that metalworkers follow adequate safety guidelines while handling belt grinders. The effective fabrication tool can cause employee harm and damage products if not operated correctly. Kaka Industrial reviews belt grinder safety tips to follow and enforce in your own fabrication shop to maximize staff safety.
How To Work With Belt Grinders Safely
- Metalworkers should always wear safety glasses, goggles, or a face shield when operating a belt grinder. Protective eyewear safeguards the operator’s sight, preventing sparks of metal from injuring their eyes.
- Confirm the belt grinder is switched to “Off” before connecting the machine to its power supply.
- Perform routine inspection on the belt grinder’s key component: the belt. You should replace worn or frayed belts.
- Have spatial awareness. Your hands should always stay away from the grinding belt. You’ll use both hands to operate the machine—one on the front handle knob and the other on the trigger switch.
- Regularly clean away dust from the belt grinder’s motor and vents. Frequent cleaning is essential to fire prevention and machine longevity.
What To Avoid While Operating Belt Grinders
- Do not use a belt grinder without a well-running dust collector or exhaust system. Empty your collector when it reaches a quarter full of dust. Neglecting to use an exhaust or collector while operating creates an explosion hazard.
- Do not cover or block the grinder’s air vents. This can cause it to overheat, posing another fire hazard.
- Do not overreach. Adjust your position as needed, always keeping proper footing and balance.
- Do not operate on unsecured materials. Loose metal is likely to cause injury. To remain in control of your products, clamp them down before using the belt grinder on them.
Finding the Right Belt Grinder
In addition to having access to belt grinder safety tips to follow, fabricators should feel comfortable with their equipment. A huge portion of your fabrication shop’s productivity and safety relies on equipment efficacy. Faulty and unkempt tools are often the sources of preventable metalworking injuries. Thoughtfully invest in durable machines and maintenance that prioritize company success and wellbeing.
If you’re looking to stock your workplace with durable and reliable fabrication machinery, consider Kaka Industrial. We have a wide inventory of metal belt grinders, so you’re sure to find one that suits any and every project’s requirements. Get in touch with the Kaka Industrial team today for more information on our high-quality metalworking machines.