A large number of industries use abrasive wheel machinery for all manner of purposes. In many of these industries the abrasive wheel is a piece of equipment that is essential to business operations. This type of machinery however can be extremely dangerous if the operator has not had sufficient training. Without training the abrasive wheel can maim employees and in some cases can even cause death. Thankfully the government’s Health and Safety Executive has set out to ensure all operators undergo training so they can operate the wheels safely.

Training is vital if business owners wish to reduce the instances of injury as a result of abrasive wheel use. Additionally however, the government has put in place legislation that ensures this type of equipment is used safely. This legislation is the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations or PUWAR; it was first released in 1998. Fundamentally the legislation places the responsibility of training and safe usage on the employer; as a result, the employer is liable if they do not ensure all abrasive wheel operators have taken a suitable training course. The legislation is far reaching, it not only covers large businesses but also applies to self employed workers, ultimately it attempts to create a safety standard across a number of industries so that all those using this equipment can do so in a safe manner.

The number of bodies who undertake training courses is large, a variety of institutions conduct courses countrywide. When looking for a company to use it is advisable to research their history, ideally a company that has expansive experience in the field is the one to use. By researching carefully you ensure that your workers have the best training possible meaning that they can use the machinery safely and effectively. As a result of a company having a long history, all of their trainers should be legally qualified and highly knowledgeable.

Most training courses will generally include information that covers all issues concerned with wheel usage as well as ways that employees can protect themselves from potential harm. As well as user information, effective training will give operators the knowledge of how to maintain their equipment so it is always in good working order. Naturally the course should not purely focus on safety measures. A large part of the training should focus on how to use wheels in the most effective way. By having this knowledge employees can not only work safely but produce higher quality work at a faster rate. Ultimately training is an investment in people, ensuring they leave the course more educated than when they entered is the ideal outcome.

The courses normally end with a certification ceremony that gives all attendees who have learnt the required knowledge official documentation that allows them to use abrasive wheels. This is usually in the form of an ID card that can be carried in the wallet, ensuring that you, as an employer are always protected from unannounced inspections of your working area. This is vital as it removes the liability from the employer and puts it squarely on the shoulders of the operator.

As abrasive wheel machinery is ultimately dangerous, training is a vital responsibility of all business managers who use the equipment in their operations. With the arguments around liability more important than ever, ensuring you cover yourself as an employer is essential.

Abrasive wheels are used in all manner of industries; to many job roles the abrasive wheel is an essential piece of equipment that is used on a daily basis. They can however be extremely dangerous without effective training. In fact, it is legally defined that all abrasive wheel operators must have had suitable training in order to operate the machinery. Without this training the abrasive wheel has the potential to seriously maim or even kill. Understandably, health and safety officials have determined a minimum set of standards for all that use this equipment.

Training for those who are inexperienced can help to reduce the instances of dangerous handling and operation of abrasive wheel technology. The piece of legislation that directly relates to the use of this equipment is ‘The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 or PUWER. This legal documentation ensures that all employers have a responsibility to provide adequate training for those operating abrasive wheel equipment. In addition, the regulations ensure that nobody who is ill trained to use an abrasive wheel is able to do so. Even if you are self employed these regulations still apply, attempting to create an industry-wide safety stance to ensure the safe use and storage of these pieces of equipment has been the main objective of the legislation.

Training for abrasive wheel use is carried out by many companies all across the country. Preferably you want to find a training centre that has many years experience in the field of abrasive wheel usage; by doing this, you ensure that the instruction either you or your employees receive is top notch. Making sure your employees are trained by knowledgeable and experienced practitioners is the ultimate objective; in addition, all trainers should be legally qualified to carry out training courses.

The abrasive wheel training course will most likely include the following elements, although this is no way an all encompassing list of the issues surrounding wheel use. Firstly the trainer will most likely give pupils information of the features of abrasive wheels and fundamentally how to protect yourself while using the equipment. Also the course should give advice not only how to use the equipment safely but also to make sure that it is maintained in a way that keeps it safe and in good working order.

The course should not however solely focus upon safety aspects. Understandably you want your employees to come back from the course with knowledge of how to use the equipment efficiently, minimising wear of the wheel and maximising the finish you eventually reach. Along with these aspects, the training will naturally touch on the inclusions in the work regulations for this piece of equipment.

The course will not only cover training however, a vital part of your legal responsibilities as an employer is to ensure your employees are suitably qualified. Thankfully the course will normally include an assessment procedure that will give all who attend certification and proof of their eligibility to work with abrasive wheels. Once an inductee has reached this standard they will be able to operate the equipment safely and effectively, normally all trainees will be given an ID card that proves their eligibility to work. It is vital this card is always with them on site to ensure that if a site inspection occurs, you as an employer are covered in terms of any legal aspects.

As previously stated abrasive wheels can be dangerous, but with effective and efficient training you can ensure your employees are suitably qualified to use the equipment safely. As an employer your legal responsibilities today are greater than ever, by ensuring you employees are trained you negate this legal responsibility and ensure that in the eyes of the law your operation is fulfilling all criteria.