Abrasive Wheels Terms and Glossary.

B

Biomechanics

The study of the mechanical laws relating to the movement or structure of living organisms. In Abrasive Wheels, biomechanics helps us understand how forces affect the body during abrasive wheel use and handling tasks.

Base of Support

The area beneath a person that includes every point of contact with the supporting surface. A wider base of support (feet shoulder-width apart) provides greater stability during abrasive wheel use.

C

Centre of Gravity

The point at which the entire weight of a body may be considered as concentrated. Keeping your centre of gravity low and over your base of support improves stability when abrasive wheel use.

Cumulative Trauma

Injury that develops gradually over time due to repeated small stresses rather than a single incident. Many abrasive wheel injuries are cumulative rather than acute.

E

hand-arm vibration (HAVS) prevention

The science of designing and arranging things so people can use them efficiently and safely. Ergonomic workstation design reduces work-at-height risks.

Environment

In the risk assessment for abrasive wheels, the E stands for Environment - the physical conditions where Abrasive Wheels takes place, including space, flooring, lighting, and temperature.

H

HSA

Health and Safety Authority - the national body in Ireland with responsibility for securing health and safety at work. The HSA enforces health and safety legislation and provides guidance on Abrasive Wheels.

Hazard

Something with the potential to cause harm. In Abrasive Wheels, hazards include elevated working positions, unstable stance on an angle grinders, repetitive movements, and poor environmental conditions.

L

Load

In the risk assessment for abrasive wheels, the L stands for Load - the object being handled. Assessment considers the load's weight, size, shape, stability, grip points, and contents.

Lumbar Region

The lower back region of the spine, consisting of the five lumbar vertebrae. This area is most vulnerable to abrasive wheel injuries.

Lordosis

The inward curve of the lumbar spine. Maintaining the natural lordotic curve during abrasive wheel use helps protect the spine from injury.

M

Mounting

The act of fitting an abrasive wheel to a spindle, including fitting flanges, blotters and tightening the nut to the correct torque. Under SI 36/2016 Regulation 30, only operators authorised in writing by their employer may mount a wheel.

Machine Guard

The fixed or adjustable cover that encloses the non-working portion of an abrasive wheel. On bench and pedestal grinders it must cover at least 180 degrees of the wheel. On angle grinders the guard must always be fitted and positioned between the operator and the work.

Maximum Operating Speed

The peripheral speed - expressed in m/s or RPM - marked on every wheel under EN 12413. A wheel must never be run above its marked maximum operating speed. Overspeed is the most common cause of wheel burst.

P

Posture

The position and alignment of the body. Good posture during Abrasive Wheels means maintaining the natural curves of the spine and avoiding awkward positions.

Power Zone

The area between mid-thigh and mid-chest height where lifting is safest and most efficient. Loads should be kept in this zone when possible.

R

Risk Assessment

The process of identifying hazards, evaluating the risk of harm, and determining appropriate control measures. Employers must conduct risk assessments for work-at-height tasks.

Repetitive Strain

Injury caused by repeated movements that stress the same muscles, tendons, or joints. Repetitive Abrasive Wheels without adequate rest can cause cumulative joint strain.

S

SI 36/2016

The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application)(Amendment) Regulations 2016. Commonly known as the Abrasive Wheels Regulations, SI 36/2016 sets the Irish legal requirements for wheel selection, safe mounting, guarding, PPE, inspection and written authorisation.

Safe System of Work

A procedure that results from systematic examination of a task to identify all hazards and defines safe methods to ensure hazards are eliminated or risks minimised. For abrasive wheels this includes correct wheel selection, mounting, guarding, PPE and operator authorisation.

Ring (Sound) Test

A pre-use check on vitrified (bonded) wheels. The wheel is suspended and tapped gently with a non-metallic object at four points. A clear ringing tone indicates the wheel is sound. A dull or dead sound means the wheel is cracked and must be destroyed.

T

TWE Framework

A risk assessment framework for abrasive wheel tasks: Task - Wheel - Environment. Assessing these three factors identifies the right wheel, the right guard, the right PPE and the right controls for every grinding or cutting operation.

Truing

Restoring the running concentricity of a wheel so it runs true on its spindle. Truing is done with a dressing tool on the wheel face. A wheel that is out of true vibrates, loads the bearings and is a leading cause of early wheel failure.

Type 27 / Type 41 / Type 42

EN 12413 wheel shape codes. Type 27 is a depressed-centre grinding wheel (side use). Type 41 is a flat cutting wheel (edge use only - never side-load). Type 42 is a depressed-centre cutting wheel. Using the wrong type is a common cause of wheel burst.

W

Warm-up

Preparatory activities that increase blood flow to muscles and improve flexibility before physical work. Warming up reduces injury risk during Abrasive Wheels.

Work-Related Upper Limb Disorder (WRULD)

A range of conditions affecting muscles, tendons, and nerves in the hands, wrists, arms, shoulders, and neck. Also known as repetitive strain injury (RSI).