Most motor mechanics and panel beaters use an angle grinder ten times before lunch. Rusted exhaust bolts, seized brake calliper carriers, panel cuts during repair work, scratch-removal on alloys - the grinder is the second tool out of the box every morning. Under SI 36/2016, every one of those tasks is regulated abrasive-wheel work, and every operator needs an in-date certificate.
The motor trade reality
Irish motor trade workshops range from one-person operations to large dealer groups. The HSA's enforcement focus on small workshops has increased every year since 2022, driven by repeated injury data showing motor trade hand and eye injuries from grinder use.
Typical motor-trade abrasive-wheel tasks
- Cutting seized exhaust bolts and brake hardware.
- Cutting and dressing exhaust pipework.
- Removing rust from chassis points before welding.
- Cutting and grinding panel sections during accident repair.
- Sanding alloy wheel face for refurbishment.
- Wire-brushing flange surfaces before gasket fit.
- Tyre bead area dressing during tyre fit.
The hazards specific to motor trade
- Vehicle suspended on lift - dropped tools and parts can become projectiles.
- Hot exhaust components - thermal contamination of discs.
- Fuel and brake fluid proximity - sparks plus volatiles equals fire risk.
- Electric vehicle high-voltage systems - never grind near orange HV cables.
- Confined working positions - under-vehicle work limits PPE choice and sightlines.
- Asbestos in older brake assemblies - pre-2000 vehicles may carry asbestos linings; never grind without identifying the material first.
EV-specific cautions
Electric vehicles introduce additional risks. High-voltage cables (orange jacket, 200-800 V DC) must be isolated by an EV-trained technician before any grinding work. The high-voltage battery enclosure must never be cut or ground without manufacturer-approved procedure.
PPE for the motor mechanic
- Wraparound safety glasses with face shield for cuts overhead (most under-vehicle cuts).
- FFP3 mask when grinding old brake components or rusted exhaust.
- SNR 25+ hearing protection.
- EN 388 cut-B gloves.
- Safety boots with metatarsal protection.
- Fire-resistant coverall when working near fuel lines or fuel tanks.
Why HSA inspectors visit motor trade workshops
Three triggers:
- An injury reported through GP or A&E.
- A whistleblower complaint.
- A scheduled regional sweep.
In every case the inspector will ask to see training records and a safety statement. Motor trade workshops without current Abrasive Wheels Certificates routinely receive Improvement Notices.
How motor trade workshops train efficiently
- Buy a bulk pack on the team training portal.
- Send each technician through the course on their phone, in shop downtime.
- Issue a one-page written authorisation per technician once their certificate appears.
- Store the PDFs in the safety statement folder.
Sole-trader mechanics
One-person workshops are still subject to the same SI 36/2016 duties - the sole trader is both employer and employee. Buy your seat on the Abrasive Wheels Course for EUR 35 and you are fully compliant inside an hour.
Get certified
Click through to the Abrasive Wheels Course and you can have a site-ready, insurer-friendly certificate by the end of the working day.
