Abrasive Wheels Training Certificate Angle Grinder Safety & PPE

Question 1

What PPE is mandatory when using an angle grinder?

Accepted Answer

Safety goggles or face shield, hearing protection, dust/fume RPE (minimum FFP2), leather or cut-resistant gloves, and safety footwear; high-visibility clothing if near traffic

Answer

Safety spectacles only — goggles are not required for brief grinding tasks

Answer

Hearing protection only — eye protection is optional if the guard is in place

Answer

RPE is only required when grinding stainless steel

Question 2

Why should leather gloves be worn rather than standard work gloves when using an angle grinder?

Accepted Answer

Leather provides protection against hot sparks, abrasion from the disc if accidental contact occurs, and vibration transmission reduction; synthetic gloves can be grabbed by the disc and drawn in

Answer

Cotton gloves are safer than leather as they do not conduct heat

Answer

Gloves of any type are not recommended as they reduce dexterity

Answer

Rubber gloves provide the best electrical insulation when using electrical power tools

Question 3

What is 'kickback' on an angle grinder and how does it occur?

Accepted Answer

Sudden violent rotation of the grinder opposite to the disc rotation direction when the disc binds, catches, or pinches in the workpiece — caused by cutting through thin sections or using worn discs

Answer

A slow backwards movement of the grinder when pressure is released

Answer

A vibration pattern caused by an unbalanced disc

Answer

A safety feature that stops the disc when excessive pressure is applied

Question 4

What is the safe technique for cutting with a thin cut-off disc to avoid disc breakage?

Accepted Answer

Apply light, steady pressure; never twist or lever the disc sideways; allow the disc to cut freely in a straight line; use two hands on the machine

Answer

Press firmly into the cut to minimise the cutting time

Answer

Rock the disc slightly from side to side to clear the cut

Answer

Allow the disc to do the work by holding the grinder with one hand only

Question 5

What respiratory protective equipment (RPE) face piece is required when dry grinding stainless steel?

Accepted Answer

A minimum of FFP3 disposable respirator or half-face P3 respirator, as stainless steel grinding produces hexavalent chromium — a confirmed carcinogen

Answer

FFP1 disposable is sufficient for all metalworking operations

Answer

RPE is not required if local exhaust ventilation is provided

Answer

A full-face air-purifying respirator with A2 organic vapour filter

Question 6

What is the safe procedure when an angle grinder disc jams or stalls during cutting?

Accepted Answer

Release the trigger immediately, hold the machine firmly until the disc fully stops, then withdraw the stopped disc from the cut before investigating the jam

Answer

Increase motor power by pressing harder to free the jam

Answer

Quickly twist the grinder sideways to free the disc

Answer

Switch off and immediately pull the disc backwards out of the cut while it is still rotating