Abrasive Wheels Training Certificate Inspection and Storage

Question 1

How should abrasive wheels be stored to prevent damage?

Accepted Answer

In a clean, dry area, supported on racks or in bins, away from extreme temperatures and moisture

Answer

Abrasive wheels should be stored in a clean, dry, frost-free environment on suitable racks or in bins. They must be protected from moisture (which weakens resinoid bonds), extreme temperatures, and physical damage. Large wheels should be stored on edge, small wheels can be stacked flat with separators.

Question 2

What visual defects should be checked for during a pre-use inspection of an abrasive wheel?

Accepted Answer

Cracks, chips, gouges, excessive wear, damaged bore, and missing/illegible markings

Answer

Pre-use inspection should check for cracks, chips, gouges, uneven wear, flat spots, damage to the bore, missing or illegible safety markings (including maximum RPM), and signs of moisture damage. Even new wheels can be damaged during transit and must be inspected.

Question 3

How often should the guards on abrasive wheel machines be inspected?

Accepted Answer

Before each use as part of pre-use checks, and formally at regular intervals

Answer

Guards should be inspected before each use as part of daily/pre-use checks (checking for cracks, correct adjustment, secure fixings) and formally at regular scheduled intervals as part of the planned preventive maintenance programme required under PUWER 1998.

Question 4

What is the shelf life concern with resinoid (resin-bonded) abrasive wheels?

Accepted Answer

The resin bond can deteriorate over time, typically with a recommended shelf life of 3 years from manufacture

Answer

Resinoid (resin-bonded) abrasive wheels have a limited shelf life, typically 3 years from the date of manufacture. The resin bond can absorb moisture and degrade over time, weakening the wheel. Manufacturers mark wheels with a use-by date. Vitrified wheels do not have this issue.

Question 5

What should be recorded in the abrasive wheel register or log?

Accepted Answer

Details of each wheel fitted including type, size, maximum speed, date of mounting, and name of the person who mounted it

Answer

Good practice (and often company policy) requires maintaining records of wheels fitted including: wheel specification, serial/batch number, machine fitted to, date of mounting, name of the appointed person who mounted it, and any issues found during inspection. This provides traceability and audit trail.

Abrasive Wheels Practice Test

Abrasive Wheels Practice Test

Abrasive Wheels Training Certificate Inspection and Storage