17.4.2 Grinder Safety

Follow these safety guidelines when working with grinders:

Ensure that no combustible or flammable materials are nearby that could be ignited by sparks from the grinder wheel.
Ensure that a guard covers at least 270 degrees of the grinding wheel on bench-mounted machines.
Periodically check grinder wheels for soundness. Suspend the wheel on a string and tap it. If the wheel rings, it is probably sound. A dull sound indicates cracks in the wheel.
Place the grinder tool rest 1/8 inch from the wheel and slightly above the center line.
Allow the grinder to reach full speed before feeding material into the grinding position. Faulty wheels usually break at the start of an operation.
Unless otherwise designed, grind on the face of the wheel.
Use a locking plier or clamp to hold small pieces.
Slowly move work pieces across the face of a wheel in a uniform manner. This will keep the wheel sound, and maintain a flat cutting surface.
Do not grind non-ferrous materials.
Replace wheels that are badly worn or cracked.
Never use a wheel that has been dropped or received a heavy blow, even if there is no apparent damage.
Before using a new wheel, let it run a few seconds at full speed to make sure it is balanced.