Buffing Wheel Machine Guarding Requirements

Buffing wheel machines are commonly used in manufacturing, as well as in school design and technology departments. The spinning buffing wheel is used to polish and remove imperfections from metal products. Because of the rotation speed of the buffing wheel, safety is paramount, and guarding requirements are stipulated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. These guarding requirements must be adhered to whenever using a buffing wheel machine.

Instructions

• 1

  Check the guard for cracks or other damage. Ensure that the safety guard is affixed to the buffing wheel machine, where possible, and secured elsewhere if not possible. The guard should not obstruct the worker or be a hazard in itself.

• 2

  Make sure that the end flanges of the buffing wheel are covered by the safety guard. The nut and spindle should also be covered by the guard. However, OSHA regulations do allow for the flange ends to be exposed if the work provides a suitable measure of protection to the operator.

• 3

  Wear protective eye glasses or a face shield whenever using a buffing wheel machine. The velocity of the wheel means small pieces of metal are constantly being flung up at your face. Therefore, it is imperative you guard your eyes at all times when using the buffing wheel machine.