Basic safety when using diamond cup wheels

Always wear eye, hearing and dust protection! Wear a respiratory mask if necessary!
Consider using a PAPR (powered air purifying respirator). For more info on silica, see Safe Work Australia's info here.

Careless or improper use of a cup or flap wheel could cause personal injury!

• Ensure you are wearing the correct personal protective equipment. If dry grinding, use a PAPR (powered air purifying respirator).
• Make sure your work area is safely away from other workers, pedestrians, animals or any flammable materials
• Do not use any tools if damage is suspected
• Beware of sun damage to the operator
• Have a fire extinguisher and first aid kit nearby
• Do not force the wheel onto a machine or alter the arbour size in anyway. Do not use a wheel if the arbour is a loose fit
• Install the cup wheel with the arrow pointing in the rotation direction of the tool
• Use a cup wheel that is suitable for the machine and the material to be cut
• Ensure you do not exceed the maximum RPM rating for the wheel
• Check the cup wheel for suitability before grinding dry
• Check diamond cup wheel for damage before installing
• Check machine condition before performing any grinding operations
• Check condition of cup wheel regularly
• Check all electrical cords and plugs (if applicable) and protect them from water. Always use an RCD
• Never grind with the safety guards removed
• Do not side grind unless the wheel is specifically designed for that purpose
• Be aware of fume build up even in open buildings
• When workers saw, cut, crush, drill, grind or polish products that contain silica, particles are created, which are one-hundredth of the size of a grain of sand. These can get  stuck deep in the lungs. Ensure precautions to limit exposure to dust are in place.
  Use a half face respirator or a PAPR (Powered air purifying respirator). See the WA government's info on silica dust here.
• If you are grinding wet, the slurry created can dry out and create a hazard for other users - dispose of slurry as per your local regulations.

Recommended and maximum  speeds for discs:

This NSW Government video explains in 3 minutes the dangers of working with silica dust.
It also  shows how to manage the risks involved when working with silica dust.

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However, the information is provided on the basis that the reader will be solely responsible for assessing the information and its veracity and usefulness. UDT shall in no way be liable, in negligence or howsoever, for any loss sustained or incurred by anyone relying on the information, even if such information is or turns out to be wrong, incomplete, out-of-date or misleading.