Summary / Introduction
This course is aimed at providing operators with the skills and knowledge required to safely operate a machine which uses abrasive wheels for cutting and/or grinding operations. This is an assessed course which will enable the learner to understand the principles of abrasive wheels, understand the possible hazards and manage health and safety. The learner will be able to select the appropriate wheel for the job and safely operate and maintain an abrasive wheel machine.
Target Audience
Anybody who is or will be required to operate a machine which uses abrasive wheels for cutting and/or grinding operations. This may include, but is not exclusive to, those involved in industries such as agriculture; arboriculture/forestry, construction/fencing, environmental, conservation, facilities management, highways, horticulture/landscaping, local authority and utilities.
Product Objectives
At the end of this course the learner should be able to:
- Identify the health and safety requirements for abrasive wheel operation
- Carry out a risk assessment and implement control measures, including emergency procedures
- Understand the legislative requirements and responsibilities of abrasive wheel operations
- Understand the characteristics of abrasives and their uses
- Understand and interpret the marking system of abrasive wheels
- Understand how to handle and store abrasive wheels
- Understand how to select and check abrasive wheels before use
- Understand and identify what speeds should be adhered to in wheel selection
- Identify the main components and understand their functions
- Mount an abrasive wheel and /or a diamond wheel
- Understand the difference between truing and dressing a wheel (bench grinders)
- Dress a wheel and identify dressers (bench grinders)
- Adjust work rests correctly (bench grinders)
- Use operating precautions and be aware of avoiding hazardous conditions
- Carry out daily maintenance on petrol powered machines (disc cutter and cut-off saws)
- Operate the equipment in a safe and appropriate manner.