Abrasive wheels are widely used across construction, manufacturing, and engineering environments, but improper use can lead to serious injuries including wheel breakage, kickback, and contact injuries. Our Abrasive Wheels course is designed to provide participants with the knowledge and skills required to safely select, mount, and use abrasive wheels in compliance with current safety legislation and best practices.

This comprehensive one-day programme combines theoretical classroom instruction with practical hands-on exercises, ensuring participants leave with the confidence to operate abrasive wheel equipment safely.

Who Should Attend?

This course is suitable for anyone who fits abrasive wheels to work equipment or uses work equipment fitted with abrasive wheels. Typical attendees include:

• Maintenance and engineering staff

• Construction workers using angle grinders or cut-off saws

• Manufacturing and production operatives

• Site supervisors and managers responsible for equipment safety

• Anyone required to mount abrasive wheels as part of their role

No formal entry requirements are necessary, making this course accessible to all levels of experience.

Course Content

Our Abrasive Wheels training covers all key elements outlined in health and safety guidance, including:

Legislation and Responsibilities

• Overview of current regulations and legal duties for employers and employees

• Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) requirements

Abrasive Wheel Composition and Selection

• Grinding wheel composition, classification, and coding systems

• Wheel specification and marking systems

• Selecting the correct wheel for the material and task

Safe Handling and Storage

• Proper storage, handling, and transportation of abrasive wheels

• Inspection and testing for damage before mounting

Mounting and Assembly

• Correct mounting procedures including flanges, blotters, and balancing

• Wheel balancing and fault finding

Safe Operation

• Safe working practices when changing and using wheels

• Hazards arising from use including wheel breakage and contact injuries

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements including eye protection

Practical Elements

• Hands-on mounting demonstrations and assessment

• Method of dressing wheels

• Recognising equipment faults and damage

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Identify hazards and risks associated with abrasive wheels and describe appropriate safety precautions

• Correctly select, inspect, handle, mount, and maintain abrasive wheels in compliance with current regulations

• Understand wheel markings, specifications, and speed ratings

• Demonstrate safe operation of abrasive wheel equipment, including correct PPE use

• Assemble abrasive wheel units correctly to ensure they are balanced and safe to use

Assessment and Certification

Participants are assessed through:

• Theory assessment – multiple-choice knowledge test

• Practical assessment – observed demonstration of correct wheel mounting and safety procedures

Successful candidates will receive a Safety Response Training certificate of attendance, valid for 3 years. This certification demonstrates compliance with training requirements under current health and safety legislation.