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What is abrasive wheel training?
Abrasive wheel equipment refers to tools and machinery which have a rotating wheel or disc with an abrasive surface, such as those used in cutting, grinding, polishing or shaping different materials. Examples of tools with abrasive wheels include:
- Angle grinders
- Bench grinders
- Table saws
- Circular saws
- Tile cutters
These tools can be dangerous if not used properly, with the right protective equipment and precautions. So, abrasive wheels training is a course designed to help those who use, maintain and replace these tools as part of their job to do so safely.
Why are abrasive wheel courses needed?
Regulations in the UK, specifically the Provision and Use of Work Equipment 1998 Regulations (PUWER), specify that employers need to ensure anyone who mounts abrasive wheels is adequately trained, both in practical instruction and theoretical knowledge, to safely handle this kind of equipment. If an employer fails to provide access to this training, they risk prosecution and large fines, along with increasing the risk of employees having accidents, which could have devastating consequences.
As well as the legal compliance reasons for ensuring employees using abrasive wheels are properly trained to do so, it’s also health and safety best practice to train staff properly on this equipment to promote a safer workplace and reduce the risk of incidents. Some of the common risks associated with abrasive wheels include:
- Cuts and burns
- Wheel breakage when misused
- Entanglement
- Eye injuries from flying particles
The right abrasive wheels course can help ensure that employees can:
- Identify early signs of equipment wear or damage
- Choose the right wheel for the right task
- Operate the equipment correctly to protect themselves and those around them
Who might benefit from an abrasive wheels training certificate?
Anyone whose work involves the use or fitting of abrasive wheels can benefit from this course, including:
- Those working in building/construction
- Engineers
- Metal fabricators
- Workshop staff
- Maintenance technicians
- Plant operators
- Grounds maintenance staff
- Road and utility workers
- Those responsible for safety compliance
What you’ll learn in our abrasive wheels course
By the end of this workshop, learners will be able to select, mount and use abrasive wheels safely. Through a mixture of instructor-led learning, group discussions, and practical demonstrations, learners will be able to demonstrate they can:
- Meet regulatory compliance and mitigate hazards: Learners will be able to identify relevant regulatory requirements for safe equipment use and will be trained to recognise and mitigate potential hazards effectively.
- Store, handle and transport abrasive wheels safely: Participants will learn best practices for storing, handling, and transporting tools and materials to ensure safety and prevent equipment damage.
- Inspect and test equipment: Learners will understand various testing and inspection techniques to detect equipment damage and assess safety and functionality.
- Understand component functionality and learn proper mounting techniques: Participants will gain knowledge of component functions and develop skills in correct mounting and balancing techniques to ensure operational safety and performance.
- Maintain and use abrasive wheel equipment safely: Learners will learn to dress an abrasive wheel correctly and adjust the tool rest to maintain effective and safe tool operation.
The benefits of abrasive wheels training for employers
Keeping employees and others safe is always the primary motivation for employers, ensuring their workers undertake the right abrasive wheels training course, but other benefits include:
- Legal compliance: demonstrating your commitment to meeting PUWER obligations and avoiding potential enforcement action.
- Enhanced workplace safety: reducing the risk of injuries caused by accidents at work.
- Increased productivity: with properly trained staff able to use abrasive wheels tools and equipment with confidence, along with reduced equipment downtime due to effective maintenance and early spotting of any damage.
Why choose the PfP Thrive abrasive wheels training course?
Here at PfP Thrive, we know that hands-on equipment training is most effective when it’s delivered face-to-face by experienced instructors.
Our trainers combine technical expertise with engaging teaching methods, meaning we are ideally placed to deliver actionable training courses with industry-leading best practice. Some of the things that help set our training apart include:
- We offer affordable training, with this course costing just £35 per learner
- Our in-person training is delivered by instructors with real-world experience of using abrasive wheels and related equipment in the workplace
- We deliver hands-on training, using real equipment in applicable contexts
- We offer various UK training locations nationally, or on-site delivery if required
- Our course is fully compliant with HSE and industry standards
- Our short, three-hour course can usually be integrated easily into your organisation’s schedule, helping to minimise operational disruption while your team receive this essential training.
Get started: Book your team onto our abrasive wheels course. Enquire now.
Find out more
Get started: book your Abrasive Wheel training course today
Whether you need on-site training, nationwide coverage, or custom solutions for abrasive wheel training solutions that are tailored to your business, we’re here to help.
Price: £35pp
Enquire now about our abrasive wheel training to find the best course for your team, and equip your workforce with skills that keep them safe.
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