RA-HS27 Cutting Abrasive Wheels
| File Reference : | RA-HS27 Cutting Abrasive Wheels |
This example risk assessment has been prepared using the
F-HS20 General Risk Assessment form template - a purpose-built template designed to focus entirely on what matters: identifying hazards, rating risk and recording controls, without any unnecessary fields getting in the way.
The file is supplied in fully editable MS Word format and can be easily customised and saved to Google Docs format if required. The document uses pre-defined style formatting throughout with styles to match the risk-ratings which are input using select boxes pre-populated with all possible risk ratings. All text is in Calibri font for improved readability.
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Cutting and Abrasive Wheel Operations Risk Assessment
This fully completed cutting and abrasive wheel operations risk assessment example has been prepared by a qualified health and safety professional. It covers a typical range of hazards, risks and associated control measures for the use of abrasive wheels, cutting discs and grinding discs on angle grinders, bench grinders and disc cutters and can be used as a starting point when developing your own risk assessment documentation.
What Does This Abrasive Wheel Risk Assessment Cover?
This risk assessment identifies the key hazards associated with cutting and abrasive wheel operations including;
- Abrasive wheel disintegration — fracture of a defective or overrated wheel at speed, projecting high-velocity fragments causing penetrating injuries
- Contact with rotating abrasive wheel — hands or body contacting the running wheel causing severe lacerations and degloving
- Noise from abrasive wheel operations — high noise levels causing noise-induced hearing loss and tinnitus
- Dust and fumes — fine silica dust, metal dust and welding fumes during grinding causing silicosis and occupational asthma
- Eye injury from sparks and swarf — sparks and hot metal particles causing eye burns and permanent eye damage
Each hazard includes an inherent risk rating ranging from Moderate to Substantial, and a comprehensive listing of applicable control measures covering areas such as;
- Abrasive wheels mounted only by certificated operatives; ring test before mounting; maximum speed never exceeded
- Guard correctly adjusted; tool rest within 3mm on bench grinders; work piece clamped not freehand
- Face shield and supplementary safety glasses; exclusion zones around grinding operations
- Noise risk assessments, low-noise wheel selection and hearing protection zones
- On-tool extraction or wet suppression; RPE (minimum FFP3) for silica and metallic dust
- Bystander screens, barriers and signed exclusion zones for all grinding work
A residual risk rating is then assigned to each hazard, demonstrating how effective risk management reduces overall risk to a tolerable level.
A Professional, Easy-to-Use Risk Assessment Template
This document uses colour-coded header styles matched to risk ratings, making it quick to read and easy to communicate during toolbox talks and worker training. A built-in risk rating matrix supports consistent evaluation of likelihood and consequence, and hazard pictograms using internationally recognised ISO warning symbols are included alongside relevant hazard entries — improving clarity and helping to highlight risks and mandatory controls.
The result is a completed risk assessment that looks professional, reads clearly, and demonstrates a structured and effective approach to risk management.
Who Is This Risk Assessment Template Suitable For?
This cutting and abrasive wheel operations risk assessment template is suitable for health and safety advisers, workshop supervisors, maintenance managers and any employer with a duty to assess risks under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) 1998 and applicable abrasive wheels regulations. It can be implemented as a standalone document or as part of a broader occupational health and safety management system aligned with ISO 45001.
Note: This example risk assessment is supplied for use as guidance only and should be reviewed and completed by a competent person.