Australian workplace guide
Abrasive wheel and angle grinder safety
Select compatible wheels, keep guards in place and use safe work procedures for grinding and cutting.
Choose suitable equipment
Use a wheel compatible with the machine and the intended task. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the wheel, guard, flange and mounting arrangement. Check the rated speed and do not use damaged wheels.
Use the correct tool and guard
Keep the guard correctly fitted. Use a cutting disc only for its intended cutting task, and use a grinding disc for grinding. Never fit circular saw blades to an angle grinder.
Prepare and carry out the work
Assess sparks, dust, noise, kickback, electricity and nearby flammable materials. Secure the workpiece, use the correct handle and follow the employer’s safe operating procedure. Operators need suitable information, instruction, training and supervision.
Further guidance
- SafeWork NSW — Safe use of abrasive wheels
- WorkSafe Victoria — Do not use angle grinders as power saws
Online awareness training supports learning. It does not replace workplace-specific risk controls, instruction, supervision or any required licence or nationally recognised training.