---
title: Safety Advice When Using Cutting-off and Grinding Wheels
description: Ensure that you are fully aware of how to safely use cutting-off and grinding wheels. Here are the do's and don'ts for the safe use of abrasives.
---

[Blackwoods Expert+](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au)

# [Safety Advice When Using Cutting-off and Grinding Wheels](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/flexovit-safety-tips)

 Written by [Flexovit](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/author/flexovit) | 7 February 2022

For your safety you should ensure that you are fully aware of how to safely use cutting-off and grinding wheels. Here are the do's and don'ts for the safe use of these abrasives.

### Cutting-off and grinding wheels are safe if used correctly.

- Always handle and store wheels carefully. All cutting and grinding wheels should be placed on top of each other or stored in the original packaging.
- ###### Always visually inspect all wheels before mounting for possible damage in transit.
- ###### Always use a safety guard and ensure that it is correctly positioned and securely fitted.
- ###### lt should cover at least one half of the wheel and protect the operator in the unlikely event of a wheel breakage.
- ###### Always switch ‘OFF’ the power at supply source and/or remove the plug from the socket before changing the wheel.
- ###### Always use the tools supplied by the machine manufacturer to change the wheel.
- ###### Always ensure that the speed of the machine does not exceed the operating speed marked on the wheel.
- ###### Allow newly mounted wheels to run at operating speed, with the guard in place, for a reasonable time before cutting or grinding.
- ###### Always wear EYE PROTECTION.
- ###### Always wear appropriate safety clothing such as DUST MASK, GLOVES, EAR PROTECTION, OVERALLS AND SAFETY SHOES.
- ###### Always secure the workpiece firmly while it is being cut or ground.
- ###### Grind at an angle above 30 degrees to the workpiece with a depressed centre grinding wheel.
- ###### Keep the working area around cutting and grinding operations clear.

#### Cutting-off and grinding wheels are dangerous if abused.

- ###### Store wheels in a damp atmosphere or in extreme temperatures.
- ###### Mount a damaged wheel.
- ###### EVER exceed the maximum operating speed marked on the wheel.
- ###### Force a wheel onto a machine spindle.
- ###### Tighten the mounting nut or locking flange excessively. Doing so can distort the flanges.
- ###### Use a machine which is not in good mechanical condition.
- ###### Use a machine without a wheel guard.
- ###### Use wheels without proper ventilation or dust protection equipment.
- ###### Stop the wheel by applying pressure to the periphery or face. Always switch the machine off and allow the wheel to stop revolving.
- ###### Allow the wheel to be trapped or pinched in the cut.
- ###### Apply excessive pressure onto the wheel so that the driving motor slows down.
- ###### Grind on the side of cutting-off wheels.
- ###### Grind with a depressed centre grinding wheel at an angle below 30° to the workpiece.
  
  ###### [SHOP FLEXOVIT](https://www.blackwoods.com.au/flexovit/b/557590) <https://www.blackwoods.com.au/flexovit/b/557590>

 

Related Articles

| [Flexovit Manufacturing Cutting & Grinding Wheels in Australia](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/flexovit-cutting-grinding) | [Safety Advice When Using Diamond Blades](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/flexovit-diamond-blades) | [Why You Shouldn't Remove a Guard from an Angle Grinder](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/flexovit-angle-grinder) |
| --- | --- | --- |

 

 

[View full post](https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/flexovit-safety-tips)

```json
{
  "@context" : "http://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "Flexovit"
  },
  "dateModified" : "2025-03-10T21:42:31.576Z",
  "datePublished" : "2022-02-07T21:26:58Z",
  "headline" : "Safety Advice When Using Cutting-off and Grinding Wheels",
  "image" : {
    "@type" : "ImageObject",
    "height" : 750,
    "url" : "https://f.hubspotusercontent30.net/hubfs/7298381/5-faqs-about-abrasives-1628574278%20%281%29-1.jpg",
    "width" : 750
  },
  "mainEntityOfPage" : "https://blog.blackwoods.com.au/flexovit-safety-tips",
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "height" : 60,
      "url" : "/hs/hsstatic/content_shared_assets/static-1.4092/img/default-amp-logo.png",
      "width" : 60
    },
    "name" : "Blackwoods Expert+"
  }
}
```