A worker was using a hand-held 5-inch angle grinder while working on a wrought iron gate when the abrasive wheel broke and pieces flew off. One piece cut into the worker’s thigh, severing a large artery. The worker collapsed from the blood loss and later died. The accident investigation found that the abrasive wheel that broke was rated for a maximum of 6,110 rpm but the angle grinder was rated at 10,000 rpm. As well, the abrasive wheel was larger than 5 inches in diameter, preventing the installation of the guard provided with the grinder. Click Here for this OUTSTANDING one-page safety alert from Workers’ Compensation Board of British Columbia, a “Partner in Safety” with SAFTENG.net.
