Hoegert Guide: cutting and grinding with an angle grinder. How to do it efficiently and safely?
An angle grinder is a versatile tool, ideal for grinding, brushing, polishing and removing rust. It works well for smoothing irregularities in stone and removing burrs from metal. Some metal surfaces, especially around welds or cuts, may have sharp points and edges that can be smoothed with a grinding disc. An angle grinder is also suitable for cutting metal, stone, concrete and ceramic tiles. With a variety of accessories it can be used for grinding, polishing and cleaning.
How to ensure safety while working with an angle grinder?
What is proper cutting with an angle grinder? How to grind different materials correctly? These concepts cover not only the art of making straight cuts without burrs and cracks, but also taking care of your own safety and that of bystanders. Therefore, before starting work it is worth following basic safety rules. Cutting with an angle grinder can generate harmful dust, and flying particles of the worked material and red-hot metal filings can cause burns or bodily injury. So how should you properly prepare for the job?
Appropriate clothing for cutting with an angle grinder
It is worth preparing the appropriatePPE (safety clothing) for working with an angle grinder in advance. Which protective clothing matters most here?
Sparks and metal filings are particularly dangerous for the eyes. Therefore, the basic equipment for an angle grinder operator should besafety goggles. An alternative can be a clear protective face shield that covers the entire face.
The skin of the hands is also at risk of burns. Therefore, you should always wearprotective gloves. They will also protect against cuts when lifting cut pieces – these may have burrs and sharp edges.
Rising dust, especially in enclosed spaces, can be hazardous to the respiratory system. It is worth wearinga protective half-mask when cutting bricks, walls and other dusty materials.
Other clothing elements should fit close to the body. Loose parts of clothing can get caught in the grinder during operation.
Preparing the work area
Before answering the question how to cut correctly with an angle grinder, you must properly prepare the work area. On the one hand this is very important for safety, on the other it provides greater comfort and makes cutting easier.The best place to work with an angle grinder is a workbench in a workshop. However, materials are often cut or ground away from the workshop. In such cases you must ensure a stable position for the item being cut. It is very important to tidy the area around the workspace. Pay special attention to flammable materials that can ignite from sparks.Finally, make sure that during work no one will need to pass near you. This way you won’t have to watch the surroundings and can focus on making the cut correctly.
Check the angle grinder before you start cutting
Before turning on the device, it is worth inspecting it carefully to check whether it is ready for work. A few simple questions will help:
Is the appropriate disc installed for cutting or grinding the given material? We provided more information on choosing the right discs later in the article.
Is the disc mounted correctly and is the nut tightened all the way?
Is the disc guard installed?
Is the auxiliary handle screwed on tightly and stable?
Often one look is enough to make sure everything is ready for work. However, if you do not yet have experience, spend more time thoroughly checking the angle grinder. Any signs of damage to the device should also raise concerns.
Selecting the disc for cutting and grinding
Depending on the material and the task, different types of discs are used. When changing them it is worth disconnecting the device from the mains, and in the case of cordless grinders, removing the battery. This prevents the device from starting accidentally while changing accessories. Which discs are most commonly used?
A grinding disc is suitable for coarse grinding of metal or stone materials. They are not suitable for processing plastic or wood.
Fiber discs are covered with a layer of abrasive. They are suitable for working on any material.
A flap disc, used as an alternative to a coarse disc, has attached abrasive flaps. This construction guarantees a better ground surface, with fewer visible grooves.
A disc made of hard metal alloys, like a steel disc, is used for working wood and wood-based materials.
A metal cutting disc up to 3 mm thick provides more precise cutting, less heating, and greater safety.
A segmented metal disc is used for cutting concrete, but also works for ceramics.
A wood-cutting disc resembles a chainsaw guide, but the chain teeth are permanently attached to the disc. This increases work efficiency and also prevents high temperatures from developing.
When choosing a disc, its size is also important and must match the size of the angle grinder you own. It is forbidden to use larger or smaller discs than those recommended by the manufacturer.
How to cut with an angle grinder? The most important rules
Once you have taken care of safety and properly prepared the work area, you can proceed to the actual task. So how to cut with an angle grinder? First of all, follow these general rules:
Always hold the tool with both hands. The auxiliary handle may be removed only for transport or to move it to the other side of the housing.
During cutting the angle grinder should always be held perpendicular to the workpiece. Polishing or scoring can also be done along the length of the element.
During cutting or grinding sparks should fall in the direction of the operator.
If the disc becomes jammed or any worrying signs appear, switch off the device immediately.
By following basic work rules, you might wonder how to cut straight with an angle grinder. This is largely a matter of applying the right pressure of the disc on the material. If you use too little force the disc may pull away from the object, resulting in an uneven cut. Pressing the angle grinder too hard can cause the disc to become stuck in the material.Also check whether the device has speed control. Although reducing speed will increase the working time, it will provide better control over the grinder, making the task easier to perform.
Cutting metal with an angle grinder
Cutting metal with an angle grinder is always done at high speeds. In the initial phase of scoring it is important to maintain a stable grip. Then the score is deepened until the piece is cut through. What is the correct direction for cutting with an angle grinder? It is best to start the first cut from your side – in that case the grinder does not obscure the previously marked cutting line. Pay the most attention at the end of the cut because the metal often breaks under its own weight.
Cutting ceramic tiles with an angle grinder
For cutting ceramic tiles, dedicated tools are usually used: a tile cutter or an electric cutter. However, they do not allow for cutting along curves. This is where an angle grinder can be helpful. It does, however, require great care and control of the tool. How to cut tiles with an angle grinder? Primarily use a special toothless diamond disc for glaze. Start the cut from your side, then slowly make a single cut along the marked line. The most difficult is cutting porcelain stoneware with an angle grinder, because it is the hardest material and at the same time (like all tiles) very brittle. A good idea is also to cut the material slowly in several passes, starting with smaller arcs.
Cutting hard materials with an angle grinder
Sometimes occasional cutting with an angle grinder in hard construction materials is necessary. For this purposediamond discs designed for brick and concrete are used. A major limitation is the small diameter of the disc and the inability to work for long due to the risk of overheating the device. However, angle grinders are useful for cutting small elements or trimming paving stones along an arc or broken line. To increase the disc’s durability and reduce dust, the workpiece can be occasionally sprinkled with water.
Cutting wood with an angle grinder
Can you cut wood with an angle grinder? It depends on the thickness of the piece. For flat boards there is usually no problem, but thick logs are better cut with a wood saw. Start cutting by scoring in several places and then deepen these scores until the piece is cut through. It is worth using a special wood disc for this, although the work can also be done with a universal disc.
Cutting panels with an angle grinder
Although a saw or jigsaw is most often used for cutting floor panels, it is possible to perform such work with an angle grinder as well. For thin wood-based materials use a wood disc or a universal disc. Cutting panels with an angle grinder is fast and easy, mainly due to the small thickness of the workpiece.
How to prolong the life of an angle grinder? Proper maintenance after use
You now know how to work with an angle grinder. But how do you take care of its longevity? Proper maintenance of the device is very important. First of all, use the correct discs and avoid overheating the motor (during prolonged work take frequent breaks so the motor can cool down). Failure to follow these two rules can increase the risk of failure by up to 50%. Do not apply excessive pressure during work to avoid overloading the motor. After switching off the grinder, the disc may continue to rotate for a while. Therefore wait until it stops before setting it aside.You should also remember to store the device in a dry place. Unused batteries should be charged from time to time according to the instructions in the user manual. This will prevent capacity degradation. Regular cleaning, especially of the motor ventilation openings, will also extend the life of the angle grinder.
Car warning vest should be in every vehicle – in case of a breakdown it will allow the driver standing next to the vehicle to remain visible even after dark. However high-visibility vests are also an essential piece of equipment for construction workers, road workers and many other jobs. Check what to consider when buying a warning vest!
Is a warning vest mandatory?
A warning vest is an inexpensive item of clothing that everyone should have. It is useful not only in the car, but also when cycling after dark or even as protection for a pedestrian walking on the roadside.
Do you have to have a warning vest in the car? Polish regulations do not impose such a requirement on drivers. They indicate, among other things, the need to have a reflective triangle and a fire extinguisher. Although you won't get a fine for not having a warning vest, it is definitely worth having one. If you often travel with passengers, it's best to equip yourself with reflective vests in quantities sufficient to provide visibility to passengers if needed.
Reflective warning vest – a requirement in many professions
While a high-visibility vest for a motorcycle, bicycle or car is not required by regulations, in some professions it is. Professional high-visibility clothing is a necessary part of the wardrobe for airport workers, heavy equipment operators, construction workers, and people performing official duties on roads or in railway areas.
As for warning vests, regulations in 2023 require them to be one of three colors: yellow, orange or red. In addition to fluorescent colors, they must also have reflective elements.
High-visibility clothing is divided into class one, two and three. In the case of warning vests only classes one and two are possible, because class three requires reflectors on the sleeves or trouser legs. Such a standard is met, for example, by warning jackets.
A class one high-visibility vest must have 0.14 m2 of fluorescent background, while the total area of reflective elements must be 0.10 m2. For class two these values are 0.50 m2 and 0.13 m2 respectively. A professional class 2 vest is ORLA Warning Vest. Available in two colors – orange and yellow, it meets EU standards EN ISO 20471 and EN ISO 13688. Two reflective strips 5 cm wide provide visibility, and the anatomical fit guarantees comfort of use of the reflective warning vest both during work duties and while traveling by bike, motorcycle or on foot.
Summer and winter warning vest to suit your needs
When choosing a reflective warning vest for pedestrians, cyclists or motorcyclists, pay particular attention to its size and the quality of the material. Contrary to appearances, fit is very important – especially if you will be wearing the vest for a long time. This type of body-protecting clothing is available in standard sizes – from S to 3XL. Importantly, these products are not divided into men's and women's high-visibility vests – they are universal garments with a simple cut.
In cold months, an insulated work warning vest will provide protection against cold, wind and precipitation. The REMS insulated warning vest model has a warm inner layer. An additional convenience is a zipper closure instead of traditional Velcro. This solution allows better protection against low temperatures and weather conditions. The REMS warning vest also has two inner pockets that allow for storing accessories useful at work.
How much does a reflective warning vest cost?
Purchasing a reflective PPE vest will not usually ruin the household budget of someone who wants to be visible while cycling or to have such important protection in the car.
You can also find much cheaper products in stores and at online auctions. Do yellow and orange reflective vests for 4–5 PLN differ from those from a trusted manufacturer costing a dozen or so zlotys? Although they may look the same at first glance, you will notice the difference in how long the product lasts. The reflective warning material on high-quality vests is much more durable – it retains its shape after many wash cycles. Meanwhile, cheap reflective vests often lose their properties after just 2–3 washes.
So if you don't want to spend two years wearing a vest that has never been washed, choose a higher-class product. Quality matters especially when you buy reflective warning PPE vests for your employees.
Of course you'll pay more for an insulated warning vest with pockets. For the aforementioned REMS model you'll pay 166 PLN. In this case, however, you should particularly take quality into account. A vest of poor quality, made of non-breathable material, will cause significant discomfort during work. It is definitely better to opt for products from a trusted warning vest manufacturer.Author: Paweł Sokołowski
WHAT IS THE CE MARK?
The CE marking (Conformité Européenne) is the European conformity mark. Its use on a product's packaging indicates that the manufacturer has applied and fulfilled the relevant requirements contained in European directives/regulations, as well as in the European standards covering the product. A product that meets safety requirements will be marked with the CE mark, thereby informing the user that it is safe and has been properly placed on the market.WHY WAS IT INTRODUCED?
After the European Union removed trade barriers between Member States and established a common policy toward partner countries outside the EU, an area of free movement of goods was created within the Community. However, the main barrier to trade remained national requirements concerning, for example, the quality and safety of products. The national systems of regulations and standards used by countries often differed significantly from one another. This caused a range of problems for manufacturers who, in order to sell their product in different countries, had to meet separate requirements each time.
Because consumer safety could not be compromised by eliminating standards, the only solution was to harmonize national systems so that goods would be subject to the same requirements throughout the Community.
In 1993, European legal acts called NEW APPROACH DIRECTIVES were created at EU level. They defined essential safety requirements for different groups of products that must be met before they can be placed on the market or put into service on the Single European Market.
IS CE MARKING MANDATORY OR VOLUNTARY?
if a product falls under one of the New Approach Directives, CE marking is mandatory.
applying CE marking to products that are not subject to the New Approach Directives is prohibited.
WHO CAN AFFIX THE CE MARK?
CE marking may be affixed by the manufacturer or their authorized representative. Most products fall under Module A, i.e., the manufacturer's self-assessment module. If another module applies (B or D), an EU type-examination certificate must be obtained in cooperation with a notified body (a certifying institute).
WHAT IS A CE CERTIFICATE?
The term "CE certificate" does not exist in the nomenclature of the New Approach directives. If someone talks about a CE certificate, they most likely mean the EU declaration of conformity or the EU type-examination certificate confirming the product's conformity with the relevant EN standard.
Currently, the process of marking and certification is regulated by Regulation (EU) 2016/425 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 2016 on personal protective equipment and repealing Council Directive 89/686/EEC.
Source: https://www.oznakowanie-ce.plAuthor: Grzegorz Nowak
In 2022 as many as 66,606 occupational accidents were reported in Poland. 365 of the injured suffered very serious injuries, and the number of fatal accidents amounted to 180. In almost 80% the lower or upper limbs were injured. Among the most common causes was contact with a stationary or moving object. These data clearly indicate how important it is to provide employees with appropriate protective clothing.
Differences between protective clothing and workwear
To begin with, it is worth dispelling an important mistake. The term „occupational protective clothing (PPE)” and “workwear” are often used interchangeably. However, they do not mean the same thing. To fully answer this question, it is useful to know the exact definitions of both concepts.
Definition of workwear and protective clothing
Workwear is clothing used in the workplace when there is a high risk of soiling or damaging outer garments. In other words, workwear replaces the employee’s clothing in situations where it may become dirty or ruined while performing duties. The use of uniform work outfits may also be related to building brand recognition (e.g., bank or insurance company employees).
And what is protective clothing? The definition states that it is clothing used in the workplace that is intended to cover or replace personal clothing. In addition, it is designed to provide protection against hazards. Both conditions must be met, so workwear that does not protect against specific dangerous substances or events is not protective clothing.
Applications of workwear and protective clothing
When is protective clothing used? Examples of such situations can be found in every industry. It is most often used by employees on production floors and those working in the field, and its purpose is to protect against impacts and cuts (such as protective boots with a steel toe cap). There is also protective clothing for welding and heavy aprons for laboratory technicians who come into contact with hazardous substances.
Work clothes are used even more frequently. They can be found in organizations that care about brand recognition linked to employee attire. Work uniforms are also widely used in the catering industry.
Types of protective and work clothing
Any clothing can be divided according to the part of the wardrobe it represents: protective or work gloves, trousers, jackets, boots or vests. It is worth paying more attention to the classification of protective clothing depending on the hazard it is meant to protect against. In this context, one can list:
Protective clothing for welders, protecting against electric arc, burns and splatter.
Harnesses related to working at heights.
Insulating protective clothing, used by electricians.
High-visibility clothing, protecting road workers, as well as emergency services operating at the scene of a road accident.
Chemical protective clothing, resistant to short-term exposure to hazardous corrosive substances.
Protective earmuffs that protect against excessively loud equipment noise.
Flame-resistant protective clothing for firefighters and people working near open flames.
Additionally, categories of protective clothing may also concern seasons, such as winter and summer protective clothing.
Protective clothing markings
Types of protective clothing can also be characterized by the areas of the body they are meant to protect.
Protective clothing (symbol U).
Lower limb protection (symbol N).
Upper limb protection (symbol R).
Head protection (symbol G).
Face and eye protection (symbol T).
Hearing protection (symbol S).
Respiratory protection (symbol D).
Protection against falls from height (symbol W).
Full body insulating protection (symbol I).
So how to choose the appropriate protective and work clothing for your workplace? That is always the employer’s responsibility!
Employer's obligations regarding protective and work clothing
Under current labor regulations, the employer is obliged to provide the employee free of charge with workwear, protective clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) if required by the working conditions. Importantly, the decisive factor is the conditions prevailing in a given work environment, not, for example, the job title. For this reason, employees in similar positions at different companies may receive a different set of clothing.
Protective clothing is the employer's obligation
The employer must determine what professional workwear and protective clothing are needed for each employee. This usually takes place during a dialogue with employees or their representative. These arrangements are then entered into the work regulations, which define the conditions for being in the workplace, as well as equipping employees with tools, materials, protective and work clothing and personal and hygiene protective equipment. Typically the details are presented as a protective clothing allocation table for each position.
Work clothing and footwear provided by the employer
Work and protective clothing are provided free of charge. At the same time, they remain the property of the employer. This means that upon termination of employment, all personal protective equipment and allocated clothing must be returned to the supervisor. Also, in the event of clothing being destroyed due to the employee’s fault, reimbursement of the purchase costs is required (after accounting for depreciation).
Employer's duties regarding employee safety
The employer’s duties related to protective clothing and workwear also include cleaning, maintenance, repair, dust removal and disinfection. However, employees often wash their work clothes themselves. In such cases they are entitled to reimbursement of the costs they incur.
Standards and certifications of workwear and protective clothing
Workwear does not require certification, because its primary task is to protect personal clothing from dirt or damage. However, specialist protective clothing for workers must meet specific standards and criteria in order to effectively protect against hazards in the workplace.
Clothing materials: what determines their protective properties?
Protective garments are made from natural materials (cotton), regenerated (cellulose-based) and synthetic materials (polyester or polyamide). From these, several dozen popular materials with specific properties have been developed. Among them you can find:
Ortalion made from polyester. It is characterized by very low weight and high resistance to damage.
Fleece, a soft and warm polyester knit.
Stretch, i.e. stretch fabrics with added Lycra or PBT.
Corduroy, a warm cotton fabric resistant to cuts and tears, but prone to abrasion.
Ballistic nylon, also used in the production of bulletproof vests. It is very resistant to damage and abrasion.
Kevlar, an elastic material that is also extremely durable.
The choice of the appropriate material depends on the work environment and the conducted occupational risk analysis.
Certification by EN ISO standards: what does it mean for protective clothing?
In Poland, EU Regulation No. 2016/425 of 16 March currently applies. It specifies a number of standards for particular types of protective and specialized clothing. It is there that the exact parameters that protective clothing for firefighters, welders and other positions must meet are defined.
All protective garments must also have certificates confirming compliance with the above standards. To obtain them, clothing undergoes rigorous laboratory tests, which must then be repeated at regular intervals.
Summary: protective and work clothing
There are still many workplace accidents in Poland. To provide employees with the best possible protection, protective clothing and personal protective equipment are used in accordance with the protective clothing allocation table. Each such garment must meet protective clothing standards, confirming protection against hazards in the working environment.
In many positions, an employee also receives workwear that protects personal clothing from damage or soiling. In this case, there is no need to obtain certifications.
Both workwear and protective clothing belong to the employer, who should care for them: clean, repair and maintain them.Author: Grzegorz Nowak
