What is HSG17?
HSG17, "Safety in the Use of Abrasive Wheels," is the Health and Safety Executive's authoritative guidance on preventing injuries from abrasive wheel operations. Abrasive wheels are among the most dangerous tools used in workplaces, with the potential for catastrophic failure causing severe or fatal injuries when wheels burst at high speed.
This guidance document covers all types of abrasive wheels, from small cutting discs used on angle grinders to large wheels on pedestal grinders and specialist industrial equipment. It provides comprehensive information on wheel selection, mounting procedures, machine guarding, operator training, and safe operating practices.
The document addresses legal requirements under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) 1998 and the Abrasive Wheels Regulations (now largely absorbed into PUWER). It emphasises that everyone involved in abrasive wheel operations must be competent, from those who mount wheels to operators who use them daily.
HSG17 reflects decades of learning from serious incidents and provides practical, proven approaches to controlling risks that remain highly relevant in modern workplaces where abrasive wheels continue to be essential tools.
Who Needs This Document?
HSG17 is essential reading for anyone involved with abrasive wheel equipment:
Primary Audiences:
- Engineering and fabrication workshop managers
- Maintenance department supervisors
- Those responsible for mounting abrasive wheels
- Health and safety professionals in manufacturing
- Training providers delivering abrasive wheel courses
- Equipment suppliers and distributors
Secondary Audiences:
- Operators who use grinding and cutting equipment
- Construction site managers where cutting and grinding occurs
- Motor vehicle repair workshop owners
- Facilities managers overseeing workshop equipment
- Procurement staff purchasing abrasive wheels and machines
- Insurance assessors evaluating workshop risks
The guidance applies across numerous sectors including engineering, construction, automotive, metal fabrication, stone working, and any workplace where grinding, cutting, or polishing with abrasive wheels takes place.
Key Topics Covered
HSG17 provides detailed coverage across all aspects of abrasive wheel safety:
Types of Abrasive Wheels
The guidance covers the full range of abrasive products:
- Vitrified bonded wheels for precision grinding
- Resinoid bonded wheels for portable and high-speed applications
- Cutting-off wheels and discs
- Flap wheels and discs
- Diamond and CBN wheels
- Mounted points and cones
- Wire brushes (covered due to similar hazards)
Hazards and Risks
HSG17 explains the serious hazards associated with abrasive wheels:
- Wheel breakage and fragment ejection
- Contact with the rotating wheel
- Drawing in and entanglement
- Dust and fume exposure
- Noise and vibration
- Fire and sparks
- Eye injuries from particles
Machine Guarding
Comprehensive guidance on guard requirements:
- Types of guards for different machines
- Guard strength and construction requirements
- Adjustable guards and work rests
- Minimum guard angles and coverage
- Maintaining adequate guard condition
- Interlocking requirements where applicable
Wheel Mounting
Critical procedures for safe wheel mounting:
- Competence requirements for mounters
- Pre-mounting wheel inspection (ring test, visual checks)
- Correct use of blotters, flanges, and bushes
- Tightening procedures and torque requirements
- Speed matching between wheel and spindle
- Test running after mounting
- Documentation and records
Speed Considerations
Essential information on operating speeds:
- Understanding maximum operating speeds
- Matching wheel speed to machine spindle speed
- Dangers of overspeeding
- Calculating peripheral speeds
- Speed markings and their meaning
- Variable speed machine considerations
Selection and Storage
Guidance on wheel procurement and care:
- Selecting appropriate wheels for applications
- Understanding wheel specifications and markings
- Proper storage conditions (temperature, humidity)
- Handling and transport precautions
- Stock rotation and shelf life considerations
- Checking wheels before use
Training and Competence
Requirements for operator and mounter training:
- Legal requirements for training
- Content of training programmes
- Assessing competence
- Refresher training requirements
- Records of training
- Supervision of trainees
Personal Protective Equipment
PPE requirements for abrasive wheel operations:
- Eye and face protection standards
- Hearing protection where required
- Respiratory protection for dust exposure
- Protective clothing and gloves
- When gloves should not be worn (entanglement risk)
Using This Guidance
Implementing HSG17 effectively requires a systematic approach:
Step 1: Assess Your Operations Identify all abrasive wheel equipment in your workplace. Document the types of wheels used, the operations performed, and who uses the equipment. This forms the basis for your risk assessments.
Step 2: Ensure Machine Safety Check that all grinding machines meet current safety standards. Verify guards are adequate, properly adjusted, and in good condition. Ensure work rests are correctly positioned and machines are properly maintained.
Step 3: Establish Mounting Procedures Develop clear procedures for wheel mounting. Identify who is authorised to mount wheels and verify their competence. Create checklists for mounting procedures including inspection, speed checking, and test running.
Step 4: Implement Training Ensure all operators receive appropriate training before using abrasive wheel equipment. Training should cover hazards, safe operating procedures, PPE requirements, and emergency procedures. Document all training provided.
Step 5: Select Appropriate Wheels Establish procurement procedures that ensure only suitable wheels are purchased. Verify wheels match machine specifications, particularly regarding maximum operating speed. Implement proper storage arrangements.
Step 6: Maintain Equipment Establish maintenance schedules for grinding machines. Include guard condition, spindle bearing wear, speed governors, and electrical safety. Keep records of maintenance activities.
Step 7: Supervise and Monitor Regularly check that safe practices are being followed. Observe operators, inspect equipment, and address any deviations from established procedures. Encourage reporting of defects or concerns.
Step 8: Review and Improve Periodically review your arrangements against HSG17 guidance. Investigate any incidents or near misses. Update procedures based on experience and any changes to equipment or operations.
Why It Matters
Following HSG17 guidance is essential for multiple compelling reasons:
Preventing Serious Injuries: Abrasive wheel accidents can be devastating. Wheel burst can propel fragments at velocities exceeding 100 metres per second, causing fatal or life-changing injuries. Proper precautions prevent these tragedies.
Legal Compliance: The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 require that work equipment is suitable, properly maintained, and used only by trained persons. HSG17 provides the benchmark for demonstrating compliance with these requirements for abrasive wheel operations.
Prosecution Prevention: HSE takes abrasive wheel incidents seriously. Failures to train, inadequate guarding, and improper mounting procedures have resulted in significant prosecutions and fines. Following HSG17 demonstrates due diligence.
Insurance Requirements: Insurers expect employers to follow industry guidance on high-risk activities. Failure to implement HSG17 recommendations could affect insurance coverage and premiums.
Competence Evidence: HSG17 provides the framework for demonstrating competence in abrasive wheel operations. Training aligned with HSG17 meets legal competence requirements and provides evidence of capability.
Cost Prevention: Accidents cost businesses significantly through compensation claims, equipment damage, investigation time, and production losses. Investing in proper training and procedures is far more cost-effective than dealing with accidents.
Industry Standards: HSG17 represents accepted good practice across industries using abrasive wheels. Following this guidance ensures your operations meet the standards expected by customers, contractors, and regulators.
Worker Confidence: Operators who are properly trained and work with well-maintained, properly guarded equipment have confidence in their safety. This improves morale and productivity.
By implementing the guidance in HSG17, employers can ensure their abrasive wheel operations are conducted safely, legally, and efficiently, protecting workers from the serious hazards these essential but dangerous tools present.