Posted By Chris Jerman
Hi DS, I always have to respond when I can see that no-one else has, especially when it's a fair question. I suspect that there is no black and white here. What sort of machine, how much is it used, what are you grinding, what are the critical components and what would happen if they failed etc etc. It really is down to an assessment (not a RISK assessment) purely an assessment probably by someone in a maintenance position. It is more likely that a basic pedestal grinder will require inspection and maintenance to keep it in good running order (I'm not talking about the wheels here - that's covered I presume) so that it gives a good service life, than inspecting it for failure to extreme danger. I would suggest that the operator, if using the machine regularly as in, say, fettling operations could adequately 'inspect' for the obvious and fill in a defect sheet as FLT drivers would for their trucks. If what you are grinding (magnesium alloy?) represents a fire hazard if allowed to build up under the machine then this would need an inspection cleaning regime.

The easy answer is 'once per year' - but why? If the machine is hardly used and crucially locked off to prevent twiddling, then why annually? Clearly as a piece of work equipment it has to be checked and fit for purpose, but if failure to 'service' is merely going to shorten its life without endangering anyone - there is no absolute requirement to do so. I used to run a sizable fettling and grinding operation with wheels up to 30". We did have a TPM regime that took machines off line to change bearings, belts etc purely to eliminate breakdowns and lost production.

A bit more detail may help in finding an answer for you.

CJ

Posted By Ian_P
G'day!

"HSG 17: Abrasive Wheels" is your baby for this one.

Page 30 contains all the detail you need to know about inspection and maintenance, as recomended by the HSE, to comply with PUWER.

Basically it states that there should be:

1: Pre use checks
2: 'regular' visual inspections
3: Frequent Planned Maintenance.

The frequency and type of planned maintenance should be indicated in the manufacturers instructions. If this information is not available, then the following frequency of checks, inspection and testing is reccomended:

"(a) For 110-volt machines the user is to carry out:
(i) a weekly safety check;
(ii) a formal visual inspection (eg a detailed inspection by a person competent
to do so);
30 (iii)a combined inspection and test every three months (eg a detailed
inspection and tests by a person competent to do so).


(b) For 240-volt machines the user is to carry out:
(i) a daily safety check;
(ii) a formal visual inspection every week (eg a detailed inspection by a
person competent to do so);
(iii) combined inspection and tests before first-time use and then every
month (eg a detailed inspection and tests by a person competent to do so)."

(HSG 17, HSE 2000)

Your Risk Assessment would raise many factors (see CJ's post) which would make you decide whether to increase, or indeed decrease, the frequency of these checks.

The guidance says that these checks should be carried out by a competent person, that is someone with sufficient experience, knowledge and training. i.e. a maintenance engineer who is trained in abrasive wheels use and familiar with the equipment.

Hope this is clear!

Regards,
Ian