Posted By Dave Merchant ooh, this is fun. If the change was the swapping of one attachment disc for another, and both discs are acceptable parts according to the manufacturer, then you haven't changed use per se, but rather the tool is dual-use in the first place and you're simply exploiting both. The issue of a guard is separate as the 'abrasive wheels' definitions are not entirely simple to apply to sanding discs that aren't "formed from bonded particles". If the new disc isn't accepted as compatible by the tool manufacturer then yes, it's a CoU and a problem.

Posted By Anthony Edwards Thanks dave, They are using a sealey polisher and a Bosh backing pad, they hold the machine with one hand and apply pressure to the plate being sanded with the other. Apparently its not feasible due to the amounts involved to secure the workpiece and hold the sander two handed. 'time is money my boy'!!!!!! regards Tony

Posted By Anthony Edwards Mitch, That information would be handy, whether management will go for it is another matter. They may need the money to add to there family fleet of cars, BMW M3, 2x Porsche and mini cooper S!!!!!!!!!

Posted By holmezy Anthony, What exactly are you using? If its an orbital sander type tool then the need for guarding is reduced and probably wont be required as debris is not ejected at high speed. Also, so long as the pads are compatible with the tool there shouldn't be an issue. PPE for eyes, ears and hand might be required. Your comment re "holding it with one hand" might not be an issue with this tool as it doesnt revolve at "X" thousand revs. If its an angle grinder type tool, then the "one hand" is a no no. These are designed for use with 2 hands. Removal of the guard would also be unadvisable and would almost certainly void any manufacturers warranty or safe operation instruction. (although I do know some of operations that cant be carried out with the guard on, but thats probably more of a "wrong tool for the job" case. Holding the workpiece by hand is also not advisable. Angle grinders do occasionally "skid" off in wrong direction taking everything and anything it touches with it!! or perhaps I just mis understood your post? Holmezy soon be beer time

Posted By Anthony Edwards Hi there, Stainless steel is cut using a profile cutter and cleaned off using the said polisher (as a sander) Thickness varies from 1mm to 1.6mm of a variety of shapes and sizes. The risks are highlighted through risk assessment (regarding using a sander one handed) but management are willing to take risk stating the reasons on the risk assessment, no injuries to date, 3,000 pads used in a month etc but will review assessment if there are any incidents. regards Tony

Posted By Mitch Anthony, If you cut with nitrogen you don't get any oxidised burrs! Mitch

Posted By holmezy WOW.....3000 pads per month, thats 17ish per hour. I bet your consumables supplier loves you. Still doesnt sound like the best way of de-burring. Have you considered a vibro-tumbler or similar mass deburring machine. You just throw in your batch of bits, turn it on and walk away for an hour or 2. Might cost a bit to set up, but with your usage of pads, it would probably pay for itself quite quickly. Plus it frees the operator up to do other things and eliminates the "one hand" and any WRULDS etc that may be associated with the job. Holmezy

Posted By Mitch You have mail Mitch