Hi I've just started working for an engineering company and am starting the arduous task of getting all of their records up to date etc. I was wondering if anyone could give me an idea of any specific areas that I need to cover for working with abrasives? Is it just a case of following PUWER? Do we have to have accredited staff/trainers for this or can it be done by experienced staff? Any help would be great!

With regards to abrasive wheels, PUWER 98 (The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998) requires, among other things, that all machinery is suitable for its intended use and is properly maintained. All employees, including those using, mounting and managing the operation of abrasive wheels, should be properly trained in their safe use. Employers have a duty of care to ensure that all employees are adequately trained and capable of carrying out the tasks assigned to them. I'd be careful with the experienced staff bit as i recently met a chap with 40 years experience in a workshop environment who thought it was ok to use a worn down 12" cutting disc off a Stihl Saw on a 7" Angle Grinder.

Hi Angela, Also work in engineering and with abrasives, hand held grinders in particular. Not necessarily in this order I'd certainly be looking at PUWER, COSHH, Noise and Vibration. Remember when looking at COSHH that the substances produced will very much depend on the material being worked on and the presence of any coatings. I've been working in engineering for less than a year and am relevantly new to a standalone H&S role so if you need someone to bounce ideas off of feel free to PM me.