We have a hand held air tool in our business that rotates at 24000rpm, it is unguarded and used to carry out internal pipe cuts within the drainage industry. The metal disc is approximately 4" wide and 6" from the handle with a lever on the handle that you press down to start the tool. Is it compliant under PUWER? I would like answers based on evidence and regulatory review and not anecdotal opinions please. Thank you

Leerob, We don't have attachments on messages here, so can you provide a link to an image of this tool on the internet? PUWER compliance isn't just suitable guarding, it is the USE OF the tool that is important, so some questions for you: Is the tool held by both hands? Can operator operate with one hand while holding pipe with the other? In which direction are swarf or sparks ejcted? Are operators trained in safe connection to compressed air? Are operators trained in a safe posture to hold the tool, a safe operating position in relation to their body? When operating the tool are users trained to ensure that no other person is put at risk? Is there a written record of training/users? Could inadequate maintenance or lack of inspection cause the equipment to fail? e.g. condition of the cutting discs, condition of the air hose-pipes. Is there a maintenance/inspection schedule for the tool? Does the instruction manual provide data on hand-arm vibration? Are the noise levels in dB of the tool known? Is the tool used in confined spaces? John

That piece of information is may not likely to be helpful. I would expect the tool to be operated via a pressure regulator, not operated at the delivery pressure of the compressor. Also the Schedule of Examination could well be for the air receiver/pressure vessel not the compressor.

Thanks for all your replies folks , much appreciated .