Rank: Forum user 
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Short overview:
Currently, the preparation of glavanised materials is taking place by linishing the galv spikes and drips from the workpieces using angle grinders with the correct pads.
The operators are exceeding exposure levels where we are carrying out relevant controls to reduce it ie sourcing new equipment with vibration cancelling accessories etc. My question: Is there any way that galvanised steel can be prepared without the use of angle grinders? Ie is there a tool that can be used to slice off the zinc spikes or get rid the zinc drips? There must be a non-powered tool that helps with this? Any help would be appreciated.
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Rank: Super forum user
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There are often alternatives, however they need to be practical, cost and time effective and not introduce more and higher risks. For example we eliminated the grinding/buffing after welding needed to remove weld stain by using phosphoric acid, using hydrofluorric acid however would have been introducing a greater risk that preventing.
Whilst it is difficult to picture your exact process, some options to consider could be diamond wire cutting, ultra-high pressure water, laser / plasma cutting etc. But more philosophically is it possbile to reduce or eliminate the amount of linishing needed by changing the preceding step(s), could you even change the way the materials or tools are held, for example fixing the workpeices and using a mounted (like a pedistal drill) machine to hold the powertool, seperating (mostly) the operator from the source of vibration?
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Rank: Super forum user 
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How big are these spikes to give us an idea ? If large could a hacksaw be used or if small a tin snips be used to remove the majority then just grind the last bit. This will at least reduce use. Also zinc bits cut off can go back in melting pot.
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Rank: Super forum user
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What pieces are you galving? Are they something we would recognise by name or can you describe them?
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