Like most machines, concrete grinders are safe to use when you follow the manufacturer's recommendations.

But they can be potentially dangerous if you try to take shortcuts or don't use safe work practices. Below is a checklist of the main points you should consider.

Before you start

1. Familiarise yourself with the equipment.
   
   If you haven't used the machine before, make sure you read the manufacturer's manual, or have an experienced person to show you how it works.

2. Check that the environment you're going to use the machine in is safe - in other words, carry out a risk assessment.
   
   The sorts of things you should look for include:
   
   
   • wet environments which might cause electrical short circuits
   
   
   • cluttered or excessively dirty floors
   
   
   • poorly lit areas
   
   
   • other workers in the area.

If there is a risk that children or bystanders may walk into the area, be sure to put up barriers or have an offsider nearby to control people's movements.

For more information about the risk assessment process, see: 'Managing risks' (in Working safely).

Setting up the machine

1. Wear appropriate clothes and personal protective equipment.
   
   Don't wear loose clothes that could get caught in moving parts.
   
   Wear fully enclosed, non-slip shoes or boots.
   
   Make sure your ear muffs or plugs are at the ready for when you start the machine. Depending on the job you're doing, you may also need gloves, safety glasses, dust mask and a hard hat.

2. Check that the accessories and attachments are properly fitted and that all guards and other safety devices are in place and working properly.
   
   Before you inspect any parts, make sure the power is turned off and the lead unplugged from the power source.
   
   Make sure the extension lead is heavy enough to take the current required.
   
   Remember that the longer the lead, the heavier it will need to be to cope with the voltage drop over that distance.

Operating the machine

1. When you start up the machine, listen for unusual noises or vibrations.
   
   If anything doesn't sound or feel right, turn the machine off straight away and look for the problem.
   
   If you can't fix it on the spot, put a tag on the machine to indicate that it's out of order, and either tell your supervisor or take it to an authorised person for repair.

2. While you're working, maintain a balanced position and keep a firm grip on the handles.
   
   Don't over-reach or work at an awkward angle.
   
   
3. Keep your hands and feet away from moving parts at all times.
   
   Also make sure that the rotating plates don't come into contact with the power lead.

4. Stay alert while you're working.
   
   If you start to feel tired or are losing your concentration, stop work and have a break.
   
   Never use the machine if you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
   
   This includes prescription drugs that might cause drowsiness or affect your ability to work safely.

Shutting down

1. When you've finished using the machine, unplug it from the power source.
   
   If it is diesel or petrol operated, turn off the fuel line or isolate it as recommended by the manufacturer.

2. Inspect the power lead and extension lead for damage before you put the machine away.
   
   Also inspect other parts that may get damaged or wear out over time.
   
   If anything needs repairing, tell your supervisor or take the machine to an authorised person.
   
   Don't just pack it up and forget about the problem - because the problem will still be there when you go to use the machine next time.

Dealing with dust

Concrete grinding produces silica dust.

If the dust is breathed in over a period of time, it can lead to a disease called silicosis or scarring of the lungs.

This was such a common problem for grinder operators in years past that one of its common names was 'grinder's asthma'.

Fortunately, most modern machines have very good dust extraction systems.

Depending on the model you're using, this may include a separate dust collector and a rubber 'skirt' around the bottom of the machine.

However, you still need to be careful when you're dusting down the machine and cleaning up the work area at the end of the day.

If you're doing anything that generates dust and it's not being collected by an efficient extraction system, make sure you wear an appropriate dust mask.

There's one type of dust that floor layers need to be especially mindful of when they're working in older buildings - asbestos.

If you don't know what the floor surface is composed of, or you suspect it might contain asbestos, don't grind it.

We talked about the problem of asbestos and how to deal with it in the lessons shown below.

'Preparing concrete substrates' (in Subfloor coatings and toppings)

'Assessing the subfloor' - Learning activity (in Lay flat vinyl).

Manual handling

Grinding machines can be very heavy.

Always use good lifting practices and get an offsider if you need extra help.

We talked about good manual handling techniques and ways to avoid muscle and joint injuries in the lesson: 'Manual handling' in Working safely.

You should go back to that unit and revise the details if you can't remember the principles of good manual handling.

For larger machines, you'll need some form of mechanical assistance to get it on and off your vehicle.

Most operators use aluminium loading ramps and a winch.

The machine will have a hook or winching point for connecting the cable to.

It's important that you use this point, so you don't damage any fragile parts of the machine.

Once the equipment is in position inside the vehicle, it needs to be well secured to make sure it doesn't move around while you're driving.

You can use tie down straps to hold the machine tight against anchor points in the floor or sides of the vehicle.

Safe operating procedures

Most companies have a Safe Operating Procedure (SOP) for each piece of equipment their workers take on-site that is potentially hazardous.

They also generally complete a simple risk assessment before starting work at any new jobsite.

The link below will take you to a combined SOP and risk assessment form for a hand held grinder.

This has been developed by Epoxy Solutions, and is filled in by their workers each time they use the grinder on-site.

Hand held grinder SOP