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Home | Legal | Regulatory Compliance

Abrasive Wheel Training; A Vital Responsibility For Employers

By: Thomas Pretty

A large number of industries use abrasive wheel machinery for all manner of purposes. In many of these industries the abrasive wheel is a piece of equipment that is essential to business operations. This type of machinery however can be extremely dangerous if the operator has not had sufficient training. Without training the abrasive wheel can maim employees and in some cases can even cause death. Thankfully the government's Health and Safety Executive has set out to ensure all operators undergo training so they can operate the wheels safely.

Training is vital if business owners wish to reduce the instances of injury as a result of abrasive wheel use. Additionally however, the government has put in place legislation that ensures this type of equipment is used safely. This legislation is the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations or PUWAR; it was first released in 1998. Fundamentally the legislation places the responsibility of training and safe usage on the employer; as a result, the employer is liable if they do not ensure all abrasive wheel operators have taken a suitable training course. The legislation is far reaching, it not only covers large businesses but also applies to self employed workers, ultimately it attempts to create a safety standard across a number of industries so that all those using this equipment can do so in a safe manner.

The number of bodies who undertake training courses is large, a variety of institutions conduct courses countrywide. When looking for a company to use it is advisable to research their history, ideally a company that has expansive experience in the field is the one to use. By researching carefully you ensure that your workers have the best training possible meaning that they can use the machinery safely and effectively. As a result of a company having a long history, all of their trainers should be legally qualified and highly knowledgeable.

Most training courses will generally include information that covers all issues concerned with wheel usage as well as ways that employees can protect themselves from potential harm. As well as user information, effective training will give operators the knowledge of how to maintain their equipment so it is always in good working order. Naturally the course should not purely focus on safety measures. A large part of the training should focus on how to use wheels in the most effective way. By having this knowledge employees can not only work safely but produce higher quality work at a faster rate. Ultimately training is an investment in people, ensuring they leave the course more educated than when they entered is the ideal outcome.

The courses normally end with a certification ceremony that gives all attendees who have learnt the required knowledge official documentation that allows them to use abrasive wheels. This is usually in the form of an ID card that can be carried in the wallet, ensuring that you, as an employer are always protected from unannounced inspections of your working area. This is vital as it removes the liability from the employer and puts it squarely on the shoulders of the operator.

As abrasive wheel machinery is ultimately dangerous, training is a vital responsibility of all business managers who use the equipment in their operations. With the arguments around liability more important than ever, ensuring you cover yourself as an employer is essential.

Article Source: http://bytepowered.org/articles

Regulatory compliance expert Thomas Pretty looks into the importance of abrasive wheel training in a variety of industry sectors.

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