Information by the North of England P&I Club
The UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has revised their Safety in the use of abrasive wheels guidance following the introduction of the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 1992 as amended and the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER 98), a copy of the abrasive wheels guidance can be found here.
The guidance aims to reduce accidents and injuries resulting from either wheel breakage or contact with a running wheel.
The guidance contains detailed information on the markings that must be included on all abrasive wheels; this includes amongst other information the following: test record, restriction of use, expiry date (3 years from date of manufacture for wheels used in hand held applications) dimensions and maximum operating speed. Full details of the marking system can be found on page 7 and 8 of the abrasive wheel guidance.
Should an accident involving abrasive wheels occur whilst a vessel is in a UK ship yard, then the requirements of this guidance would be enforced by the HSE.
Source: The North of England P&I Club
