Free Bench Grinder SOP (Safe Operating Procedure) Template
Download our free Bench Grinder SOP Template:
*For internal use only. Not for resale or redistribution. By downloading, you agree to our Free Resources Licensing Agreement.
Purpose of Document
Bench grinder SOPs outline a safe operating procedure for bench grinder use. SOPs can also be used as a training and induction document. The primary goal is to protect workers from injury or illness by outlining a safe system of work and providing adequate training and instruction. This form is broadly aligned with AS45001:2018.
How to Use
This Bench Grinder SOP should be communicated to workers before they complete the task. A hard copy can also be displayed in the workplace or provided at the workface. You can also use this document during the induction or onboarding process.
NOTE: This document is a template only and it must be customised for your business. Other aspects that need to be considered include, but are not limited to, ensuring that:
- Relevant legal requirements have been met,
- Workplace specific risks are identified and managed, and
- Workers are consulted with during the customisation / review process.
When to Use
Workers should read and agree to comply with Bench Grinder SOPs prior to operation within your business. They can also be used for refresher training periodically.
Who Should Use
Bench grinder SOPs should be developed by a competent person. The SOP is then read and followed by the worker completing the task. New workers should also read and understand the SOPs during the induction or onboarding process.
Legal Considerations
There is no specific legal requirement to have a documented Safe Operating Procedure (SOP). However, it is best practice, as having SOPs can assist in meeting general legal duties, including:
- s(19)(3)c WHS Act – Duty to Provide Safe Systems of Work
- s(19)(3)d WHS Act – Duty to Ensure Safe Use of Plant
- s(19)(3)f WHS Act – Duty to Provide Adequate Information, Training, Instruction and Supervision
- s(39) WHS Regulations – Duty to Provide Adequate Information, Training, and Instruction
- s(203) WHS Regulations – Management of Risks to Health and Safety (PCBUs with management or control of plant)
The Code of Practice “Managing risks of plant in the workplace” states that employers (PCBUs) must provide workers with information, training, and instruction as necessary to protect them from risks arising from the use of the plant.
FAQ’s
What is a bench grinder?
A bench grinder is a power tool mounted on a benchtop or pedestal, equipped with abrasive wheels rotating at high speeds, used for sharpening, grinding, shaping, and polishing various materials such as metal, wood, and plastic.
What is a bench grinder used for?
It’s commonly used in workshops, garages, and manufacturing facilities for tasks like sharpening tools, removing burrs, and shaping metal pieces.
What hazards are involved in bench grinder use?
Some hazards that are involved in bench grinder use include:
- Contact with rotating wheels
- Flying debris
- Inhalation of dust and particles
- Electric shock
What are some safety controls that can be utilised during bench grinder use?
Some safety controls that can be utilised include:
- Using adjustable tool rests
- Ensuring wheels are properly installed, balanced, and guarded
- Wearing PPE
- Regular inspection and maintenance
Did you know?
Bench grinders have been a mainstay in workshops for decades, providing an indispensable tool for the craft of metalworking. One interesting aspect of bench grinders is their dual-wheel design—typically, one wheel is for coarse grinding, and the other is finer for polishing and sharpening. These wheels spin at high RPMs, a speed that can actually make a dull blade or tool sharper and more efficient than it ever was, providing new life to old equipment! What’s more, antique bench grinders are often sought after by enthusiasts, not just for their functionality but also for their build quality and aesthetic, which harks back to a bygone era of industrial manufacturing.
Article Sources and Further Reading
- Model Code of Practice: Managing risks of plant in the workplace (Safe Work Australia) <https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/doc/model-code-practice-managing-risks-plant-workplace>
- Plant (Safe Work Australia) <https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/safety-topic/managing-health-and-safety/plant>
- The Complete Guide to WHS Policies and Procedures in Australia (Spire Safety) <https://spiresafety.com.au/resources/guide-to-whs-policies-and-procedures/>
- What is a PCBU? (Spire Safety)<https://spiresafety.com.au/resources/what-is-a-pcbu/>