Hang this poster where the portable grinders are kept, so the rules are in front of whoever picks one up.
What is on the poster
Every time, before and during
- Inspect before you plug in. Wheel: no cracks or chips, nut the right way round and tight. Cord: no cuts or frays. Trigger not locked on.
- Guard set past halfway, handle on. The guard's lip sits between your fingers and the wheel and throws sparks away from you. Never hold the grinder by its body.
- Wheel speed rating at or above the grinder's RPM. Never exceed the speed marked on the wheel. Ring-test wheels over 4 inches before mounting.
- Eyes, face, ears. Safety glasses or goggles under a face shield, and hearing protection. Gloves, apron and a respirator where the work needs them.
- Stand clear to start, then two hands on. Run a newly mounted wheel a full minute before grinding. Keep the cord away from the wheel and the work.
- Set it down only when the wheel has stopped. No liquid coolants, no wet floors, and no flammables or combustible dust within reach.
No loose clothing, dangling jewelry or loose long hair near a grinder. Never clamp a portable grinder in a vise to grind hand-held work.
Built to the Science Safety Teaching Standard
This poster carries the SSTS mark. Like every Science Safety course, it is built to the Science Safety Teaching Standard (SSTS): every rule on it is taken from the body that governs it, at its current edition, and the source is printed on the poster, so you can check it yourself.
Stay current
When you get this poster, it is saved to your Science Safety account. If we revise the poster, or the Portable Grinders module it comes from changes, we will email you, and the latest version will be waiting under Downloads in your account. Every revision carries its revision number and date at the bottom of the poster, so you can tell at a glance whether the copy on your wall is current.
Printing and hanging
- One-page PDF, US letter (8.5 by 11 inches).
- White background, so it prints clearly on any office or classroom printer without using much ink.
- Hang it on the wall where the portable grinders are kept, at eye level.
- The QR code in the blue title band opens this page, so anyone can get their own copy.
- The QR code at the bottom opens the Portable Grinders module.
Learn more
The Portable Grinders module teaches the full topic this poster comes from.
Sources:
- 29 CFR 1910.243(c), Guarding of portable powered tools: portable abrasive wheels – Occupational Safety and Health Administration (reviewed September 30, 2026)
- 29 CFR 1910.215, Abrasive wheel machinery – Occupational Safety and Health Administration (reviewed September 30, 2026)
Poster SSP-0015, Rev. 1, September 2026.
