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You must choose the right abrasive wheel for the right job and use it safely.
When using an abrasive wheel, you must be following the best working practice so that the wheel doesn’t break. Take a look below at how an understanding of abrasive wheel markings can help you work more safely.
Every wheel must adhere to the British Standard (BS EN 12413 and BS ISO 525) system for marking. Manufacturers mark all wheels with the: type, size, specification and the maximum operating speed of the wheel. Take a look below at the fundamental markings a wheel should have.
The wheel type signifies the wheel’s shape- this is marked as an ISO number e.g.
The wheel size is marked in mm – e.g. 610 x 80 x 254, diameter x thickness x hole size.
A series of numbers and letters make the wheel specification – e.g. A16 R 5 B S4. These numbers symbolize the abrasive wheel material, grit size, grade, structure and the bond type.
The maximum operating speed (MOS) is featured on large wheels over 80mm in diameter. The peripheral surface speed is displayed in metres per second, e.g. 50 m/s and the rotational speed is displayed in revolutions per minute, e.g. 8500 rpm.
For wheels below 80mm in diameter; there is a separate notice that is stored with the wheel; this will have the maximum operating speed on it.
On the centre of each wheel will be a colour coded stripe; the stripe is used to help judge the maximum operating speed of a wheel when it is moving at high speed.
Each wheel will have a certain restriction code or graphic to depict the wheels restrictions. The markings used are:
On the Abrasive Wheels training the delegate will learn how to be competent when using an abrasive wheel. The Abrasive Wheels course is a half-day training session for those who consistently use a range of different cutting and grinding tools.
Want to know more? Take a look at the skills and knowledge you can gain from an Abrasive Wheels training course.
You would use an abrasive wheel for surface modification or cutting by grinding. Operatives can also use them for sanding polishing and finishing in construction.
It is helpful to yourself and others if you make employees aware of the rules and regulations relating to operating an abrasive wheel on site. If your operative is knowledgeable of legislation, this will cover you as an employer from any future implications if they don’t follow it. Throughout the training, the instructor will touch on:
The trainer will make you aware of the importance of being aware of the dangers of using a sharp, high powered spinning blade; if you don’t fit a wheel properly fitted or fit a broken one, you could maim or kill yourself.
Even if you have done all the relevant checks, there will still be hazards; the course will cover all the hazards you may encounter, whilst cutting or grinding.
You cannot simply slide a wheel into a drawer for storage. You need to regard the wheels as a fragile object and store it correctly. During this part of the training, the tutor will explain the conditions in which you should store an abrasive wheel and how to move it from A to B if needed.
To ensure a wheel is safe to use, you need to conduct the correct inspections beforehand. The trainer will teach you how to conduct a ring and a visual inspection. You need to look out for rust, cracks, no wrapping and water or chemical damage. You will also learn how to inspect the other components of the wheel, including the nuts, bolts and other assembling components.
PPE or Personal Protection Equipment is highly important in keeping yourself safe when operating an abrasive wheel. On this part of the course, the trainer will go over the importance of PPE and what equipment you should be wearing for a certain task.
CITB has announced an extension on Industry Accreditation Grants for qualifications completed by 31st March 2026.
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