Clay Times Back Issues Vol. 2 Issue 6 • Sep/Oct 1996 | Page 19

Studio Health & Safety The True Grit on Grinding BY MONONA ROSSOL Almost every pottery I have ever inspected or surveyed, whether in a school, university or a small business, has had an electric abrasive grinding wheel. And almost every one of these grinding wheels was in a condition which rendered it a serious OSHA violation. I figure it’s time we talk. OSHA regulations on grinding wheel safety have been in place since 1974. These rules are necessary because grinding wheels have caused a large number of serious accidents resulting in blindness and even death. Abrasive wheels can shatter spewing pieces at very high velocities toward the user's head and eyes. Fingers and tools can jam between the tool rest and the wheel or between the wheel and the housing. Sparks and pieces of the material being ground can fly into the user's face and eyes. For these reasons, OSHA requires all grinding wheels to have: • housings covering 3/4 of the wheel including the spindles; • clear, unbreakable guards adjusted over the work during use; • tool rests adjusted to within one-eighth inch of the wheel; and • break-out plates seated at the top of the housing. OSHA also will cite employers for violations if workers use the grinding wheel: • without all guards in place; • without wearing eye protection and sometimes face protection; • or to grind objects on the sides or edges of the wheel. Only the flat front plane is a proper grinding surface. If the grinding wheel is used correctly with all the guards in place, only pots a few inches in diameter can fit in the space between them. To get around this problem, many potters simply raise or remove the guard and take off the tool rest. This is dangerous! Instead, potters should realize that abrasive grinding wheels simply should not be used for grinding off glaze flaws. They are the wrong tool for the job. Either the grinding wheel should be removed from the studio altogether or it can be altered by removing the tool rest and replacing the abrasive wheel with an abrasive flap wheel. Flap wheels are strips of abrasive cloth affixed at an axle. They will not shatter and are not covered by grinding wheel regulations. Many potters find flap wheels useful for some kinds of grinding. However, what potters really need is a hand-held tool that will take glaze drips and globs off the outside—and inside—of pots. Some types that many potters find useful include: 1) The larger and higher quality Dremel tools with assorted carbide and diamond bits. 2) Air compressor-powered die grinders with bodies of two inches in diameter or larger. 3) Flexible shaft grinders like those used in the jewelry industry. 4) Dental drills for delicate work. Another useful tool is a horizontal flat wheel which uses wet abrasive grits to grind bottoms even. Each potter will probably find a combination of these tools that works well. All these tools should be used with eyewear that is rated for impact protection. Face shields also may be needed for high-powered tools. Control of the dust is also necessary since it will contain free silica and other toxic substances. PINE RIDGE POTTERY Mail Order & Deliveries Available CALL 800•657•7227 FOR FREE CATALOG 5704G General Washington Dr. Alexandria, Virginia 22312 703-750-9437 • Fax 703-750-9442 e-mail: [email protected] CERAMIC ARTS LIBRARY We Sell Ceramic Art Books, Catalogs and Slide Programs. Call or Write for Free Catalog. 79 East Third St. • Corning, NY 14830 1-800-323-6748 • FAX 607-962-1636 e-mail: [email protected] ENJOY CLAY TIMES? SUBSCRIBE TODAY! Please return subscription card on pg. 17. HAWTHORN BOND I would be interested in comments from potters who use some of these tools so we can pass on recommendations for the best types. Please reply to: Monona Rossol, ACTS, 181 Thompson St. #23, New York, NY 10012-2586, 212/777-0062. ■ Monona Rossol is an industrial hygienist/ chemist with an MFA in ceramics/glass. She is also an award-winning author of five books on the hazards of art and ceramic materials. Her email address is: [email protected]. ▼ 19