Bench Grinder Safety Scale

OSHA 29 CFR 1910.215 for grinders is one of the most frequently cited machine-safety standards for violations during OSHA machine-safety inspections. This is due to improperly adjusted work rests and tongues on bench grinders (sometimes called offhand or pedestal grinders). According to 29 CFR 1910.215(a)(4), work rests must be kept adjusted closely to the wheel with a maximum opening of 1/8" to prevent the workpiece from being jammed between the wheel and the rest, which may cause wheel breakage. In addition, 29 CFR 1910.215(b)(9) states that the distance between the wheel periphery and the adjustable tongue must never exceed 1/4".

Since many people are unaware of these OSHA-required adjustments for bench grinders, our U.S. Copyright Office–registered bench grinder safety scale has been designed to check the openings between the grinding wheels and the tongues and work rests for compliance with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.215 as well as the ANSI B11.9 and ANSI B7.1 grinder safety standards (which have the same requirements). This scale has a 0.25" hole in it for attachment to bench grinders and a ruler along the back edge to measure openings for compliance.

The orange-colored scale is made out of durable, 0.090"-thick anodized aluminum and has easy-to-read text and graphics that will not rub or scratch off. It is about the size of a credit card, which makes it convenient to carry and store. It can be used during the installation, maintenance, and inspection of bench grinders to make sure the work rests and tongues comply with OSHA and ANSI grinder safety standards, which can help reduce OSHA violations.

Our bench grinder safety scale is proudly made in the United States of America!