
10
9. Avoid direct contact with the moving sanding pad in order to prevent pinching or cutting of hands or other body parts. Wear
suitable gloves to protect hands.
10. Never run the tool unless abrasive is applied to the workpiece.
11. There is a risk of electrostatic discharge if used on plastic and other non-conductive materials.
12. Potentially explosive atmospheres can be caused by dust and fumes resulting from sanding.
13. Always use dust extraction or suppression systems which are suitable for the material being processed.
Safety precautions for repetitive motions hazards
1. When using a sander to perform work-related activities, the operator can experience discomfort in the hands, arms, shoulders,
neck or other parts of the body.
2. While using a sander, the operator should adopt a comfortable posture whilst maintaining secure footing and avoiding awkward or
off-balance postures. The operator should change posture during extended tasks; this can help avoid discomfort and fatigue.
3. If the operator experiences symptoms such as persistent or recurring discomfort, pain, throbbing, aching, tingling, numbness,
burning sensations or stiffness, these warning signs should not be ignored. The operator should tell the employer and consult a
qualified health professional.
Safety precautions for accessory hazards
1. Disconnect the sander from the energy supply before fitting or changing the inserted tool or accessory.
2. Avoid direct contact with the inserted tool during and after use, as it can be hot or sharp.
3. Use only sizes and types of accessories and consumables that are recommended by the manufacturer of sanders; do not use
other types or sizes of accessories or consumables.
4. Grinding wheels and cutting-off tools shall not be used.
5. Check that the maximum operating speed of the inserted tool (flap wheels, abrasive belts, fibre discs, backing pads, etc.), is higher
than the rated speed of the sander.
6. Self-fixing sander discs shall be placed concentrically on the supporting pad.
Safety precautions for workplace hazards
1. Slips, trips and falls are major causes of workplace injury. Be aware of slippery surfaces caused by use of the tool and also of trip
hazards caused by the air line or hydraulic hose.
2. The sander is not intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres and is not insulated against contact with electric power.
3. Ensure that there are no electrical cables, gas pipes, etc., which can cause a hazard if damaged by use of the tool.
Safety precautions for dust and fume hazards
1. Dust and fumes generated when using sanders can cause ill health (for example cancer, birth defects, asthma and/or dermatitis);
risk assessment and implementation of appropriate controls for these hazards are essential.
2. Risk assessment should include dust created by the use of the tool and the potential for disturbing existing dust.
3. Operate and maintain the sander as recommended in these instructions, to minimize dust or fume emissions.
4. Direct the exhaust so as to minimize disturbance of dust in a dust-filled environment.
5. Where dust or fumes are created, the priority shall be to control them at the point of emission.
6. All integral features or accessories for the collection, extraction or suppression of airborne dust or fumes should be correctly used
and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
7. Select, maintain and replace the consumable/inserted tool as recommended in the instruction handbook, to prevent an
unnecessary increase in dust or fumes.
8. Use respiratory protection in accordance with employer's instructions and as required by occupational health and safety
regulations.
Safety precautions for noise hazards
1. Exposure to high noise levels can cause permanent, disabling hearing loss and other problems, such as tinnitus (ringing, buzzing,
whistling or humming in the ears). Therefore, risk assessment and implementation of appropriate controls for these hazards are
essential.
2. Appropriate controls to reduce the risk can include actions such as damping materials to prevent workpieces from “ringing”.
3. Use hearing protection in accordance with employer's instructions and as required by occupational health and safety regulations.
4. Operate and maintain the sander as recommended in the instruction handbook, to prevent an unnecessary increase in the noise
level.
5. Select, maintain and replace the consumable/inserted tool as recommended in the instruction handbook, to prevent an
unnecessary increase in noise.
6. If the sander has a silencer, always ensure it is in place and in good working order when the tool is being operated.
Safety precautions for vibration hazards
1. Exposure to vibration can cause disabling damage to the nerves and blood supply of the hands and arms.
2. Wear warm clothing when working in cold conditions and keep your hands warm and dry.
3. If you experience numbness, tingling, pain or whitening of the skin in your fingers or hands, stop using the sander, tell your
employer and consult a physician.
4. Operate and maintain the sander as recommended in the instruction handbook, to prevent an unnecessary increase in vibration
levels.
5. Hold the tool with a light but safe grip, taking account of the required hand reaction forces, because the risk from vibration is