Abrasive Wheels & Angle Grinders

A Core Interactive course on abrasive wheels and angle grinders delivering 11 interactions and 5 validated competencies across wheel inspection, wheel-to-job matching, and guard setup on real configurations. Workers learn to catch mounting and speed errors before pulling the trigger.

A tool-specific deep dive for workers who use angle grinders, cut-off tools and bench or pedestal grinders — metal trades, fabrication, construction, and maintenance. Aligned with the Manitoba WSH Act and WSH Regulation MR 217/2006 (tools and machinery), ANSI B7.1 (abrasive wheels), and OSHA 1926.303 / 1910.215.

Equip angle-grinder, cut-off-tool and bench/pedestal-grinder users to run abrasive wheels safely — select and match the wheel to the tool and the job (never over-speed a wheel), inspect and ring-test and mount wheels correctly, keep the guard on and stand out…

At a glance

Who this course is for

Workers who mount, dress, or operate angle grinders and bench or cut-off wheels in fabrication, maintenance, and construction.

What you will learn

Course outline

  1. The Wheel Is Turning Faster Than You Think — Why an abrasive wheel carries hazards ordinary tools do not, what makes a wheel burst, and what this course covers.
  2. Choosing the Wheel — RPM Match, Right Wheel, Cut vs Grind — Matching the wheel's maximum safe speed to the tool, choosing the right wheel for the material and job, and cutting wheels versus grinding…
  3. Inspect, Ring-Test, Mount & Store — Inspecting a wheel for damage, the ring test for a vitrified wheel, correct mounting (arbor, flanges, blotters, not over-tightened), and…
  4. Guards, Standing Out of the Plane & Kickback — Keeping the guard on and positioned, standing out of the plane of the wheel, letting a new wheel run up to speed, and avoiding pinch and…
  5. Bench Grinders, PPE, Reporting & Your Site — Bench/pedestal grinder work-rest gap and tongue guard, PPE (face shield over glasses plus hearing), reporting defects, the wheel program…

Laws and standards covered

Certificate and renewal

Passing the final test issues a QR-verified certificate, valid for one year.

This certificate records completion of knowledge training in the safe use of abrasive wheels and angle grinders. It does not authorize the holder to mount a wheel or set up a grinder on any particular tool. The wheel and tool manufacturers' instructions and the markings on the wheel always govern, and the employer must provide the hands-on setup training the work requires and confirm the worker is competent on the tools in use.

Common questions

How long does Abrasive Wheels & Angle Grinders take?

About 1 hour 15 minutes online, over 5 modules, at your own pace. It ends with a final test that needs 80% to pass.

How long is the Abrasive Wheels & Angle Grinders certificate valid?

One year from the day you pass. Review training at least annually and whenever the tools, wheels, or tasks change.

Which laws and standards does Abrasive Wheels & Angle Grinders cover?

Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health Act (C.C.S.M. c. W210); Manitoba WSH Regulation MR 217/2006; ANSI B7.1 — Safety Requirements for the Use, Care and Protection of Abrasive Wheels (cited by number; link opens the…; and 2 more listed on this page.

Is the online certificate enough on its own?

This certificate records completion of knowledge training in the safe use of abrasive wheels and angle grinders. It does not authorize the holder to mount a wheel or set up a grinder on any particular tool. The wheel and tool manufacturers' instructions and the markings on the wheel always govern, and the employer must provide the hands-on setup training the work requires and confirm the worker is competent on the tools in use.

Is this course part of a training program?

Yes. It is included in Machine & Tool Safety Program.

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