Industrial Brush Companies Safety

Brush Safety Recommendations

Safety Information: Many brush manufacturers feature some safety warnings, recommendations, and usage restrictions directly marked on the product. It is not always practical to include even the most limited safety information on the actual brush itself. Therefore, the operator must read and follow all instructions supplied in or on the product container, as well as any marked on the product itself. The operator should also refer to the safety and operating information printed in the brush or power tool manufacturer's catalog, instruction manual and other literature.

Warning: In normal power-brushing operations, the material being removed, such as burrs, scale, dirt, weld slag or other residue, will fly off the brush with considerable force along with brush filaments which break off due to fatigue. To protect against this hazard before rotating the brush, during rotation and until rotation stops, operators and others in the area must wear SAFETY GOGGLES or FULL FACE SHIELDS WORN OVER SAFETY GLASSES WITH SIDE SHIELDS and use PROTECTIVE CLOTHING and EQUIPMENT.

The POTENTIAL OF SERIOUS INJURY EXISTS for both the brush operator and others in the work area (even those 50 feet and further away from the brush).

You must follow all operator and safety instructions, as well as all common safety practices which reduce the likelihood or severity of physical injury.

Pressure: Avoid excessive pressure when using a power brush. Excessive pressure causes over-bending of the filaments and heat build-up, which can result in filament breakage, rapid dulling and reduced brush life. Instead of greater pressure on a brush, it is suggested that you try: (1) A brush with a more aggressive cutting action (increased wire size, decreased filament length, change to a different brush type, i.e. knot type instead of crimped wire type), or (2) Higher speed (increased R.P.M., increased brush diameter).

Self-Sharpening: When using wire wheel brushes, periodically reverse the direction of rotation to take advantage of the self-sharpening action that will result. This can be achieved by removing the brush from the spindle and turning it side-for-side and remounting securely. (See Figure 2)

Inspection and Storage: Upon receipt, inspect brushes for damage, rust and deterioration. Store brushes in original containers in a clean, dry location. Do not allow distortion of brush filaments/components or foreign matter to become lodged in the brush face.

Dust and Fumes: Wear respiratory protection against this hazard (see ANSI 288.2).

Brushing Problems: DO NOT ALLOW UNSAFE OPERATIONS TO CONTINUE. Occasionally, due to worn bearings, a bent spindle, an unusual application, operator abuse or inappropriate use, a brush may fail. Do not continue to use a failed brush or one which is functioning improperly (i.e., throwing filaments, out of balance, etc.), as this increases the potential for further brush failure and hazard of injury. The cause of the failure should be evaluated and corrected immediately.

IMPORTANT: A Safety Slip is included with each shipping package for power brushes. All operators must read and understand safety information thoroughly and completely before using the brush. Keep the safety slip with the brush.

WARNING: Failure to observe safety rules may result in injury.

Power Brush Safety Requirements

Safety Goggles: Safety Goggles or Full Face Shields worn over Safety Glasses with side shields, MUST BE WORN by all OPERATORS and OTHERS IN THE AREA OF POWER BRUSH OPERATIONS. Comply with the requirements of ANSI 287.] ("Occupational Eye and Face Protection").

Guards: Keep all machine guards in place.

Speeds: Observe all speed restrictions indicated on the brushes, containers, labels or printed in pertinent literature. "MSFS" or "MAX.SFS" means Maximum Safe Free Speed (R.P.M.)-spinning free with no work applied. For the safety of the operator and others in the work area, the "MSFS/MAX.SFS" should not be exceeded under any circumstances.

Safety Standard: Comply with the Safety Standards of the American National Standards Institute, ANSI B165.1 and ANSI B165.2 "Safety Requirements-Power Brushes".

Protective Equipment: Appropriate protective clothing and equipment (such as full face shields, gloves, respirator, etc.) must be used where a possibility of injury exists that can be prevented by such equipment.

Before Starting Brush: Use eye protection and safety equipment. Inspect brush for rust or damage, and familiarize yourself with the speed limit and other safety information related to the particular brush. If the no-load speed marked on the power tool is higher than the brush speed limit, do not mount brush. Inspect and jog the machine to assure that the brush is mounted properly and securely, the machine guards are in place, there is no vibration, etc. Run machine at operating speed for at least one minute before applying work-DO NOT STAND IN FRONT OF OR IN LINE WITH BRUSH.

Availability of ANSI Standards: Contact – ANSI, 1430 Broadway, New York, NY 10018.

"This information for users is provided solely as a public service. These recommendations are not necessarily complete for any particular application, and you should follow common sense safety considerations. Federal, state or local laws or regulations must be strictly obeyed, and control over these recommendations."