Bench Grinder Inspection Checklist

Use this Bench Grinder Inspection Checklist to inspect grinding wheels, tool rests, guards, tongue guards, eye shields, and PPE for bench and pedestal grinders.

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Bench Grinder Inspection Checklist



General Setup

1. The bench grinder is included on the site or facility equipment register


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2. The machine has a current, in-date inspection tag attached


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3. The operator is trained and competent in the safe use of bench and pedestal grinders


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4. Lockout/tagout (LOTO) equipment is available for use during wheel changes and maintenance tasks


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5. The work area around the grinder is clear of obstructions, flammable materials, and slip hazards


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Machine Mounting And Body

1. The grinder is securely bolted to the workbench or pedestal with no movement under operating load


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2. Pedestal grinders are anchored to the floor or fitted with anti-vibration mounts as required


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3. The machine casing is free from cracks, fractures, or damage that exposes internal components


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4. All external fasteners and housing screws are tight and show no signs of loosening


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5. The power isolator or disconnect switch is accessible and clearly identified


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6. The machine base and surrounding work surface are clean and free from accumulated grinding dust and swarf


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Grinding Wheels

1. Both grinding wheels are visually free from cracks, chips, gouges, or heat discoloration


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2. New or recently fitted wheels have been ring tested before use — tapped lightly to confirm a clear ringing tone with no dull or flat sound indicating an internal crack


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3. The maximum RPM rating marked on each wheel meets or exceeds the no-load RPM of the grinder


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4. Wheel diameter is within the size range specified for the machine by the manufacturer


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5. Wheel flanges are undamaged, correctly sized, and match on both sides of the wheel


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6. Blotters or compressible washers are fitted between the flanges and wheel faces where required by the manufacturer


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7. Retaining nuts are tightened securely without overtightening that could crack the wheel


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8. Wheels are free from glazing, loading, or uneven wear that would affect cutting performance or safety


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9. No wheel shows signs of out-of-round running, wobble, or vibration during the idle run-up


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Wheel Guards And Tongue Guard

1. Both wheel guards are in place, undamaged, and not modified or bypassed


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2. Each wheel guard covers the required arc of the wheel as specified by the manufacturer


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3. The tongue guard (spark arrestor) is in position above each wheel and adjusted to within the required clearance of the wheel surface


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4. The tongue guard is undamaged, secure, and correctly deflects sparks away from the operator


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5. Guard fasteners are tight and guards do not shift position during machine operation


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6. The gap between the wheel guard and the wheel is within the manufacturer's specified tolerance on both sides


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Tool Rest

1. A tool rest is fitted to each grinding position and is free from cracks or deformation


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2. The tool rest surface is adjusted to within the required clearance of the wheel face


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3. The tool rest is positioned slightly below the wheel centerline as specified by the manufacturer


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4. The tool rest locking mechanism is engaged and holds the rest firmly with no movement under hand pressure


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5. The tool rest surface is flat, smooth, and free from nicks or raised edges that could catch a workpiece


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Eye Shields And Lighting

1. The integrated eye shield is fitted to each grinding position and is correctly positioned above the wheel


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2. Eye shield lenses are free from cracks, deep scratches, or discoloration that reduces visibility


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3. Eye shields pivot and lock correctly and hold their set position during operation


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4. The work area has adequate lighting for the operator to clearly see the grinding contact point


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Electrical And Motor

1. The power cord is free from cuts, abrasions, kinking, and exposed wiring along its full length


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2. The plug is undamaged with no bent pins, cracked casing, or missing earth prong


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3. The on/off switch operates correctly and returns to the off position when released


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4. An emergency stop is fitted, clearly marked, unobstructed, and confirmed to stop the machine immediately


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5. The motor runs without unusual noise, excessive vibration, or signs of overheating during the run-up period


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6. The machine reaches operating speed within a normal time and does not struggle or stall on start-up


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Safe Operating Practices

1. Wheels are dressed with a dressing tool before use when glazed, loaded, or running out of true


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2. Workpieces are presented to the face of the wheel only — side grinding on a standard bench grinder wheel is not carried out


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3. The workpiece is supported on the tool rest and not held freehand without support during grinding


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4. Grinding is not started with the workpiece already in contact with the wheel


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5. The operator stands to one side of the wheel plane during start-up and does not stand directly in front of the wheel


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6. Small or irregularly shaped workpieces are secured with pliers or a clamp rather than held by hand


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7. The grinder is allowed to reach full operating speed before the workpiece is applied to the wheel


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8. The machine is not left running unattended at any point during operations


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PPE

1. Safety glasses and a full-face shield are both worn during all grinding operations, even when the integrated eye shield is in place


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2. Hearing protection rated for the noise level of the task is worn throughout operations


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3. Gloves appropriate to the task are worn when handling workpieces — not when the machine is running if there is an entanglement risk


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4. Safety footwear is worn in all areas where the bench grinder is in operation


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5. Respiratory protection is available and worn where grinding generates hazardous dust or fumes


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Periodic Inspection And Records

1. Wheel bearings are free from excessive noise, vibration, or play under normal operating conditions


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2. Drive components are free from wear, looseness, or abnormal condition


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3. Grinding wheels are dressed or replaced on a schedule that prevents glazing and loading from developing between inspections


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4. The coolant or water trough, if fitted, is clean and filled to the correct level


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5. Any defects identified during this inspection are logged with the asset ID, defect description, and date


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6. The next scheduled inspection date is recorded and the inspection tag is updated accordingly


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Checklist by GoAudits.com – Please note that this checklist is intended as an example. We do not guarantee compliance with the laws applicable to your territory or industry. You should seek professional advice to determine how this checklist should be adapted to your workplace or jurisdiction.

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