Question. Where does the training take place?

Answer. We come to you or you can attend our courses at our training centre in Cambridgeshire. When we come to you all we need is an electric powerpoint, an area set aside to give our audio-visual presentation and some of your grinding or cutting equipment (for demonstration purposes) and we will do the rest! If you wish to attend our training centre please contact Michelle by email at training@abtecindusties.com or Freephone 0800 027 1928 for available dates.  

Question. How many delegates can attend a training course?

Answer. For most training courses we recommend a maximum of 6 delegates. If, however, you have requirement for more then please contact one of our training advisers free on 0800 027 1928.

Question. How dangerous is an abrasive grinding or cutting wheel?

Answer. Risk from injury can be reduced considerbly by training in using good quality wheels, correctly stored, correctly used on a well maintained machine. A disc or wheel that breaks up during use may travel as much as 180mph and its effect on human tissue can cause serious injury or death both to the user or those nearby. The most shocking statistic that our trainers encounter is that up to 20% of attendees to our training courses have been injured, some seriously, in their working life by abrasive wheels. And most agree, that with correct training, these injuries could have been avoided.

Question. What dates are available?

Answer. If possible we would require at least 2 weeks notice to guarantee your desired date. Some Saturdays are available and we will where possible try to meet your needs even at short notice. Please contact one of our training advisers free on 0800 027 1928.

Question. What is the cost of a training course?

Answer. When you contact us with your requirements we will gladly supply a written quotation giving the full cost of the training programme.

Question. Do I need my workforce to be trained in the safe use of abrasive wheels?

Answer. Any employer who has employees that use grinding machinery including angle grinders and cutters, pedestal and bench mounted grinders, surface , cylindrical and internal grinders should consider Regulation 9 of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER 1998) which states......

1. Every employer shall ensure that all persons who use work equipment have received adequate training for purposes of health and safety, including training in the methods which may be adopted when using work equipment, any risks which such use may entail and precautions to be taken.

1. Question. You offer various training courses. What one do I need?

Answer. For companies requiring certification and training in the safe and efficient use and mounting of grinding wheels should consider the Training for users of abrasive wheels and discs on portable and fixed grinding machines. This course is suitable for users of bench, pedestal, portable grinding and cutting machinery and can usually be completed as a half day course. For those using other grinding machinery or that require a greater level of training in subjects such as wheel balancing, dressing techniques or improving the grinding process should consider the one day course. Companies that require more detailed training in the grinding process should consider the Grinding Principles Advanced Training Course or Profit from grinding or cutting.

Question. When will I receive my certificates and how long are they valid?

Answer. Usually within 2 weeks of the completion of the course. The certificates are valid for 5 years.

Question. Some of my employees were trained some years ago. Do they need further training?

Answer. Almost certainly. Many were trained to the provisions of the Abrasive Wheels Regulations 1970(these dealt with the training, competence and appointment of people to mount abrasive wheels). These regulations were revoked by the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER 1998).

Question. Who should attend a grinding wheel course?

Answer. The vast majority of delegates are those that use grinding machines in their day to day work. However, because of the importance of using the correct wheel, handling and storage of abrasive wheels we would recommend that staff working in stores, goods inward and purchasing should consider attending a grinding wheel course. Also supervisors, managers and foremen should consider attending as Regulation 9 of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER 1998) states......

1. Every employer shall ensure that any of his employees who supervises or manages the use of work equipment has received adequate training for purposes of health and safety, including training in the methods which may be adopted when using the work equipment, any risks which such use may entail and precautions to be taken.

In 2007 we included a free and impartial safety report outlining any area's of concern relating to the abrasive wheel regulations found by the trainer during the course.

In 2008 we are able to offer identification cards to delegates attending our courses. These are very useful where delegates are required, especially on site work, to provide evidence of attending an abrasive wheel course.