abrasive tools, such as grinding wheels, sandpaper, and honing stones, are made of natural or synthetic materials that are harder than the workpiece material. When these tools are used to cut or shape metal, they can create sparks that may contain harmful metals. To ensure that these sparks do not pose a health hazard, OSHA recommends that employers test the abrasive materials before using them.
One way to test for potential hazards is to use a spark-testing machine. This machine uses high-speed photography to capture the sparks emitted when an abrasive tool is used. The photos can then be analyzed to determine if any harmful metals are present in the sparks.
Another way to test for potential hazards is to use a chemical analysis kit. This kit contains chemicals that change color when they come into contact with certain metals. By testing the abrasive material with this kit, employers can determine if any of the harmful metals are present.
By performing these tests, employers can ensure that their employees are not exposed to any unnecessary health risks when using abrasive tools.