MACH 2014 - New abrasive training by BAF

Visitors will be able to find BAF in the BAF Grinding Zone at the show. It has long been a goal of BAF to ensure that users of abrasives are adequately trained and that employers are aware of their responsibilities and comply with current legislation. The risk of breakage is inherent in every abrasive wheel regardless of the fact that a considerable amount of care is taken by grinding tool manufacturers in the production of these products. Accident statistics indicate that half of all accidents are due to an unsafe system of work or operator error. Companies that fail to provide an adequate level of training to ensure risks are minimised are exposing their employees to unnecessary risk and themselves to potential prosecution and heavy fines. BAF has now set up an accreditation committee to examine both abrasive safety training course content and accuracy. A number of training companies have been through the accreditation process and are now approved to deliver comprehensive abrasive safety training programmes country-wide. These training companies have undergone a rigorous inspection of their training methods, materials and content. To further assist training companies and users of abrasives alike, BAF has commissioned and developed its own training notes. While there is no substitute for thorough practical training, all of the elements required under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) 1998 are covered within the course content. The training notes will also assist training companies interested in achieving BAF accreditation. BAF will be monitoring the results closely and expanding the training materials and support offered to include user certification and a register of trained users of abrasives.