Brush Safety
Power brushes are rotating cutting tools that must always be operated with certain safety precautions. All operators of power bushes should be familiar with “Safety Requirements For The Design, Care, and Use of Power Driven Brush Tools”, ANS B165.1. A summary of this statement is provided with each shipment, and additional copies are available upon request. It is mandatory that the user read and observe the complete safety information provided. Spiral Brushes catalog Brush safety Information
Some of the key considerations are provided below
Inspection: Upon receipt, inspect brushes for signs of transportation damage. Do not use damaged brushes.
Storage and Handling: Store brushes in original packaging or its equivalent. Do not expose brush to high humidity, heat, acids, fumes, water, or other liquids which might adversely affect it. Do not allow brush fill or components to become distorted as this may cause an imbalanced condition when run. Do not allow foreign material to accumulate on or become lodged in the brush face.
Machine Condition: Maintain equipment in safe operating condition. Use safety guards on machine. Provide adequate power to maintain spindle speed. Provide adequate exhaust for the application. Use a work rest. Adjust rest so that not more than a 1/8″ opening is between the rest and the brush. Adjust rest only when brush is not in motion. Do not use a brush larger than the machine is designed for. If spindle nut is used to secure the brush, the direction of the thread should be such in relation to the direction of the rotation that the nut will tend to tighten as power is applied to the spindle. If flanges are used, they should be identical in size and bearing surface to avoid cross-bending pressure on the brush. Threaded spindles should be long enough to allow full nut mounting.
Mounting Brushes: Inspect the brush for damage, rust or oxidation. If brush is not in good condition, do not use. Check the spindle speed (RPM). Do not use brush if spindle RPM exceeds Maximum Safe Free Speed (MSFS) for which brush is rated. Brush arbor hole and spindle diameter should be the same. Brush should fit freely on spindle. If brush has bushing, the brush, not the bushing, should be gripped by the machine. Flanges, if used, should be compressed with sufficient force to anchor the brush but should not damage the fill material, compress the thickness of the brush through the hub, or otherwise distort the brush. For Shank-Type brushes, the shank should be inserted into the chuck or collet as far as possible with minimum overhang of the brush.
Speed: Do not exceed the Maximum Safe Free Speed (MSFS). MSFS is the maximum RPM that the brush should be run with no work applied. MSFS is NOT the recommended operating speed. The recommended operating speed is determined by the application, but should not exceed the MSFS. A periodic speed check of the spindle is the operator’s responsibility.
Protective Equipment, Eye, etc.: Protective eye equipment shall be worn by all brush operators. Full face protection and other protective equipment and clothing shall be required by the employer for the brush operator if such equipment can prevent probable injuries. Other personnel in the work area of the brush should wear eye protection and other safety equipment to prevent injury. Employers should use an enclosure to isolate any particularly hazardous brushing operation from the operator and other personnel.
Machine Guards: Keep all machine guards in place. Use rotating brushes only on machines provided with safety guards.
Starting The Brush: Before starting, jog the machine to be sure it is ready to use and that brush is fastened securely. Brushes shall be running at operating speed with safety guards in place or in a protective enclosure for at least one minute before applying work. During this time no one should stand in front of or in line with the brush.
Supervision: Competent persons shall be assigned to the mounting, care, and inspection of brushes and brush machinery. It is the responsibility of the user to fully inform all operating personnel about all of the hazards relating to brush use, and to instruct them in the proper use of brushes, safety rules, correct speeds, and the need for eye protection.