PPE

Angle grinder blade randomly explodes, smashing user in eye + images

Angle grinder accident

When an angle grinder blade randomly exploded in the hands of 44-year-old construction veteran, Scott Chandler, smashing him in the eye, he was immediately covered in blood.

While a guard was installed on the grinder, the near new four-inch blade exploded while the grinder was facing upwards, meaning there was nothing between it and his face.

“It was mid-air. I had just turned it on.  It got up to speed and was half an arm’s length away. As I went to turn it over, it just exploded,” Scott said.

“It was like a kick in the face. I put a hand up to my face and there was blood all over me.”

angle grinder accident

Luckily, Scott’s eyesight was saved by a $15 pair of ProChoice safety glasses.

“It hit me square in the middle of the glasses. Without a doubt the glasses saved my eye.”

“If I wasn’t wearing the glasses it would have been horrific. It hit so hard that I thought a big piece of heavy steel had hit me. I thought it was the bolt on the grinder.”

Despite wearing his safety glasses, Scott did not escape without injury, although it was nothing compared to what may have been if he had not been wearing his PPE.

“My nose was bruised and I had a black eye. All around my cheek was bruised where the glasses pushed into my face.”

“It hurt like hell at the time but I walked away from it.”

Scott said he is always fairly diligent wearing his PPE, but that now he will be even more careful.

“I wouldn’t even consider touching a tool without these on. They saved my eyesight, without a shadow of doubt. I’ll wear full face now,” he said.

Scott has taken the opportunity to spread the message about safety, using the incident to drive home the importance of PPE with his friends and his son – who is a mechanic.

“For something worth $15, compared with the pain and suffering you’re going to go through, at the time and long term. I wear these things to bed now,” he joked.

“They’re a fantastic product, I owe my sight to them. I dodged a bullet. I couldn’t be happier.”

angle grinder accident

Scott was wearing ProChoice’s Fusion Pro 9202 safety glasses, which are rated for medium impact however when using an angle grinder, it is advisable to wear a high impact BGVC Browguard with Visor for maximum protection.

Hearing protection and Class 5 cut resistant gloves with vibration resistant properties should also be worn, while a face shield is highly recommended along with safety boots. Well-fitted flame resistant clothing should also be considered.

See more about selecting and operating an angle grinder along with using a blade rated for the grinder and task in our Angle Grinder Safety Guide.

 

Sign Up for Exclusive Content