As a user of high-speed abrasive tools, you may have already seen the oSa logo.
(You may have also wondered why you couldn’t find the Australian Standard details you’re already familiar with on Klingspor products.)
oSA stands for the Organisation for the Safety of Abrasives. It’s an internationally recognized authority on cutting and grinding tools founded in Germany in 2000.
That’s when leading producers of high-grade abrasive products came together to document the high safety standards of their products, to ensure that the quality of their products remains consistently high in the interests of abrasive product users.
oSa members are committed to ensuring the adherence to safety standards and sustaining quality assurance.
Klingspor is an oSa member.
What are the significant differences between the requirements according to oSa and the Australian Standards AS1788.1?
The main differences are the requirements for product labels, as well as the reference to the use of wheel flanges with identical diameter. The regulations of the oSa certification require the same facts but refrain from labeling the product in the same way.
There are two reasons for these differences:
- Machine manufacturers already provide hand-held grinding tools with the correct flanges ex-works.
- The wide variety of fixing systems and flange types available these days does not allow comprehensive and accurate documentation on the product label.
This is the only requirement where the guidelines of the Australian Standard are more demanding than the ones of oSa.
Update: AS 1788 is now superseded by AS EN 12413:2022 as of December 2022.
In the following, you will find some examples to outline why the demands of the oSa certification (based on European standard EN 12413) are far stricter than the Australian Standard AS1788.1.
Scope of testing
The Australian Standard does not stipulate the scope of a product sample test. The amount of testing relies on the manufacturer’s discretion.
The oSa standard requires that one out of every 1,000 discs must be tested to the point of destruction. All tests in accordance with oSa are process-controlled throughout the manufacturing process:
- Bursting test: The Australian Standard test requires only 1.5 times the maximum operating speed for all diameters. For abrasive tools on hand-held, portable grinding machines, EN 12413 stipulates a generally higher test speed which is defined in relation to the diameter.
- Side load / Impact test: The Australian Standard requires no side load/impact tests. In contrast, according to EN 12413, the side load is regularly checked, depending on the diameter and application (free-hand or stationery).
- Run-out tolerances: The Australian Standard gives no run-out tolerances. On the contrary, EN 12413 determines the run-out tolerances (deviation concentricity from axis) depending on the diameters.
- Tolerance of thickness: The Australian Standard specifies no thickness tolerances. EN 12413 demands tolerance values according to the nominal value stated.
All high-quality abrasive products of the member companies are subject to the stringent requirements of oSa. These products are manufactured and tested based on European safety standards.
Therefore, products with the oSa label assure a high-quality production process and high standards of safety checking.
So, are Klingspor’s abrasive tools safe to use?
Yes, not only are they safe, but they are also even safer!
Klingspor is a manufacturer of the highest quality abrasive tools and accepts responsibility for its products. Therefore, Klingspor holds Global Product Liability Insurance for its entire product range.
As a user of abrasive tools with an oSa label, you can be sure that Klingspor products meet the highest precautionary measures and latest production standards that exist around the world.
AIMS' Note on Safe Use of Abrasives
- Inspection: Before using any abrasive disc or wheel, carefully inspect it for cracks, chips or damage. Beware that damaged abrasives can shatter at high speeds and cause serious injury to you or other people nearby. Some brands indicate ‘use by’ dates, which is important because some abrasives deteriorate over time.
- Mounting: Ensure proper and secure mounting of the abrasive onto the tool, using the correct flanges and blotters as needed. Never exceed the maximum RPM rating of the abrasive. Always unplug or disconnect power tools (eg power grinders) before changing abrasives.
- PPE: Always use machine guards designed for the specific abrasive tool. Wear essential safety gear, including safety glasses or goggles or a full-face shield for maximum protection. Gloves, ear protection and dust masks / respirators are often necessary, depending on the material being worked on and the type of abrasive you are using.
- Controlled usage: Start tools smoothly, allowing them to reach full speed before applying them to the workpiece. Avoid excessive pressure that can overheat or break the abrasive. If an abrasive is discolored or smells burnt, replace it.
- Environment: Be mindful of sparks and debris generated by abrasives. Use dust extraction equipment to minimise exposure to harmful dust. Work in a well-ventilated area clear of flammable materials.
- Maintenance: Keep your abrasives clean, sharp and properly maintained. Store them in a safe and organized place when not in use.
- Disposal: Dispose of used abrasives properly according to best practices and local regulations.
For sandpaper selection (grit, backing, material), see our sandpaper range.
For the broader grinding wheel safety picture across all brands — wheel types, RPM matching, mounting, PPE under AS 1788.2 — see our Grinding Wheel Safety: Selection, Mounting & AS 1788 guide.
People Also Ask — Safe Use of Abrasives
Q: What PPE is required when using angle grinders and cutting discs?
When operating an angle grinder with cutting or grinding discs, the minimum PPE required under Safe Work Australia guidance and AS/NZS 1336 includes: a full-face shield (AS/NZS 1337) over safety glasses — not glasses alone; hearing protection rated for the noise level (AS/NZS 1270); P2 dust respiratory protection where silica-containing materials are being cut (AS/NZS 1716); leather or cut-resistant gloves; and flame-resistant long-sleeved clothing or an apron. Always use the correct guard — removing grinding wheel guards is a serious safety violation and the leading cause of serious angle grinder injuries.
Q: What is the maximum RPM rating rule for abrasive discs?
The disc's maximum operating speed (RPM) must be equal to or greater than the free-running RPM of the angle grinder at the specified disc diameter. The disc's RPM rating is printed on the label. For example, a 125mm disc rated to 12,200 RPM must only be used on a 125mm grinder whose free speed does not exceed 12,200 RPM. Exceeding the disc's rated speed can cause catastrophic disc disintegration. Always check that the disc diameter and RPM rating matches the grinder specification before mounting. This requirement is defined in AS 1788 and reinforced in Klingspor's product documentation.
Q: How should abrasive discs and grinding wheels be stored?
Abrasive products must be stored: in a dry environment at a temperature between 5°C and 40°C (high humidity and temperature cycling degrade resin bonds); horizontally for large grinding wheels to prevent warping; away from solvents, acids, and chemicals that attack the resin bond; protected from physical impact that could cause concealed cracks. A cracked disc that appears undamaged visually can disintegrate during use. Before mounting any abrasive disc or wheel, perform a ring test (tap with a light object — a clear ring indicates an undamaged wheel; a dull thud indicates a crack).
Q: What is the difference between a Type 1 (flat) and Type 27 (depressed-centre) grinding disc?
Type 1 discs are flat and are designed for cutting — the cutting edge is the disc's perimeter and the disc must be presented at close to 90° to the workpiece. Type 27 discs have a raised (depressed) centre hub, designed for grinding and surface blending at shallow angles (typically 10–30° to the workpiece surface). Using a cutting disc for grinding or a grinding disc for cutting increases the risk of disc breakage. Klingspor and other manufacturers clearly mark Type 1 (cutting) and Type 27 (grinding/blending) on each disc — always match the disc type to the application.
Q: What silica dust controls are required when cutting concrete or stone with abrasives?
Respirable crystalline silica (RCS) dust from cutting concrete, stone, fibre cement, and masonry is a known cause of silicosis — an irreversible and potentially fatal lung disease. Safe Work Australia's WHS Regulations and the National Code of Practice for the Management and Control of Asbestos in the Workplace specify a WES (Workplace Exposure Standard) of 0.05 mg/m³ for RCS. Effective controls in hierarchy order: (1) use a wet cutting method (water suppression reduces dust by 85–90%); (2) use on-tool extraction (vacuum attached to the grinder hood); (3) use a P2 or P3 half-face respirator as the final barrier — never as the sole control.
