From: Chris Blankenfeld
Sent: Wednesday, January as, 2014 7:55 AM
To Russ Clark; Amy Dewlse

av Wilson; Joe HYMEL

smum- RE: Metabos

 

According to Metabo, all current models will have the larger body due to the vibratech technology built into the

motor, All of the Melabn's that we have gotten for the past 2 years have the larger body style and there has only one
injury associated with the model that has a clutch [wanna-125 Quick). Anything that spins at 12K RPM will kick back
if you don't have a firm hand on both the body and the handle. Many of the i uries irorn Millers over the past few
years are attributed to the employee not having the handle on the unit as is required by company policy and by OSHA,
and because they are putting the grinder in a bind situation and attempting to cut against the rotation of the grinder he.
going against the rotation of the grinder not with it). The larger case body also does not help those without a firm

grip. We have many many class employees here that have never been injured by one of these tools and when asked
why not they indicated to me is that they have "Respect forthe Tool"

Another issue is the Miller Blades themselves, they were never designed to be put on an angle grinder; these blades are
manufactured for use in fixed table milling machines. They have become status duo in most manufacturing industries
though for use on Angle grinders. I wish we could ilnd different that works as well. Prior to lefuohnson
leaving he was working with a company on a rock wheel/composite that cut as effectively as a miller and was
approximatelvthe same cost as faras i remember. lwish we could revisit that. it would have been almost impossibleto
get badly injured with that type ofwheel as compared tothe miller type blade.

Any tool is dangerous In the hands ofthe complaoent and that have lost respect for the tool. A sander can be just as
dangerous it someone is not paying amnflons our tocus sho l4 not be on replacing the tools being used but
continued retraining of the employees that are using the tool, unsafely and without the respect they

deserve. Supervisors and Foreman can help by stopping incorrect use when they see it also; this would go a long way.
Another solution for this would he to find a cutting wheel that is not as lethal as the miller wheel.

Thanks

Saioty is success by purpose - Not Accldom

BLANKENFELD
Senlav Manager 7 Heullh, Suiely st Envlronmemol

AUSTAL