What type of protection must all employees using abrasive wheels have?

Eye protection equipment is essential for all employees using abrasive wheels due to the significant risk of flying debris, sparks, and particulate matter generated during the grinding process. When abrasive wheels are in operation, particles can easily break away from the material being worked on or from the wheel itself. These particles can travel at high speeds and pose a serious threat to the eyes, potentially leading to severe injuries, such as lacerations or permanent vision loss.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and other safety organizations emphasize that appropriate eye protection must comply with industry standards to ensure that workers are safeguarded. This often includes safety goggles or face shields specifically designed to prevent injuries from projectiles generated in abrasive operations.

While other forms of personal protective equipment, such as hearing protection or respiratory protection, may also be important in certain scenarios, the most critical requirement when using abrasive wheels is eye protection due to the direct and immediate risk to eyesight from the operation.