Power Brush Safety Information

All operators must read this information thoroughly and completely before using brushes.

Operators and Work Area

Osborn Power Brushes are built to rigid manufacturing specifications that combine the finest in design, materials and workmanship. The product you receive will give you maximum work performance, and safe operation if used properly. ALL POWER BRUSHES, LIKE OTHER ROTATING CUTTING TOOLS, DEMAND THAT CERTAIN OPERATING PRECAUTIONS BE OBSERVED TO ASSURE OPERATOR AND WORK AREA SAFETY.

 

Inspection, storage and handling - Brushes should be carefully checked when removed from original carton. Do not use if rusted or damaged. Store brushes in original boxes. Brushes should not be exposed to heat, high humidity, acids, fumes or liquids that can result in deterioration of the filaments, and subsequently, premature failure. Check for distortion of brush fill that can cause imbalance and excessive vibration when brush is run. Do not allow foreign material to accumulate in brush face.

Warning - In normal power brushing operations, the material being removed, such as burrs, scale, weld slag, or other residue, will fly off the brush with considerable force along with brush filaments which break off due to fatigue. The potential of serious injury exists for both the brush operator and others in the work area (possibly 50 or more feet from the brush).

To protect against this hazard, before rotating the brush, during rotation, and until rotation stops, operators and others in the area must wear SAFETY GOGGLES, or FULL FACE SHIELDS WORN OVER SAFETY GLASSES WITH SIDE SHIELDS, and use PROTECTIVE CLOTHING and EQUIPMENT. You must follow all operator and safety instructions, as well as common safety practices which will reduce the likelihood or severity of physical injury.

The symbol shown here appears in the product data sections of the Osborn catalog number 300C, as well as in other Osborn printed materials and on packaging, as a reminder about the safe operation of power brushes.

Machine Condition - Proper maintenance of machines and power tools is essential to keep them in safe operating condition. Special operating instructions should be closely followed. Hoods and safety guards must be kept in place at all times. Use adequate spindle diameter for the brush - do not use brush larger than the machine was designed for and have sufficient power to maintain rated spindle speeds. Provide proper ventilation and/or exhaust systems on all brushing operations (see ANSI Z88.2).

Mounting Brushes - Brushes should be inspected for rust, oxidation and other damage. Do not use the brush if not in good condition. Check spindle speed RPM. Do not mount and operate 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 for free fit. Spindle length should be sufficient to permit a full nut mounting. Direction of spindle nut thread should be in such relation to the direction of rotation that the nut will tend to tighten as spindle revolves. When flanges are used, they should be identical in size and radial bearing surface to avoid cross-bending pressure on the brush.

Work Rest - On single or double end pedestal machines, work rests of rigid and adjustable design should be used to support the workpiece while brushing. Adjust the work rest for a maximum opening of 1/8" to the brush face. This will prevent the work from being forced between the brush and rest. The work rest should be adjusted only when the brush is not in motion.

Speeds - Observe all speed restrictions indicated on the brushes, containers, labels or printed in pertinent literature. "MSFS" or "MAX. SFS" means Maximum Safe Free Speed (RPM) - spinning free with no work applied. For reasons of safety, the "MSFS/MAX. SFS" should not be exceeded under any circumstances. The application determines the recommended operating speed, which should never exceed the MSFS brush ratings marked on the brush and/or shown in this catalog.

Periodic speed checks are the responsibility of the operator and user. In all cases where MSFS is not indicated, and on special brushes, contact Osborn Manufacturing for specific operating speed details.

Protective Equipment - The potential of serious injury exists for both the brush operator and others in the work area (possibly 50 or more feet from the brush). To protect against this hazard, before starting the brush, during rotation, and until rotation stops, operators and others in the area must wear SAFETY GOGGLES or FULL FACE SHIELDS WORN OVER SAFETY GLASSES WITH SIDE SHIELDS ANSI Z87.1 "Occupational Eye and Face Protection." Appropriate protective clothing and equipment (such as full face shield, gloves, respirator, etc.) must be used where a probability of injury exists that can be prevented by such equipment. Certain brushing operations, because of their nature and location, may require and enclosure to isolate the operation from other personnel.

Before Starting Brush - Rotating power brushes should be used only on machines that are equipped with safety guards, and these guards must be kept in place at all times - Use eye protection and safety equipment. Inspect brush for rust, damage, speed limit, etc. If no-load speed marked on the power tool is higher than the brush speed limit, DO NOT mount brush. Inspect or jog machine or tool to assure the brush is mounted properly and securely, machine guards are in place, no vibration, etc. Run machine at operating speed at least one minute before applying work - DO NOT STAND IN FRONT OF OR IN LINE WITH BRUSH.

Brush Pressure - Avoid excessive brush pressure when using a power brush. Excessive pressure causes overbending of the filaments and heat buildup resulting in filament breakage, rapid dulling, and reduced brush life. Instead of greater pressure on a brush, it is suggested that you try: (1) a brush with a more aggressive cutting action (increased filament size, decreased filament length, change to a different brush type, i.e. knot type instead of crimped wire type), or (2) higher speed (increased RPM, increased brush diameter). IMPORTANT NOTE: Never exceed the recommended MAXIMUM SAFE FREE SPEED RPM (MSFS/MAX. SFS) rating of the brush.

Safety Standard: Comply with the Safety Standards of the American National Standards Institute, ANSI B165.1 and ANSI B165.2 - "Safety Requirements - Power Brushes."