Brush Safety Considerations

Tanis makes an effort to mark some safety warnings, recommendations, and usage restrictions directly on the product, although it may not always be practical to include even the most limited safety information on the brush itself. Therefore, the operator MUST READ and FOLLOW all instructions supplied in or on the product container as well as those marked on the product itself. The operator should also refer to the safety and operating information written on this page or printed in the product catalog and literature. 

POWER BRUSH SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

To promote safety, we make every effort to inform users of potential hazards and their responsibilities for safe and proper operation of power brushes. Before starting the brush, inspect the brush for rust, damage, speed limit, etc. If the no-load speed marked on the power tool is higher than the brush speed limit, do not mount the brush. Inspect and jog machines to assure the brush is mounted properly and securely, machine guards are in place, there is no vibration, etc. Run the machinery at operating speed for at least one minute before applying work – DO NOT STAND IN FRONT OF OR IN-LINE WITH BRUSH. Failure to observe these safety requirements may result in injury. 

WARNING: The potential of serious injury exists for both the power brush operator and others in the work area (within 50 feet or less from the brush). To protect against any potential hazards before and during rotating the brush 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, while using all necessary protective clothing and equipment. You must follow all operator and safety instructions, as well as all common safety practices, which reduce the likelihood or severity of physical injury. 

Safety Goggles: Safety goggles or full face shields worn over safety glasses with side shields MUST BE WORN BY OPERATORS AND OTHERS IN THE AREA of power brush operations. Comply with the requirements of ANSI 287 (“Occupational Eye and Face Protection”).

Guards: Keep all machine guards in place.

Speeds: Observe all speed restrictions indicated on the brushes, containers, labels, or printed in pertinent literature. 

• IMPORTANT NOTE: Never exceed the recommended MAXIMUM SAFE-FREE SPEED R.P.M. (MSFS) rating of the brush. “MSFS” and “MAX.SFS” means Maximum Safe Free Speed (R.P.M) – spinning free with no work applied. For reasons of safety, the MSTS/MAX.SFS should not be exceeded under any circumstances. 

Safety Standard: Comply with the Safety Standards of the Industrial Division of the American Brush Manufacturers' Association and the American National Standards Institute. 

• Availability of ANSI Standards: ANSI B-165.1, ANSI Z87.1. Copies of these standards are available online, at public libraries and from the American National Standards Institute, Inc. (ANSI), 11 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036; or American Brush Manufacturers' Association, 2111 Plum Street, Ste. 274, Aurora, IL 60506 (Bl65.1 only).

Protective Equipment: All appropriate protective clothing and equipment such as gloves, respirator, etc must be used where a possibility of injury exists that can be prevented by using such clothing or equipment.

POWER BRUSH SAFETY TIPS

These recommendations are not necessarily complete with respect to any particular application. Common sense safety considerations should be adhered to generally. Any applicable federal, state, local law or regulation, must be strictly adhered to and is controlling over any recommendation contained herein.

IMPORTANT: A Safety Slip is included with each shipping package for power brushes. All operators must read and understand safety information thoroughly and completely before using the brush. Keep the safety slip with the brush. 

WARNING: In normal power brushing operations, the material being removed, such as burrs, scale, dirt, weld slag, or other residue will fly off the brush with considerable force along with the brush filaments which break off due to fatigue. You must follow all operator and safety instructions, as well as common safety practices, which will reduce the likelihood or severity of physical injury.

Pressure: Avoid excessive pressure when using a power brush. Excessive pressure causes over-bending of the filaments and heat build-up, resulting in filament breakage, rapid dulling, and reduced brush life. Instead of greater pressure on a brush, it is suggested that you try:

• a brush with a more aggressive cutting action (increased wire size, decreased filament length)
• change to a different brush type
• higher speed (increased R.P.M., increased brush diameter)

Dust and Fumes: Wear respiratory protection against this hazard.

Speed: Make sure the maximum operating speed (Max. RPM) marked on the wire brush is at least as high as the "NO LOAD" speed shown on the name plate of the power tool.

Starting the brush: Brushes should be run at operating speed for at least one minute before applying work. During this time, no one is to stand in front of or in line with the brush.

Mounting brushes: Inspect brushes before mounting for damage, rust or other types of deterioration. Brush arbor hole and spindle diameter should be the same. Install the brush securely on the tool.

Brushing problems: DO NOT ALLOW UNSAFE CONDITIONS TO CONTINUE – Occasionally, due to worn bearings, a bent spindle, an unusual application, operator abuse, or inappropriate use, a brush may fail. Do not use or continue to use a failed brush or one which is functioning improperly (i.e., throwing filaments, out-of-balance, etc.) as this increases the possibility for further brush failure and hazard of injury. The cause of the failure should be evaluated and corrected.

Inspection and Storage: Upon receipt, inspect brushes for damage, rust and deterioration. Store brushes in original containers in a clean, dry location. Do not allow distortion of brush filaments/components or foreign matter to become lodged in brush face.

Self-sharpening: When using wire wheel brushes, periodically reverse the direction of rotation to take advantage of the self-sharpening action that will result. This may be accomplished by removing the brush from the spindle and turning it side-for-side and remounting securely.