25-question written theory test, pass standard 80% (20 of 25). Answered in the candidate’s own handwriting, covering:
The legal position and demonstrable competence
Wheel types, marking and selection
Maximum operating speed against machine spindle speed
Storage, handling and inspection
Ring testing and its limitations
Mounting: flanges, blotters and correct tightening
Guarding, work rest and tongue guard adjustment
Safe use, body position and control
Dust and respirable crystalline silica
Noise, vibration and personal protective equipment
The following are safety-critical and must be answered correctly regardless of the overall score:
Wheel maximum operating speed equal to or greater than spindle speed
Work rest gap not exceeding 3mm and adjusted only with the wheel stationary
Tongue guard not exceeding 6mm from the wheel
Which wheels can and cannot be ring tested
Dust control where silica-bearing material is cut
Practical assessment
Structured exercises, each marked against observed performance criteria. Every criterion must reach competent; any dangerous act terminates the assessment.
Identify wheel type and confirm it suits the material and the machine
Locate and compare the wheel maximum operating speed and the machine spindle speed
Inspect a wheel for damage and reach the correct decision
Carry out a ring test correctly and explain which wheels it does not apply to
Mount a wheel: bore fit, blotters, matched flanges, correct tightening, guard refitted
Set the work rest to 3mm or less and the tongue guard to 6mm or less, wheel stationary
Run up for one minute standing clear of the line of the wheel
Use the machine with correct body position, PPE and dust control
Shutdown and leave the machine and area safe
The assessor deemed Fred Bloggs competent within the stated scope, and the qualification was awarded in August 2026.
The legal position
Unlike the other machines covered here, training to mount an abrasive wheel is a specific legal requirement, not something a site chooses to add. The Abrasive Wheels Regulations 1970 were revoked, and their requirements were absorbed into PUWER 1998. PUWER regulation 9, read with its Approved Code of Practice, means an abrasive wheel may only be mounted by a person who is trained and competent to do so.
Cutting and grinding also engage COSHH 2002 for respirable crystalline silica, the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005, and the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005 for hand-arm vibration from the tool.
The full site evidence statement sets out the basis of the qualification, the assessment decision and the audit trail, for presentation to site management and health and safety personnel.
The full site evidence statement is issued with the operator’s pack.
Site-specific familiarisation and the employer’s written authorisation to operate are separate and remain the employer’s responsibility.