Grinding and sanding are among the most frequently performed tasks in auto body workshops, generating respirable dust, noise levels exceeding 85 dB(A), and hand-arm vibration that can cause permanent nerve and vascular damage. Dust composition varies with the substrate being worked — sanding cured two-pack paint releases isocyanate particles, grinding welds produces metal fume and particulates, and sanding legacy coatings may liberate lead and chromium dust. This template covers all grinding and sanding operations with controls mapped to the binding codes of practice effective 1 July 2026.
WHS Regulation 2025 Part 7.1 — Hazardous Chemicals; Part 3.1 — Noise; Part 3.2 — Hazardous Manual Tasks
General workshop operations (dust, noise, vibration generating)
Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss; Hazardous Manual Tasks (binding 1 July 2026 under Section 26A)
Yes — Noise and Hazardous Manual Tasks codes binding July 2026.
| Hazard | Consequence | Likelihood |
|---|---|---|
| Respirable dust from grinding and sanding paint, filler, and metal | Respiratory disease, occupational asthma from isocyanate dust | Likely |
| Noise exposure exceeding 85 dB(A) from angle grinders and air tools | Noise-induced hearing loss (irreversible) | Likely |
| Hand-arm vibration from sustained power tool use | Hand-arm vibration syndrome, white finger, nerve damage | Possible |
| Eye injuries from flying particles, disc fragments, and sparks | Corneal abrasion, penetrating eye injury | Likely |
| Disc burst or shatter from damaged or incorrectly fitted grinding disc | Lacerations, facial injuries, fatality | Unlikely |
Worker suffered noise-induced hearing loss after years of grinding without hearing protection. Workshop had no noise assessment, no audiometric testing, and no hearing protection program.
2023 — WorkSafe Victoria Prosecution Database
Our WHS consultants develop grinding and sanding SWMS with noise assessments, dust controls, and vibration management plans for your workshop.
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