General Contractor Practice Exam 2025 – All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

Guards on a portable grinding machine are essential for safety, primarily to protect the operator from potential hazards such as flying debris and accidental contact with the grinding wheel. Positioning the guards above and below the base plate of the shoe is particularly effective because it provides comprehensive coverage of the grinding wheel. This positioning helps to minimize exposure to the grinding wheel's dangerous edges, thereby enhancing safety during operation.

The guards should also allow for clear visibility of the work being performed while ensuring that the operator remains protected from sparks, dirt, and other hazardous materials that may be produced during grinding. This effective positioning of the guards contributes to a safer working environment, reducing the risk of injuries.

Other potential locations for guards, such as near the control panel or power supply, do not offer the same level of protection related to the operational hazards associated with the grinding wheel. Similarly, guarding only at the end of the grinding wheel would leave significant areas of exposure, failing to adequately protect the user. Therefore, proper guard placement is critical for ensuring safety during the operation of a portable grinding machine.