Standard machine tool safety requirements apply to this tool: safety glasses, long pants and closed-toe shoes are required. Loose clothing, jewelry, and long hair that could become entangled in the machine should be removed or secured.
Bench grinders should NEVER be used with wood, plastic, aluminium, brass, or any non ferrous metal. Soft materials such as these can quickly build up within the wheel, causing it to become less effective, generate more heat, and even explode.
Thin parts can also easily be sucked between the guide and the stone, always make sure any part is properly supported by the guide, and the gap between the guide and the stone is as small as possible. Parts pulled out of the operators hands can make deep cuts.
Dust and sparks are often generated while grinding
Prevent overheating of your workpiece by cooling it periodically in water.
Never grind on the side of the grinding wheel - this can cause the wheel to break apart.
Keep your hands away from all moving parts of the machine.