Tests for the ignition and flame spread of clothing fabrics subjected to angle grinder sparks

An important contribution to fire safety in industrial processes. Angle grinding is a very common process and involves a rapidly rotating, powered, grinding wheel, applied to (usually) metal surfaces in order to smooth or shape the metal surface. A by-product is the prolific generation of white hot sparks which have the capacity to ignite flammable items on which they impinge. There have been many recorded incidents where the sparks have ignited fabric clothing worn by the user and this publication sets out these hazards together with the fire risks associated with a range of different fabrics subjected to the impingement of angle grinder sparks under controlled experimental conditions.