Which safety equipment should be worn when using a bench grinder?

Using a bench grinder involves significant risks due to the high-speed rotation of the grinding wheel and the potential for flying debris. Therefore, full face protection is essential. This equipment provides a barrier against sparks, metal shavings, and any dislodged fragments that can result from the grinding process. Wearing full face protection ensures that the eyes, face, and skin are safeguarded from these hazardous materials, which could cause serious injuries.

While other options do offer some level of protection—like ear protection to shield against noise and leather gloves that could provide some hand safety—full face protection is the most comprehensive choice. Headphones, while useful in some environments to block out noise, do not provide any physical protection. Thus, choosing full face protection is vital for maintaining safety when using a bench grinder.