The abrasive wheels training is a way of developing and maintaining competency for using various types of equipment such as petrol cut off saws (Stihl, Makita, Husqvarna etc), battery and electrical powered grinders, MITRE saws, circular saws and bench mounted grinders which use rotating grinding and cutting wheels for different applications during workplace activities, and this course will train you on the safe use, wheel mounting procedures, maintenance and storage requirements to be able to work safely.
In line with the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER 98), everyone who uses an angle grinder, petrol-driven saw or bench grinder for work needs to be properly trained to do so.
How long does an abrasive wheel course take?
Course durations vary depending on the format and type of training. Here’s a breakdown:
Course Type | Occupational Relevance | Course Duration | CITB Short Qualification Grant | Course Delivery Method | Maximum Numbers | Certification Type |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NPORS N017 Abrasive Wheels - Hand Held Cut Off Saw | Operative and Craft Supervision | 1 day | £120 | Classroom | 6–10 (depending on Accreditation) | NPORS |
NPORS N301 – Abrasive Wheels | Operative and Craft Supervision | 1 day | £120 | Classroom | 6–10 (depending on Accreditation) | NPORS |
Abrasive Wheels With Practical | Operative and Craft Supervision | Half day | Not Grant Eligible | Classroom | 12 classroom | WSS Certification |
Handheld Disc Cutter Safety in Construction (Abrasive Wheels) | Operative and Craft Supervision | 1 day | Tier 1 - £60 | Classroom | 12 classroom | CITB Standard |
Abrasive Wheels Theory Training (Handheld Disc Cutter) | Operative and Craft Supervision | Half day | Tier 1 - £60 | Classroom | 15 classroom | CITB Standard |
Abrasive Wheels Theory Training Refresher (Handheld Disc Cutter Refresher) | Operative and Craft Supervision | Half day | Tier 1 Refresher - £30 | Classroom, Remote | 15 classroom / 12 remote | CITB Standard |
Handheld Disc Cutter Safety in Construction Refresher (Abrasive Wheels Refresher) | Operative and Craft Supervision | Half day | Tier 1 Refresher - £30 | Classroom | 15 classroom / 12 remote | CITB Standard |
All courses are delivered by qualified professionals and designed for compliance with PUWER and industry safety regulations.
Which Abrasive Wheels Course Is Right for You? Our recommendations
Choosing the right abrasive wheels training depends on your team size, working environment, and whether you’re looking for initial training or a refresher. Here’s our expert recommendation to get the best value — and stay compliant.
Training Option | Best For | Why Choose It | Location |
---|---|---|---|
NPORS Practical & Theory | Employers with up to 6 staff | Real equipment, custom delivery, CITB-funded | On-site for group |
CITB Abrasive Wheels Theory Only with practical bolt on | Employers with up to 12 staff | Quick, compliant, low-cost, grant-eligible | On-site for group |
Refresher Training - Abrasive wheels with practical | Employers with up to 12 staff - expired or soon to expire certificates | Keep compliant, available in short format | On-site for group |
NPORS Practical & Theory | Individuals, sole traders / self employed | Cost effective for individual bookings | Nearest NPORS test centre |
Best Option for Employers: Practical + Theory Combined (In-House or Group Booking) – up to 6 people NPORS
For employers booking multiple staff or wanting to ensure real-world safety standards, our combined practical + theory abrasive wheels training delivered on-site is the most effective and flexible solution. It maximises engagement and can often be funded through CITB grants or Employer Networks, bringing your cost down to as little as £88.50 per person.
Best Option for Employers: Practical + Theory Combined (In-House or Group Booking) – up to 12 people
For employers booking multiple staff or wanting to ensure real-world safety standards, our combined practical + theory abrasive wheels training delivered on-site is the most effective and flexible solution. It maximises engagement and can often be funded through CITB grants or Employer Networks
Best Option for Employers: Refresher – Practical + Theory Combined (In-House or Group Booking)
For employers with 12 or more staff needing refresher training, our combined practical and theory session delivered on-site is the most effective and cost-efficient option. This half-day format is tailored for experienced operatives who simply need to update their knowledge and demonstrate competency.
It maximises engagement while keeping downtime minimal, making it an ideal solution for high-volume refresher needs — and it’s extremely competitive in price
Best Option for Individuals: Open Course
For individuals needing to meet legal training requirements, our open access abrasive wheels course provides a quick and affordable solution. This is particularly suitable for self-employed trades or small teams
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How often do you need abrasive wheel training?
Your certification is valid for 3 years, once you are reaching your expiry date the abrasive wheel refresher course is then recommended to help stay updated on the latest regulations and maintain continual professional development.
We offer a dedicated Abrasive Wheels Theory Training Refresher course to support your continued compliance and knowledge maintenance.
Can abrasive wheel training be done online?
No, this is a classroom-based course with demonstrations and practical exercises.
Some theory-based elements may be discussed in a blended format, but practical verification must be done in person.
Yes, if you are working for an employer they will need proof of your training achievement to show you have successfully attended and passed the relevant training for the equipment you will be expected to use.
Abrasive Wheels are regulated by the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations act 1998 (PUWER). The regulations aim to keep people safe at work whilst using work equipment’s, including abrasive wheels.
The parameters are: abrasive material, grit size, bonding material, wheel structure, which refers to the relative spacing of grains, and wheel grade, which refers to the bond strength of the wheel in retaining abrasive grains, also the cutting disc rotational (spindle) speed limitations and size of the wheels appropriate to the griding tool or equipment.
Abrasive are sharp, hard material used to wear away or cut the surface of softer, less resistant materials. There are various types of cutting and grinding discs from granular sanding disc to multi-purpose diamond cutting discs.
Option | Who It's For | Funding / Payment | Net Cost To You |
---|---|---|---|
Fully Funded (Skills & Training Fund) | CITB-registered employers with access to STF | 100% reimbursed under Skills & Training Fund (STF) | £0 (if approved |
70% Funded (Employer Network) | Eligible employers booking individual places or small groups | 70% funded via Employer Network, remaining 30% payable | From £88.50 + VAT per person |
Group Booking – Surplus Grant | Larger groups (typically 10+ delegates) | CITB grant can exceed course cost – potential surplus retained by employer | £0, plus possible surplus |
Standard Rate (No Funding) | Non-CITB registered or ineligible companies | Pay standard commercial rate | £945 + VAT (guide price) |
This is In-house classroom delivery – We come to your site – or We can arrange a local venue close to your site if preferred
Please note: using an external venue may affect the day rate.
Yes. The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) require anyone using abrasive wheels at work to be trained and competent.
Most courses last around 4–6 hours, including both theory and practical elements.
It’s recommended every 3 years, or sooner if there is a change in equipment, working conditions, or regulations.
Theory-only courses may be delivered online, but practical elements usually require in-person assessment.
Anyone using cut-off saws, angle grinders, bench grinders, or similar tools – including construction workers, landscapers, and maintenance teams.
Yes – short course grants and Skills & Training Fund options are available for eligible CITB-registered employers.
You will receive a certificate of attendance or competence, depending on the course format and accrediting body.
Yes – we offer in-house training at your premises for groups, subject to minimum numbers.
CITB skills and Training Fund – Your training is effectively free once reimbursed by CITB
CITB Employer Networks – 70% funding for training
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