Glossary Updates12 new terms added to the glossaries · October 2, 2026, 22:44 CEST
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Glossary · Hazards and harm

Friction and abrasion hazard

Also known as: friction hazard, abrasion hazard

In machine safety, a friction and abrasion hazard is a mechanical hazard caused by contact with moving rough surfaces, belts or rotating tools, which can remove skin and cause friction burns.

  • Machine safety
  • Risk assessment

In one sentence

A friction and abrasion hazard arises from contact with running belts, abrasive discs or rough rotating rollers that scrape or burn the skin.

Example

A worker touches the running belt of a belt sander while positioning a workpiece; the guard leaves only the working section exposed, and a work rest keeps hands at a distance.

How it applies

  • Machine safety: Typical sources are abrasive belts and discs, running conveyor belts, grinding wheels and rough rotating rollers. Guard everything except the section the process needs.
  • Human factors: Friction contact often happens during routine handling, when hands guide material close to the moving surface. Jigs and work rests keep hands away.
  • Technical documentation: Distinguish friction injuries from entanglement and drawing-in: gloves may protect against abrasion but increase the risk of being caught. State which protective equipment applies to which task.
  • Evidence: Record the exposed surfaces and the reason any section remains accessible.

Friction and abrasion hazard vs. thermal hazard

Friction burns result from mechanical contact with a moving surface. A thermal hazard comes from a surface that is already hot or cold.

By knowledge.aitechdoc.world · Published September 25, 2026 · Last reviewed

Source: AI TechDoc Blog editorial definition, based on ISO 12100:2010, Safety of machinery — General principles for design — Risk assessment and risk reduction

Definitions follow the cited standards and specifications. Where a source is a copyrighted publication, such as an ISO, IEC or EN standard, the definition is a close paraphrase, not a verbatim quotation, so as not to infringe copyright. We recommend reading the original publication. The sections “How it applies” are editorial commentary by AI TechDoc Blog and are not part of any standard.

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