This standard applies to all stationary grinding machines, used in either industrial or commercial applications that utilize an abrasive product to change the shape, size or surface finish of any material. This standard also applies to these machines when they are grinding materials other than metals such as glass, ceramics, plastics, and rubber.

Excluded from the requirements of this standard are: portable hand-held grinding machines, machines using loose abrasives, machines used in wood-working applications, or machines used for concrete cutting in road construction. Also, this standard does not apply to honing machines, lapping machines, polishing machines or belt grinding machines.