My MK1 Golf, Dilbert

Here's a run down of some safety guidelines you should bear in mind when sanding and buffering. All pretty much common sense.

Aluminum dust is poisonous so wear gloves, gogles and a respirator when sanding and buffing. A painters mask isn't sufficient, use the gas mask type with the twin filters. If you don't like wearing gloves whilst sanding then use a barrier cream.

Don't wear loose clothing or anything else that could be entangled in the bench grinder. Also make sure things like power cables are kept away from the grinder, preferably tied down.

Should any polishes or particles get into the eye, flush eyes well with water. DO NOT RUB!!! Contact your nearest hospital if irritation persists.

Treat the bench grinder with respect. Always wear riggers gloves or similar, goggles, a respirator, ear defenders and preferably a leather apron. A grinder will spit out a piece that slips out of your grasp at up to 80MPH and can cause serious injury.

Only use the part of the buffing wheel that is rotating away from the workpiece.

When buffing parts with sharp edges or hooks they should be offered to the wheel with the edge flowing away from the buffer so the part doesn't catch.

If you are using a hand drill to buff then secure either the drill or the component.