I stopped using the cheap wheels from HF,Northern and the fleamarket.
I only use black and decker ones.

I wear safety glasses,full sheild,respirator and ear muffs(now) as well.

I also wear a denim apron it helps to keep splinters out of my belly <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I don't like to lock a trigger and always use the side handle.I try to brace the arm with the handle in it against something solid and always plan your attack,Make sure the grinding grit/sparks will not hit anything ( bodymount etc)before grinding and i rotate the grinder on my braced arm so kick backs are eliminated or reduced.

Glad to hear your ok,and <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" /> to a speedy recovery.

Another safety tip:

Also don't use cutoff wheels(1/8") for grinding and don't use grinding wheels(1/4") for cut-off wheels they can more easiely be wedged and explode.

Edit for hi-jack <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
Also this applies to cheap saw-zall blades,the cheap ones are to hard and shatter on impact with say a frame etc.
The good ones wii bend and not explode......I like milwalkie brand they are not that much more,but well worth it.......my ...... .02 <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />