10 – Chipper/Shredder Safety
Hood
Ensure the hood, enclosing the chipper/shredder’s knives, is
closed and latched before operating. Also, check for loose or
missing pins in the hood latch as well as cracked or worn hinges.
If the hood is not properly secured, it could fly off and seriously
injure or kill you. The chipper/shredder should never be oper-
ated with the hood open.
Cutting Chamber
Ensure the cutting chamber is free of foreign objects or other
debris such as accumulated wood. Wood and foreign objects can
be thrown from the chipper at high rates of speed.
Fluid Leaks
Fluid leaks can cause fires and breakdowns. Report signs of leak-
ing fluid to your supervisor immediately.
Power Take-Off (PTO)
Check to make sure the PTO shaft is fitted correctly with a suit-
able guard. Also, check the operator’s manual to ensure the PTO
speed is suitable for the machine.
Pre-Start Checklist
Machine Placement
o
On level surface?
o
Not on paved, concrete or gravel surface?
Safety Decals
o
Legible?
Guards
o
All guards in place?
o
No sign of damaged guards?
Hood
o
Closed?
o
Latched?
o
Pins in place?
o
Hinges not damaged?
Cutting Chamber
o
Free of foreign objects?
o
Free of wood and other debris?
Fluid Leaks
o
No sign of fluid leaks?
PTO
o
Shaft fitted with suitable guard?
o
Speed suitable for machine?
Protective Clothing and Equipment
(as needed)
o
No loose clothing or jewelry
o
Long pants
o
Sturdy, non-slip boots
o
Eye protection
o
Hard hat
o
Hearing protection
Buddy System
o
Work in groups of two or more
o
Make sure someone knows your plans
Summary of OSHA Accident Inspection 114119498
An employee was trying to open or close the chipper hood when
it was struck by the disc. As the disc hit the hood, the hood was
flung off its hinge, striking the employee in the head and killing
him. Two latch pins and three mounting bolts were found after
the accident had occurred. They had been removed prior to the
accident.
Always inspect equipment for broken
or missing parts, before operating.
Accident Report
Hood Strikes Employee in Head