18 – Chipper/Shredder Safety
Prevent Injury from the Hood
The hood that covers the chipper/shredder’s rotating blades can fly
off and seriously injure or kill you. Take the following steps to pro-
tect you from the equipment’s hood.
4
Check to see that the hood latch is secured. Check for any miss-
ing parts or hinges that may allow the hood to become loose.
4
When starting the machine, unless the manufacturer recom-
mends otherwise, begin by running it at the lowest possible
speed and then increase to full operating speed while listening
for unusual vibrations indicating loose or broken parts. Stop the
engine immediately if there is any unusual noise.
4
Do not attempt to open or close the hood of the chipper while it
is running. Close the hood before starting the engine.
4
After turning off the engine, wait for all parts to stop moving
and disconnect the spark plug wire or driveshaft before opening
the hood.
Avoid Being Struck
by the Hood
Summary of OSHA Accident Inspection 102782224
The operator of a chipper removed the hood covering the blade
without shutting the machine off. The rotating blade struck the
hood, ripped it off its hinges and threw it at the operator, striking
him in the chest. The operator died.
Never open or remove the hood of a running
chipper/shredder.
Accident Report
Hood Strikes Operator’s Chest
Summary of OSHA Accident Inspection 106387681
The operator of a running chipper went near the hood and
removed the top pin. The hood flew off and struck him in the face
and chest, killing him.
Shut off the machine and wait for all moving parts
to stop before opening the hood.
Accident Report
Operator Struck by Chipper Hood
Lesson 4
Objectives
1. Recognize how to prevent injury
from the chipper/shredder hood.
2. Identify the location of the hood
on different chipper/shredder
models.
3. View different warning labels on
chipper/shredder hoods.
NOTE:
The following information has
been covered in previous chapters. Due to
the seriousness of this issue, please review
the information.
