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7
Safety
Safe working
Before using this machine, make sure that you are trained and fluent in its operation.
Know the location of and how to use all the safety features. Know how to control the
feed and stop the machine in an emergency. Be familiar with the hazards and safe
working practices to prevent injury and damage to property and machine. Also be
aware of the legal restrictions for personnel and towing with vehicles.
1. The minimum age for service personnel is 18 years. Personnel aged 16 can
use the machine for training under supervision by a suitably trained person of
18 years or over.
2. Operators and personnel working with this machine must not be under the
influence of alcohol, drugs or medication that would impair judgement,
concentration or reaction times. Excessive tiredness is also a risk.
3. In use, woodchip and debris are ejected with considerable force from the
chute and can travel up to 10m. Make sure the chute directs woodchip to a
safe location so that no one can be harmed or property damaged. Do not
allow discharge to be directed onto roads or public rights of way.
4. Maintain a 10m exclusion zone around the machine and clearly mark if in a
public area. Keep this area free of material build up.
5. Make sure the machine is on even, level and stable ground and cannot move
or topple when in use. Use wheel chocks if necessary.
6. Keep children and animals well away from the working area.
7. The machine operator must wear protective equipment:
a. Chainsaw safety helmet (EN 397) with mesh visor (EN 1731)
b. Correctly rated ear defenders (EN 352)
c. Work gloves with elasticated wrist bands.
d. Steel toe cap boots (EN345-1)
e. Close fitting heavy duty non-snag clothing. Hi-viz clothing (EN 471) if
needed.
f. Protect breathing with a face mask if appropriate. Some plant material
can give off harmful dust and poisonous vapours. This may cause
respiratory problems or serious poisoning. Check the material to be
processed before starting.
g.
DO NOT
wear rings, bracelets, watches, jewellery or anything that
could be caught on the material being fed and draw you into the
machine.
