2.9 Create a Safe Work Area
WP800 Series firewood processors are designed for a person
to winch, cut-to-length, and split logs for firewood. Review and
follow the instructions for safe operation of the machine. Also,
review the safety guidelines included with your chain saw.
A safe work area is divided into four zones:
1. Safe Zone
– The area outside the Work Zone perimeter.
Bystanders or anyone not directly involved with the work
is permitted to be in this area. There are minimal potential
hazards in the Safe Zone.
2. Work Zone
– The area between the Hazard Zone and the
Safe Zone. People assisting with the work who are wearing
the appropriate PPE are permitted to be in this area. Some
limited hazards are present in the Work Zone.
3. Hazard Zone
– The area between the Operator Zone and the
Work Zone. Only people directly involved with the work who
are wearing the appropriate PPE are permitted in this area.
Workers must always make eye contact with the operator
before entering the Hazard Zone. Serious safety hazards are
present in the Hazard Zone.
4. Operator Zone
– The area where an operator must be to
operate the machine. Only the operator is permitted to be
in this area. The operator must be aware of all the people in
the Hazard Zone and make eye contact with workers before
they enter the Hazard Zone.
To keep bystanders and workers safe from hazards, follow these
important guidelines:
•
Establish a Work Zone perimeter and mark it with safety
cones. The perimeter should be a minimum of 10 ft (3 m)
from any hazard within the Hazard Zone.
The area outside the Work Zone perimeter is the Safe Zone.
•
Never allow workers to approach the Hazard Zone during
machine operation, without first signaling and making eye
contact with the operator.
•
Keep all bystanders in the Safe Zone. Never allow
bystanders in the Work or Hazard Zones.
•
Always operate the machine controls from the Operator
Zone (typically, located at the control panel).
•
Only the operator can authorize entry into the Hazard Zone.
The operator must make sure it is safe to enter first.
•
Make eye contact with coworkers and have a hand-signal
scheme worked out. Always be aware of the location of
your coworkers.
•
Use extreme caution around the material stacks. Stacked
logs can roll in unpredictable ways.
•
Be aware of split wood stacks. Split wood can tumble off
the pile.
Fig. 2 –
Example layout of a safe work area
10 ft (3 m)
10 ft (3 m)
10 ft (3 m)
10 ft (3 m)
10 ft (3 m)
00100
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1
2
2
3
4
Safety
WP845 / WP875
Trailer Firewood Processor
Safety
11