Safety Guides and Checklist as
Transcribed from and Advised by
Arborculture & Forestry Advisory Group
and Issued as Leaflet AFA604(rev1) by
HSE, issued 04/14
INTRODUCTION
This leaflet covers the safe working practices
to be followed when operating a wood
chipper.
It does not cover a combination of machines
working within each other’s risk zones (see
AFAG leaflet 605
Mechanical roadside
processing)
You can use this leaflet, along with the
manufacturer’s handbook, as part of the risk
assessment process to help identify the
controls to put in place when using a wood
chipper.
You must also assess the effect of the site and
the weather as well as following this guidance
All operators must have had appropriate
training in how to operate the machine and
how to carry out the tasks require (see AFAG
leaflet 805
Training and certification)
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE
EQUIPMENT (PPE)
1.
Use the following PPE
•
A Safety Helmet, complying with EN
397, if identified as required in the risk
assessment.
•
Eye Protection (a mesh visor complying
with EN1731 or safety glasses to EN166)
•
Hearing protection (complying with
EN352) where noise level exceeds 85
dB(A) (see HSE pocket card INDG363
Protect your hearing or lose it!)
•
Gloves with long, close-fitting cuffs that
can be tucked into sleeves
•
Safety Boots with good grip and ankle
support (complying with EN345-1)
•
Non-Snag Outer Clothing appropriate to
prevailing weather conditions. High-
visibility clothing (complying with
EN471) should be worn when the risk
assessment identifies that it is needed.
2.
Each person should carry a personal first-
aid kit including a large wound dressing
(see HSE leaflet INDG214
first aid at
work; Your questions answered).
3.
Hand cleaning material such as waterless
skin cleanser or soap, water and paper
towel should be readily available.
THE MACHINE
4.
Before working with a machine, check it
has been properly converted from any
transport mode.
5.
Ensure guards for dangerous parts (e.g.
belts, pulleys, shafts etc) are secure and
undamaged.
6.
Ensure protective devices, such as the
infeed control bar (incorporating the
stopping device), are working correctly
(see HSE leaflet AI S 38
Power-fed
mobile wood chippers: Operator
protection at infeed chutes).
7.
Ensure any lock for the chipping
components has been disengaged;
8.
Ensure the infeed hopper is clear of any
materials.
9.
Ensure Noise warning signs are in place.
10.
For machines driven by a power take-off
(PTO) shaft, before starting ensure:
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