Struck-by Hazards During Chipper Operations in Tree Care

1. Wood Chippers are important for the tree care industry, but are very dangerous. Not only can there be a potential to fall into a hood during operations, but struck-by hazards can also cause injury.

2. A pre-use inspection should be completed every day. Check the fluid, guards, lights, blades, belts, hoses, and cleanliness of the machine.

3. The chipper should be placed on a level surface, but do not place on concrete, paved roads, or gravel. Operating on these surfaces can cause thrown material to ricochet.

4. Placement of the chipper should also be away from where other employees are working. An incident was reported to OSHA where an employee was working above a chipper and the rope he was attached to entangled in the chipper. The employee fell approximately fifty feet and died.

5. Before operations, the hood must be properly secured and should never be operated with the hood open. Check that the hood latch is secured and look for missing parts or hinges that would allow the hood to become loose.

6. Check the cutting chamber. Is it free of foriegn objects and debris?

7. When a chipper is in operation, do not remove or raise the brush chipper discharge chute or cutter housing cover.

8. Eliminate tripping hazards by maintaining a cleared area from the front and sides of the machine.

9. Always practice safe feeding procedures. Materials should be fed when the chipper is at full operating speed. Feed branches from the side of the chutes, keep hands and feet outside of the feed chute, use a push stick to help feed small pieces and brush, and let go of material as soon as it begins to be pulled.

10. To avoid injuries from moving parts, never leave the chipper unattended, never inspect work on equipment while it's running, never operate without all guards in place, and always keep hands and feet away from moving parts.

11. Before making an attempt to unclog debris or make any adjustments to the chipper, shut off the engine, disconnect battery cables or spark plug wire, remove key, disconnect PTO shaft (if equipped), and wait for all parts to stop moving.

12. Always work in groups of two or more and make sure someone knows where you are going, what you are doing, and when you are going to be back.

13. What other ways can we prevent struck-by hazards when operating chippers?

Additional Comments