Have you recently bought or hired a wood chipper to do some maintenance in your garden or yard? If so, then before you begin using it, you will want to read up on some of the top tips for how to avoid accidents, and safely use a wood chipper. Using large equipment can always be dangerous, so follow along to the guide below to minimize your chances of an accident. Please remember always to read the instructions provided with the wood chipper as well as this article is only a guide. Are you looking to hire a towable wood chipper? Click the link for more information.
Tip Number One: Remove hazardous clothing
The last thing you want is to get caught and pulled into the chipper towards the blades. By removing any hazardous clothing, you decrease this risk. Make sure to wear fitted tight clothing that covers your arms and legs and enclosed boots. This also reduces your chance of getting hit by any flying debris. Pieces of clothing that might get caught in the machine include jewelry (necklaces, rings, bracelets), belts, large work gloves, and ties.
Tip Number Two: Always wear your protective gear
One of the most obvious and most protective ways to ensure that you decrease your risk of accidents is to make sure you always wear your protective gear (PPE) when the machine is running. Protective equipment that should be worn when using a wood chipper includes safety goggles, a hard hat, and earmuffs. Safety goggles ensure that small particles will not make their way into your eye, and the hard cap will ensure any flying debris will not harm you.
Tip Number Three: Follow the chippers operating manual and don’t overload
Most wood chippers advise you to slowly feed in the materials, and recommend using a large pole to push in any debris so that you don’t have to place your hands near the blades. Different chippers come with different guidelines; however, it’s essential to respect these. They all have their limits, and it’s important not to overload them. Otherwise, you will increase your chances of injury.
Tip Number Four: Clear the area while you are working.
While you are working, debris will fall to the ground around the work area. Make sure to keep this area clean by sweeping with a broom or rake so that you decrease your chances of slips and falls.
Tip Number Five: Never work alone.
All should know this, but it is essential never to operate machinery like a wood chipper alone. If by chance, an accident does occur, it is crucial to have someone else there that can apply first aid and call for help. Following this step may prevent an injury that can significantly affect your life, so you must make sure that you always have a person with you at all times.
So there you have it. Always remember to follow the safety guidelines, and don’t forget to read the chipper manual! Every wood chipper is different and has different requirements, so you must be made aware of this. Also, remember that if the chipper has any defaults, to mark these visibly to prevent any injury to the next person.
