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Chipper

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Chipper

Chipper Safework Procedure SWP

Warning:

The use of this equipment may be hazardous. Safety precautions must be observed to reduce the risk of personal injury. It is important to fully understand and observe the following safety precautions and procedures. If not familiar with the use of this equipment refer to the user manual and obtain practical instruction from a competent operator or supervisor. Do not operate without thorough training or unless under the direct supervision of an instructor.  Do not operate if safety features are missing or not working appropriately.

Background:

The brush chipper is used for chipping organic material such as wood, bark, limbs, brush, & undergrowth for disposal.

Hazards:

  • Death
  • Burns
  • Muscle Strain Injury
  • Traffic
  • Flying debris
  • Crush Injury
  • Laceration
  • Amputation
  • Noise
  • Eye injury
  • Bystanders

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Required:

  • CSA approved Safety footwear
  • Hard hat with face shield and ear muffs
  • High Visibility Apparel
  • Close fitting clothing
  • Narrow cuff gloves

Pre Set-Up:

  • Ensure Pre-trip inspection has been completed
  • Setup safe work zone
  • Use traffic control if required
  • Ensure that the discharge chute is locked in the desired position
  • Utilize appropriate PPE
  • Ensure that long hair is tied back

Start up Procedure

  • Follow all manufacturers guidelines
  • Ensure the cutter disk is disengaged
  • Upper feeder control bar in neutral
  • Start and warm up engine in low speed
  • Slowly engage cutter disk to prevent stalling
  • Move throttle to max speed
  • Place upper feed control bar to feed position
  • Pull the green reset lever back to activate feed roller

Chipping Procedure

  • Ensure material is appropriate size for chipper
  • Feed material from the side of the feed table – never from in front of it
  • Keep away from the feed roller
  • Never climb onto the feed table
  • Feed big end of material first
  • To avoid being struck, release material as soon as it begins feeding
  • As soon as it begins feeding step away
  • Use only wood objects to push twigs and small debris into the roller
  • If material jams, reverse upper feed bar and reposition material (Do not stand behind the material when doing this as it can fly back and strike you)
  • If material remains jammed then follow shut down procedure before clearing

Post Procedure/Shut Down:

  • Place upper control bar in neutral position
  • Idle the engine
  • Slowly disengage the cutter disk
  • Turn off engine
  • Wait for cutter disc to stop rotating
  • Close and latch the feed table
  • Lock the discharge chute in right hand position for transport

Emergency Shutdown Procedure

  • Place feed control bar into neutral
  • Turn off engine
  • Disengage cutter disk when everything has stopped

Summary

  • Use the shutdown procedure before servicing, unplugging, cleaning, or transporting
  • If blades are getting dull inform mechanics
  • Keep clear of feed roller at all times
  • Keep clear of cutter disk and discharge chute
  • Always wear appropriate PPE
  • Feed only clean material
  • Be aware of bystanders
  • Stay focused – avoid any distractions
  • Keep work area clear of debris and tripping hazards