Chipper Safety Policies
1. Chipper Safety
Always wear close-fitting, tucked-in clothing while operating the chipper. Preferably, use short-sleeved shirts when operating the chipper. If you must use long-sleeved shirts, make sure they are fitted to the body and nothing is hanging loose. Avoid pants with cuffs due to the risk of a brush snag when a branch is being pulled into to machine.
Always wear loose-fitting gloves in case of a brush snag. Never wear gauntlet gloves, or gloves with loose cuffs, as these can snag easily.
Always wear slip-resistant footwear, eye protection (safety glasses), or a face shield and hearing protection (ear plugs or ear muffs) when operating the chipper. A filtering face mask (dust mask) is optional. Consider a hard hat to guard your head for further and complete protection.
2. Safe Operating Practices
Read the operator’s manual and obtain training on the proper and safe use of the wood chipper before the first use of the chipper.
Vermeer Brush Chipper Operation and Safety Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t3U92Xw21n0
All safety devices and controls, such as emergency shut-off devices, must be tested and confirmed in proper working order before the chipper is used.
Inspect the wood chipper each time before use. Check for defects such as broken or missing hood latches and pins or cracked and worn hinges.
Before starting the wood chipper, make sure that the hood that covers the chipper knives is completely closed and latched.
Always set up warning devices such as barricades, cones, flagmen, etc. before starting up the chipper to protect any motorists and pedestrians (when parked on the street).
When ready to begin putting materials into the wood chipper, run it at the lowest possible speed. Listen for any noise that might indicate broken or loose parts. If an unusual noise is discovered, DO NOT use the wood chipper.
Never break the plane of the hopper with your hands while it is running.
Always remove the ignition key to the chipper when it is unattended.
Always feed the chipper from the curbside of the street (when parked on the street).
Always feed tree limbs and brush butt-end first into the hopper of the chipper.
Move away from the wood chipper once it has grabbed the material intended for chipping.
Lay the shorter materials on top of the longer materials, or use a long branch to push the shorter material through the in-feed hopper.
Never place hands or feet into the feed chute.
Always be aware of the direction the discharge chute is pointed.
Never put rakings in that may contain rocks, glass, or objects that could shoot out.
Always be aware of your surroundings (people, cars, etc.)
Keep the area around the wood chipper clear of any tripping hazards.
When operating a rotary drum chipper, always hold the brush end of a branch higher than the trunk.
Always make sure that all internal machine parts have come to a complete stop before opening the hood to locate the drum of the wood chipper.
Maintenance
All fluids should be checked and topped off, lubrication (grease) performed, and lights inspected prior to each usage.
Never open any access panels while the chipper is operating.
Never open the hood when the rotors are turning.
Always lock the drum/cutting wheel when working on the chipper.
If you have to work in the mouth of the chipper, always make sure it is held open with a stable object such as a large block of wood.
Attaching and Removing a Chipper to or from a Vehicle
The toe ring must always be in place when moving a chipper.
Chains should be always crossed in case one becomes unhooked (use one with a spring-loaded clip).
Make sure the chipper’s wheels are “blocked” when separating the chipper from the vehicle.
Never rely on the tongue jack to hold the chipper in place. Support the chipper at the tongue when it is not attached to a vehicle.