Wood Chipper Safety Training

Duration: 4 Hours (10 students) 8 Hours (20 students)

Description: This class focuses on how to safely use, operate, and work around wood chippers, which the employee will be required to utilize in completing an assigned job task. Class includes, student handouts and power point presentation. A live demonstration may be included if all safety precautions can be met.
Safety equipment required for demonstration: Hardhat, hearing protection, safety glasses, work clothing, heavy duty gloves, safety shoes, long sleeve shirts for all participants within the work area. No loose clothing or jewelry. Long hair must be tied back. Cones or barricades and caution tape must be placed around the work area.

Topics to be discussed include:

• Environmental Hazards
• Personal Protective Equipment
• Working around Wood Chippers
• Creating a Restricted Work Zone
• Pre-Start Inspection
• Shutdown Procedures
• Safe Fueling Procedures
• Emergency Procedures
• Moving Parts & Machine Guarding
• Transporting equipment

Objectives: The purpose is to provide refresher information to experienced operators on important safety principles in operating and protecting all personnel from injury. The objective is to ensure experienced operators only permit trained employees who understand the hazards and follow strict safety procedures and instructions from the main operator at all times to assist or work around the equipment.
Note: Most injuries and deaths regarding Wood Chippers happen to workers in the vicinity rather than the operators themselves. A well protected workzone is required, and only trained operators and attendants should be permitted in the area.

Code/Regulation: Cal OSHA 6364 Wood Chippers and FedOSHA 3940 Tree Hazards

Frequency: Initial and recommended competency check annually.

Who Should Attend: All employees who operate the wood chipper or work around tree or wood chipper activities and their immediate supervisors.