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In-woods or field chippers are now in wide use by logging operations to produce paper making chips in the woods. These mobile wood processing factors are very efficient and powerful, and they are very dangerous to work around. Workers must be alert and careful. Unsafe operation or maintenance can cause severe injury or death.

1. OPERATOR SAFETY

a. Wear personal protective equipment.
b. Clothing should be snug.
c. Wear dust mask when dust levels cause breathing irritation.
d. Wear heavy gloves when handling chipper knives.
e. Maintain hand tools in proper condition.
f. Maintain air tools and compressors, cutting torches and welders, including regulators and gauges, to manufacturers' specifications. If damaged, remove from service until repaired.
g. Regulate compressed air and air tools to manufacturers' specifications.
h. Do not direct compressed air towards anyone. Do not use to clean clothes.
i. Install a first aid kit and a properly maintained fire extinguisher in the operator's cab.
j. Do not operate or perform maintenance on chippers without reading and understanding the operator's manual.
k. Never start chipper engine(s) without first completely checking the area for hazards.
l. Always check the infeed conveyor for foreign material such as tools, chainsaws, chipper knives, etc.
m. Inspect all chains, belts, pulleys, drives, etc. for operating condition. Check hydraulic hoses and cylinders for leaks and replace if damaged.
n. Check steel structure for cracks and excessive wear.
o. Check that all machine guards are in place and secure before beginning operation. This includes chipper hoods and chute deflectors.
p. Maintain adequate mufflers when the chipper is in operation. Direct exhaust gases away from the operator and other workers.
q. Provide machine operators with adequate protection from falling wood or flying chips.
r. Maintain elevated operator compartments with guard rails, handholds, and operator protective devices which conform to OSHA standards.
s. Maintain steps with skid resistant material.
t. In the operator area maintain hydraulic hoses, lines, and metal guards to protect the operator from hot hydraulic oil in the event of a rupture.
u. Keep mud, oil, grease, and other slip hazards off steps and walkways.
v. Remove and store all tools prior to operating a chipper.

2. CHIPPER OPERATION

a. Only a trained, qualified worker is authorized to operate a chipper.
b. Do not operate a chipper until all necessary maintenance has been performed.
c. Operators shall follow the manufacturer's recommendation for safe equipment operation and maintenance.
d. Before starting engine(s), check to see that the center feed wheel yoke locks, chipper disc lock, and the clutch are disengaged.
e. Place personnel working in the chipper's work area so that they are not endangered.
f. Stop the chipper if a tree or log gets caught in the feed wheels and must be trimmed. No one shall be allowed near the infeed conveyor while the chipper is operating or turning.
g. Never stand in the alignment of the chipper disc during operation.
h. Never stand or walk near or in front of the chip discharge or separator discharge spouts while the chipper is in operation.
i. Engage the chipper clutch lock when moving chip vans.
j. When weather conditions become unsafe, stop work and move workers to a safe location.
k. When shutting down a chipper ground the loader boom or secure it in its transport rack.

3. CHIPPER MAINTENANCE

a. Lower all hydraulic equipment to the ground.
b. Ensure machine is at Zero Energy State. Lockout and tagout as appropriate.
c. Never allow anyone to work on the machine alone.
d. Never make any adjustments or perform any type of maintenance to a chipper while it is in operation.
e. Lower the center feed wheel to the bottom position. Disengage the clutch, and lockout.
f. Release hydraulic pressure before working on hydraulic components.
g. Do not work under center-feed roll unless it is blocked on both sides and secured by a chain to a solid structure member or secured by safety yoke locks.
h. Never open the chipper or flail hood until the chipper and flail have come to a complete stop.
i. Always turn chipper disc backwards when setting anvil clearance.
j. Shut-down chipper engine(s) when refueling or adding hydraulic fluid.
k. Torque all bolts, nuts, and clamps to the manufacturers' specifications.
l. Maintain all guards covering pinch points on moving machinery, equipment, conveyors, etc.
m. Do not remove guards until machinery is shut down and properly locked out.
n. After servicing a drive-line or belt, replace the guard securely.
o. Replace damaged or missing guards as soon as possible to minimize the chance of injury.
p. Welding and cutting are only to be done when sufficient fire suppression equipment is available.

4. Never allow visitors, spectators, or unauthorized persons to be on or near any operation unless supervised.

a. Warn visitors of hazards and dangers around chipper operations.
b. Have extra personal protective equipment available for use by visitors.

©2005 National Timber Harvesting and Transportation Safety Foundation