Wood Chipper Safety Checklist – Free Download | Lumiform

Wood chipper safety checklist template

A wood chipper safety checklist teaches employees how to handle and operate wood chippers, whilst also giving you insights into their proceedings and your equipment maintenance. Wood chippers are dangerous machines if employed incorrectly as they can seriously injure their operators if not enough attention is being paid. By providing your employees with a safety checklist, you can comply with OSHA guidelines and ensure everyone is aware of wood chipper risks, dangers and best practices.

Purpose and benefits of a wood chipper safety checklist

A wood chipper safety checklist serves as a vital resource for promoting the safe and efficient operation of wood chippers while providing valuable insights into employee practices and equipment maintenance. This comprehensive checklist outlines crucial steps and precautions to follow when handling wood chippers. By using the checklist, employees are educated on proper wood chipper operation techniques, such as wearing appropriate protective gear, maintaining a safe distance, and using feeding techniques to prevent accidents and injuries. Moreover, the checklist enables employers to track and monitor employee adherence to safety protocols and identify any areas that may require additional training or attention. Regular use of the checklist also facilitates equipment maintenance by reminding operators to perform routine inspections, lubrication, and blade sharpening. By integrating a wood chipper safety checklist into daily operations, your organization will prioritize the well-being of its employees, reduce the risk of accidents, and ensure the longevity and optimal performance of their wood chippers.

Key elements of a wood chipper safety checklist

A wood chipper safety checklist checklist captures essential information and verifies that all safety protocols are followed before, during, and after using the machine. Here are the key components:

General information: This section captures basic details such as the company name, operation site, wood chipper serial number, and the names of the primary and secondary operators.
Personal protective equipment (PPE): You must verify that operators are wearing appropriate PPE, such as steel-cap boots and hearing protection. Proper PPE use is crucial to preventing injuries.
Pre-operation: Before starting the wood chipper, check that it has been inspected and placed on a level surface and all safety decals and guards are intact. This section helps you identify and mitigate potential hazards.
Feeding procedures: Detail the correct methods for feeding materials into the chipper, such as feeding from the side of the chute and using a push stick for small pieces. This minimizes the risk of jams and kickbacks.
Shutdown practices: Ensure the power supply is disconnected and the key is removed after use. Proper shutdown procedures are vital to prevent unauthorized use and ensure the machine is safe for maintenance.

Enhance safety and equipment maintenance with Lumiform’s template

Download Lumiform's wood chipper safety checklist for thorough and consistent safety checks every time. Easily track PPE compliance, pre-operation inspections, feeding procedures, and shutdown practices with our user-friendly template. Streamline your documentation process and keep your operations running smoothly.

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Preview of the template

General Information

Company

Wood Chipper Operation Site

Wood Chipper Serial Number

Wood Chipper Primary Operator

Wood Chipper Secondary Operator

Date

Personal Protective Equipment

If applicable, has long hair/beard been tied back securely?

Is clothing form fitting and not loose?

Are steel-cap boots being worn?

Is hearing protection being worn?

Are safety glasses being worn?

Is head protective gear being worn?

Is hand protection being worn?

Is breathing protection being worn?

Has any kind of jewellery (rings, watches etc.) been taken off?

Pre-Operation

Has chipper been inspected before shift?

Has the machine been placed on a level surface?

Is the machine placed on grounds other than concrete/pavement/gravel?

Is the chute turned away from other employees working?

Are all safety decals legible?

Are any guards missing or damaged?

Is the cutting chamber free of foreign objects?

Is the cutting chamber free of wood or debris?

Is the hood closed and latched?

Are hood hinges undamaged?

Are there no signs of fluid leaks?

Is your buddy present?

Start chipper at lowest possible speed. Does it sound like there are any loose or broken parts causing vibrating noises?

Are you aware of the location of safety shut-off?

Have all tripping hazards been removed?

Feeding Procedures

Are you aware of the following safety procedures during the feeding?

Only feed in materials if chipper is at full operating speed.

Feed materials in from side of the chute.

Hands and feet are to be kept of feeding chute.

Always use a push stick to help feed small pieces into machine.

Let go of material as soon as it is being pulled into the machine.

Feed the branches butt end first to keep the chipper from being jammed and to reduce the kickback of material.

Lay shorter pieces of material on top of longer pieces and feed through the machine.

Collect small materials such as leaves and twigs and put them with the chipped material instead of feeding them through the chipper.

Never leave the chipper unattended.

Never inspect or work on equipment while it is running.

Never operate the chipper/shredder without all guards in place.

Eliminate tripping hazards by clearing all brush and debris from the front and sides of the machine.

Shutdown Practices

Has power supply been disconnected?

Has key been removed?

Sign-Off

Comments

Signature Main Operator

Signature Secondary Operator

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This template, developed by Lumiform employees, serves as a starting point for businesses using the Lumiform platform and is intended as a hypothetical example only. It does not replace professional advice. Companies should consult qualified professionals to assess the suitability and legality of using this template in their specific workplace or jurisdiction. Lumiform is not liable for any errors or omissions in this template or for any actions taken based on its content.