opening a machining shop

Posted on: 29 April 2016

Wood chippers are used for tasks like chipping tree waste, creating mulch and dealing with yard debris. Chippers are easy to use; just feed the debris in one end and it comes out the other end broken down into tiny bits. This process can also do the same to your limbs if a hand or arm gets caught in one of these machines. This is why it is important to follow some safety rules when working with this type of equipment. Some of the precautions that you should take are:

1. Wear Well Fitting Clothing That Does Not Get Caught On Objects 

Wearing loose clothing can be the cause of injuries working with many different types of equipment. This is especially the case with wood chippers, which getting your shirt caught in one can cause you to be eaten by the machine; literally. This is why it is important that you wear clothing that is not too tight to allow you to move and not loose. In addition, do not where anything with strings and other objects that can get caught on debris or parts of the machine.

2. Inspect The Machine For Safety Problems Before You Start Using It

Loose parts of a machine can be another cause of injury when working with wood chippers. Before you start working with the equipment, check all the safety mechanisms and look for loose parts that can fly off and cause injury. Do not use machines that have broken parts, missing guards or faulty safety mechanisms. If you rent a machine, take it back to the service you got it from. If you own a wood chipper, you can take it back to the dealer for repair or trade it for a new one.

3. Stay Safe Wearing Helmet, Eye Protection And A Good Pair Of Leather Gloves

Stay safe when working with equipment like wood chippers by wearing the appropriate protection. This includes the normal safety glasses and gloves, which leather gloves are the best for handling tree and garden waste. In addition, it is a good idea to wear a helmet with ear protection to prevent head injuries if debris comes flying out of the machine.

4. Pay Attention When Feeding The Machine And Let The Chipper Do The Work

One of the ways that people get injured the most with wood chippers is that they literally get eaten by the machines. This can happen in a couple of ways; one way is that you hold on to branches too long and they pull you into the machine. When you see that the machine has started to eat a branch, let it go and let the machine do the work. If the branch gets caught, use another branch to push it in. Never put your hand in the mouth of a wood chipper while it is running. In addition, loose clothing can get caught on branches and cause people to be pulled into the machine. Stay clear of anything that can catch you and pull you into the machine. It is best to stand to one side of the machine while feeding it to avoid flying debris or being pulled into the machine.

These are some of the precautions that you will want to make before you start working with a wood chipper.  If you need a wood chipper to deal with a tree problem, you can contact a construction tools service to get the machine you need for your project.