Woodchippers

Course Objectives

To enable course members to:

Produce a site specific Risk Assessment for wood chipping operations
State the principles of HSE legislation and safety guidelines for using a woodchipper
Select the appropriate PPE and state the maintenance requirements
Carry out operator checks and identify the safety features of a woodchipper
Carry out routine operator maintenance
Inspect and identify defects on the blades
Prepare machine prior to operation, start the machine, carry out safety checks and stop machine.
Prepare a work area and a range of materials for chipping and identify hazardous materials not to be chipped
Use approved techniques to chip woody brash and both short and long sections of timber safely and effectively
State the procedure for removing blockages
State the safety and environmental factors associated with the disposal of woodchips and the various end uses of woodchips
Prepare machine for transport and storage

The use of the manufacturer’s instruction book is stressed at all times to ensure maintenance and adjustments are carried out to manufacturers’ recommendations.

Who is the Course For?

Any person employed in arboriculture, forestry, horticulture, landscaping and grounds maintenance who is or will be required to operate Woodchippers. Inexperienced members may require longer than the stated guide times to fully utilise the information supplied.
This is an Integrated Training and Assessment (ITA) course, and successful candidates will receive a Certificate of Basic Training and ID card

Duration/Format

One day per machine type for novices
One day for experienced operators (Evidence of experience required)

Course Content

Introduction
Risk Assessment
Legislation
Personal Protective Equipment
Pre-use checks
Safety Features
Routine checks and maintenance
Cutter and anvil checks
Start machine and carry out safety checks
Preparation of site , machine and materials
Operation of woodchipper
Unblocking woodchipper
End uses of woodchip
Cleaning, transport and storage