TOMCAT’s TOP 10 most important wood chipper safety tips

1. Everyone within 30 meters of the chipper, especially all chipper feeders and operators, MUST wear full PPE at all times (safety glasses, ear muffs, gloves etc.)
2. Never operate, feed or perform maintenance on a wood chipper unless you are properly trained by a TOMCAT Chipper Technician or Representative.
3. Never reach into the infeed hopper of the chipper with your hands or feet. Use a stick or a push paddle to push short pieces or twigs into the chipper. Keep your hands clear from all moving parts.
4. Avoid loose clothing and ensure that the area around the chipper is free from objects that can obstruct your movement and that the space behind the infeed hopper is clear of debris at all times.
5. Never get rushed while operating a wood chipper or when performing maintenance. This will only result in injury.
6. Before operating a wood chipper ensure that all switches and safety devices are working properly.
7. Never leave your machine unattended while running. Stay in range of all feed control and shut down devices. Operators must always be in the reach of safety switches or the forward/reverse bar.
8. Never operate the chipper under the influence of alcohol or any other drugs which may cause drowsiness. Don’t allow any children under the age of 16 or anyone with a physical/mental disability near the wood chipper even when the chipper is switched off.
9. Never open the drum area while the drum is still spinning. Make sure the drum comes to a complete stop first and that the engine is switched completely before performing any action on the drum.
10. Never open the discharge chute of the wood chipper while operating. Make sure the drum housing is always closed and locked. Never stand in front of the discharge chute as the chips are blown at a high speed and can seriously injure someone.