Chipper Safety Tips

Chippers and Chipper Shredders are powerful machines. Safe operation is largely a matter of respecting that power and taking common sense precautions before you begin working.

Prepare the Site

  • Choose a flat, stable surface for positioning the chipper.
  • Don't accept a precarious spot just because it is very close to the wood you want to chip.
  • If your chipper has wheels make sure they are chalked or otherwise stabilized (e.g., attached to a tow vehicle) to ensure that it doesn't roll or shift during operation.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

  • Wear gloves! Just handling branches can be rough on bare hands, and when a chipper knife starts pulling them into the machine they will sometimes thrash around. Use leather-or smooth synthetic gloves-not cloth, which can easily snag on woody materials. Choose gloves that are snug fitting and have no loose cuffs or drawstrings. Back-of-the-hand padding is a good feature for this work.
  • Wear goggles or safety glasses! Chipping creates airborne particles and eye protection is essential.
  • Ear Protection! Use over-the-head protectors or ear plugs rated for at least 20 dba to protect your hearing.
... Always wear proper protective gear to keep yourself safe.

Clothing:

  • Wear shoes with non-slip treads. If you have safety shoes, we recommend wearing them. Do not use the machine while barefoot or wearing open sandals.
  • Long pants are recommended.
  • Wear either short sleeves or long sleeves that close at the wrist and have no loose cuffs that might catch on wood.
  • Avoid any loose clothing or jewelry, which can catch on moving parts or the material fed into the chipper hopper.
  • Avoid clothing with hoods or drawstrings.

Operation:

  • Keep other people, children, or pets well clear of the work site. If you are working with a helper, make sure they use similar PPE and clothing.
  • Never put hands or other body parts inside the hopper.
  • Don't insert anything into the chipper's hopper that could damage the machine and/or cause injury.
  • Never allow people who are unfamiliar with these instructions to use the chipper.
  • Before you attempt to clear a clog or replace a chipper knife, disconnect the spark plug.
  • Read the operator's manual!