EKT 2010

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

Instructor/Trainee Ratio
Max: 1:4 for novices
Max: 1:6 for experienced operators
Machine: trainee ratio = 1:4 (1:6 for refresher training)

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

Trainees will be asked to bring:-
Notebook and pencil
Safety Helmet
Ear defenders
Visor or Safety goggles
Gloves with close fitting cuffs
Safety boots
Hi-viz clothing
Passport photos for skills ID card

Venue
Woodchipper complying with safety regulations as per AFAG Safety Guide 604
Operator’s instruction books and service manuals for all machinery
Fuel in appropriate container for own machine
Tool kit for own machine

Dry, clean workshop with light and heating (if necessary).
Suitable site for practical operation including material to be chipped